Atos 20

A.T. Robertson · Citado em PreceptAustin

Atos 20

Robertson notes "Both verbs (left = exerchomai in aorist and to go = poreuomai in present tense), single act and then a process. Luke here condenses what was probably a whole year of Paul’s life and work as we gather from 2 Corinthians, one of Paul’s “weighty and powerful” letters as his enemies called them (2 Cor. 10:10). “This epistle more than any other is a revelation of Paul’s own heart: it is his spiritual autobiography and apologia pro vita sua.” To go to Macedonia: See Macedonia on Map above Recall that just before the uproar broke out in Ephesus Luke recorded "Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia." (Acts 19:21) Note from the map above in Ephesus Paul was southeast of Macedonia and directly east from Achaia. This means he was most likely planning on traveling to Troas (see map) to cross the sea to Macedonia. The churches of Philippi and Thessalonica had been founded in Macedonia and this would have given him an opportunity to exhort them also in the faith. Paul was clearly concerned about the church in Corinth as shown in these passages... 1 Corinthians 16:5-9 But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia; and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go. For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits. But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia. Paul had sent Titus to Corinth to find out their reaction to his “painful letter of tears,” but when Titus did not meet him in Troas, he left for Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:3-4, 12-13), where he met Titus (probably at Philippi), wrote 2 Corinthians, and then finally went to Corinth, where he wrote his Epistle to the Romans, and form there set out for Jerusalem with the collection for the saints. As an aside, note that Paul practices what he preaches -- he redeemed the time writing the magnum opus of Romans! (see Eph 5:16+) Related Resource Redeem the Time Marshall - “We have valuable commentaries on this journey from Paul’s own pen in 2 Corinthians, which looks forward to the visit which he paid to Corinth, and in Romans, which was written during Paul’s stay at Corinth and throws light on his immediate plans for travel. From these letters we learn of the importance which Paul attached to the collection of money which he was taking from the Gentile churches under his superintendence to help the church in Jerusalem with caring for its poorer members.” (TNTC) Longnecker - One activity that especially concerned Paul at this time was collecting money for the relief of impoverished believers at Jerusalem … Paul viewed it as a symbol of unity that would help his Gentile converts realize their debt to the mother church in Jerusalem. (EBC) Ryrie - Acts 20:1-4 Luke's brevity here, a mere mention of the missionary team and a journey through Macedonia revisiting established communities, suggests that Acts could have been a much longer book. 2 Cor. 2:12-13; 7:5-7 give further information about this period of Paul's activities. (RSB) Acts 20:2 When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. NET Acts 20:2 After he had gone through those regions and spoken many words of encouragement to the believers there, he came to Greece, GNT Acts 20:2 διελθὼν δὲ τὰ μέρη ἐκεῖνα καὶ παρακαλέσας αὐτοὺς λόγῳ πολλῷ ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν Ἑλλάδα NLT Acts 20:2 While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, KJV Acts 20:2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, ESV Acts 20:2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. ASV Acts 20:2 And when he had gone through those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece. CSB Acts 20:2 And when he had passed through those areas and exhorted them at length, he came to Greece NIV Acts 20:2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, NKJ Acts 20:2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece NRS Acts 20:2 When he had gone through those regions and had given the believers much encouragement, he came to Greece, YLT Acts 20:2 and having gone through those parts, and having exhorted them with many words, he came to Greece; When he had gone through those districts: Ac 20:6 16:12 17:1,10 had given them much exhortation: Ac 20:7,11 2:40 14:22 15:41 Col 1:28 1Th 2:3,11 4:1, Ci A.M. 4064, A.D. 60 Acts 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MORE EXHORTATION TO THE DISCIPLES IN MACEDONIA I agree with John MacArthur's comments - Leaving Ephesus, Paul crossed the Aegean Sea to Macedonia, probably by way of Troas. The main purpose of his journey through Macedonia was to collect an offering for the poor believers at Jerusalem (see the next section) (See also comments on Acts 19:21). Still, he could not pass up the opportunity to instruct the Macedonian believers AND WHEN HE HAD GONE THROUGH THOSE DISTRICTS: We have no way of knowing why Luke did not tell of Paul’s stay in Troas (2 Cor. 2:12-13) nor of meeting Titus in Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:13 to 2 Cor 7:16) nor of Paul’s visit to Illyricum (Ro 15:19-20) to give time for 2 Corinthians to do its work (2 Cor. 13), one of the most stirring experiences in Paul’s whole career when he opened his heart to the Corinthians and won final victory in the church by the help of Titus who also helped him round up the great collection in Achaia. He wrote II Corinthians during this period after Titus arrived from Corinth. The unity of II Corinthians is here assumed. Paul probably met Luke again in Macedonia, but all this is passed by except by the general phrase: ‘had given them much exhortation’… During this period {the ‘three months’ of Acts 20:3} Paul may have written Galatians as Lightfoot argued and certainly did Romans. We do not have to say that Luke was ignorant of Paul’s work during this period, only that he did not choose to enlarge upon it.” (Comments from A T Robertson)

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Robertson - note that this plot is by the Jews, not the Judaizers whom Paul discusses so vehemently in 2 Cor. 10–13. They had given Paul much anguish of heart as is shown in I Cor. and in 2 Cor. 1–7, but that trouble seems now past. It is Paul’s old enemies in Corinth who had cherished all these years their defeat at the hands of Gallio (Acts 18:5–17) who now took advantage of Paul’s plans for departure to compass his death if possible. As Jews (2453)(Ioudaios ultimately derived from Hebrew Yehudi = a member of the tribe of Judah) is an adjective refers to one who belongs to the Jewish race with focus on adherence to Mosaic tradition (Acts 10:28, 22:3, 21:39). A Jew in respect to race or religion (as opposed to Gentiles). In the plural, it means the Jews, the people of ancient Palestine. In John's Gospel Ioudaios was used of those hostile to Jesus, especially the Jewish leaders (Jn 2:18, 5:16ff, 6:41, 7:1, 10:31ff, 19:7). Jesus is referred to as King of the Jews (Mt 2:2, Mt 27:11, Mk 15:2, Lk 23:3, Jn 18:33). Jews hated the Samaritans (Jn 4:9) and the missionary activity of Paul (Acts 9:23, 13:45, 14:19, 20:3, 21:27, 23:12, 25:7). Set sail (Present Middle Infinitive of anago) Literally means movement from lower to a higher point . In the Middle/Passive Voice it was a nautical term meaning to put (out) to sea, set sail, as in Acts 13:13 (Paul and his companions put out to sea) Set Sail recalls one of Ray Boltz's songs - Set Sail. Here is his related song, one of his greatest hits -The Anchor Holds. Set sail (321)(anago from ana = up, again, away + ago = to bring, lead) literally speaks of movement from a lower to a higher point (Lk 4:5 = Satan "led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.", Mt 17:1 = "led them up on a high mountain", Lk 2:22 = "they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord," , Mt 4:1 "Jesus was led up by the Spirit"). In biblical interpretation, the term "anagogical" refers to a method used by the Alexandrian School to uncover secret, spiritual meanings in scriptural texts2. This approach can lead to mysterious or elevated interpretations, such as viewing the Sabbath rest as symbolizing the repose of saints in heaven (1) Anago means to bring, lead, carry, or take up (Lk 2:22; 4:5; 22:26; Acts 7:41; 9:39; 12:4; 16:34; Ro 10:7; Heb. 13:20; Lxx = Ge 50:24; Ex. 8:5; Lev 14:20; 1 Ki 3:15; Job 1:5; Ps. 30:4; 71:20; Isa 57:6). (2) Figuratively anago meant to bring or offer up as a sacrifice (Acts 7:41). (3) Anago was a nautical technical term - In the passive voice it was a nautical term meaning to put (out) to sea, set sail. (Luke 8:22; Acts 13:13; 16:11; 18:21; 20:3, 13; 21:1, 2; 27:2, 4, 12, 21; 28:10, 11). (4) Anago means to bring back (Ro 10:7 and Heb 13:20 - in conjunction with ek nekrōn, “from the dead,” to refer to resurrection, or being brought up from the dead. Anago - 23x in 23v - Usage: bring(2), brought(5), launched(1), led up(2), put out to sea(4), putting out to sea(1), set sail(7), setting sail(1). Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Luke 2:22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord Luke 4:5 And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. Comment - Note the dramatic contrast of being led by the Holy Spirit in Mt 4:1 and the unholy spirit in Lk 4:5! The devil may have led Jesus up to tempt Him, but recall that Jesus is filled with the Spirit (Lk 4:1. Beloved, the demonic forces may (probably will) tempt us (working in concert with our fallen flesh - James 1:14-15+) also but Jesus gave us the perfect example to follow in order to defeat the schemes of the devil! And what is Jesus' example - BE CONTINUALLY FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT (Eph 5:18+)!!! This begs the question - Are you venturing out each morning into this dark, fallen, tempting world filled with the Spirit or filled with self? The latter is a recipe for spiritual defeat and disaster! See related study - The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! UBS Handbook - Since anagō usually means ‘to bring to a high place’ and not ‘to lift up in the air’ it appears preferable to understand it here in that sense too. Luke 8:22 Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out. Vincent's Note on anago - The verb literally means to lead up; hence to lead up to the high sea, or take to sea; put to sea. It is the word used of Jesus’ being led up into the wilderness and the mount of temptation (Matt. 4:1; Luke 2:22); also of bringing up a sacrifice to an idol-altar (Acts 7:41). Often in Acts in the accounts of Paul’s voyages. Acts 7:41 "At that time they made a calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. Acts 9:39 So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. Acts 12:4 When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people. Comment - Peter was in the inner prison or lower ward and so would be led up, in the sense of being brought up for trial. Acts 13:13 Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem. Acts 16:11 So putting out to sea from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the day following to Neapolis; 34 And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household. Acts 18:21 but taking leave of them and saying, "I will return to you again if God wills," he set sail from Ephesus. Acts 20:3 And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 13 But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending from there to take Paul on board; for so he had arranged it, intending himself to go by land. Acts 21:1 When we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara; 2 and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. Acts 27:2 And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. 4 From there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary. 12 Because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. 21 When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, "Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss. Acts 28:10 They also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed. 11 At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. Romans 10:7 or 'WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)." Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, Anagō is used 100x in the Septuagint (Lxx), particularly with reference to God bringing up the Israelites from Egypt,(Ex 33:12, 15, Lev 11:45, Nu 14:13, 2 Sa 7:6, 1 Ki 9:9, Mic. 6:4) and of David bringing the ark up to Jerusalem after it is returned from the Philistines (2 Sa 6:2, 12,6:15). Anago - 100x in 95v in the Septuagint (Lxx) - Ge 42:37; 50:24 ("bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob"); Ex 8:5-7 ("frogs come up"), Ex 10:14 ("locusts came up"); Ex 33:12, 15; Lev. 11:3-5, 45 (" ‘For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.’"); Nu 14:13; 16:13; 20:4f; Deut. 14:6f; Jos. 7:3, 24; 24:17, 32; Jdg. 6:8, 13; 1 Sam. 2:6; 6:21; 7:1; 8:8; 10:18; 12:6; 28:8, 11; 2 Sam. 6:2, 12, 2 Sam. 6:15; 7:6; 1 Ki. 3:15; 9:9, 15; 12:28; 18:44; 2 Ki. 2:1; 10:24; 17:7, 36; 23:8; 1 Chr. 13:6; 15:25, 28; 17:5; 2 Chr. 6:5; 8:8, 11; Ps. 30:3; 40:2; 71:20f; 78:52; 81:10; 102:24; 135:7; Isa. 8:7; Jer. 2:6; 7:22; 10:13; 11:4; 16:14f; 23:7; 30:17; 31:9; 33:6; 38:10, 13; 51:16; Ezek. 23:46; 26:3, 19; 29:4; 32:3; 37:6, 12f; 38:16; 39:2; Hos. 12:9, 13; 13:4; Amos 2:10; 3:1; 4:10; 9:7; Mic. 6:4 Decided to return through Macedonia: (See Map) Decided is actually 2 words - ginomai = came into being (aorist middle indicative) + gnome= purpose, opinion, decision Gnome (1106) basically refers to the mind as the instrument of knowing; (1) purpose, intention, mind 1 Cor 1:10; Rev 17:13; decision, resolve Acts 20:3; Rev 17:17. (2) opinion, judgment 1 Cor 7:25, 40; 2 Cor 8:10; Acts 4:18 (3) previous knowledge, consent Philemon 1:14. [English = gnome] [p Friberg - (1) as the direction of one's thinking intention, disposition, will (1Cor 1.10); (2) as the result of one's consideration resolve, decision, purpose (Acts 20.3); (3) as advice, distinct from command counsel, opinion, judgment (1Cor 7.25); (4) as the result of sharing another's consideration consent, previous knowledge, agreement (Philemon 1:14) Gilbrant - Versatility characterizes gnōmē in the classical writings. Its definition ranges in meaning from a “means of knowing” (intelligence) to a “purpose, decision, resolution.” Within this spectrum it could denote a “judgment” or “disposition,” or an “opinion” or “consent” (Liddell-Scott; cf. Moulton-Milligan). The concept of “will” or “purpose,” also a dominant understanding, must not, however, be judged by the Greek concept that “knowing” (the basis for decision, judgment, etc.) rests essentially upon observation (Bultmann, “ginōskō,” Kittel, 1:691; cf. pp.717f.). Gnome - 9x in the NAS and translated consent(1), decided*(1), judgment(1), opinion(3), purpose(3). Acts 20:3; 1 Co. 1:10; 1 Co. 7:25; 1 Co. 7:40; 2 Co. 8:10; Phlm. 1:14; Rev. 17:13; Rev. 17:17 Robertson - The Jews had heard of Paul’s plan to sail for Syria and intended in the hurly-burly either to kill him at the docks in Cenchreae or to push him overboard from the crowded pilgrim ship bound for the Passover. Fortunately Paul learned of their plot and so eluded them by going through Macedonia. The Codex Bezae adds here that “the Spirit bade him return into Macedonia.” Return (5290)(hupostrepho from hupo = under + strepho = to turn, to change) means to turn back from or to return (go back to a location). Acts 20:4 And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. NET Acts 20:4 Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, and Timothy, as well as Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. GNT Acts 20:4 συνείπετο δὲ αὐτῷ Σώπατρος Πύρρου Βεροιαῖος, Θεσσαλονικέων δὲ Ἀρίσταρχος καὶ Σεκοῦνδος, καὶ Γάϊος Δερβαῖος καὶ Τιμόθεος, Ἀσιανοὶ δὲ Τύχικος καὶ Τρόφιμος. NLT Acts 20:4 Several men were traveling with him. They were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. KJV Acts 20:4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. ESV Acts 20:4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. ASV Acts 20:4 And there accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater of Beroea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. CSB Acts 20:4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. NIV Acts 20:4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. NKJ Acts 20:4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia-- also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. NRS Acts 20:4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Beroea, by Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, by Gaius from Derbe, and by Timothy, as well as by Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. YLT Acts 20:4 And there were accompanying him unto Asia, Sopater of Berea, and of Thessalonians Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus, and of Asiatics Tychicus and Trophimus; Sopater: Ro 16:21, Sosipater Berea: Ac 17:10-12 Aristarchus: Acts 19:29 27:2 Col 4:10+ Philemon 1:24 Gaius: Ro 16:23 3Jn 1:1 Derbe: Ac 14:6,20 2Co 8:23,24 Timotheus: Acts 16:1 2Co 1:1,19 Php 2:19 1Ti 1:1 2Ti 1:2 Tychicus: Eph 6:21 Col 4:7 2Ti 4:12 Tit 3:12 Trophimus: Ac 21:29 2Ti 4:20 Acts 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A FEW FAITHFUL MEN AND HE WAS ACCOMPANIED: What risk did they take? Acts 20;3 mentions a plot so there was certainly some concern that their lives were in physical danger. Note that these companions were all from cities he had visited during his missionary journeys. Arnold has an interesting comment - Paul probably insisted that these men go with him to Jerusalem in order that there would be no mishandling of the funds taken up in the Gentile churches for the needy saints in Jerusalem. Everything for Paul was to be done openly and honestly with the upmost of integrity. The Greek text may help us here to see another reason these seven men were traveling with Paul. The word “accompanied” literally means “to stick with.” These were seven alert young men, who hung around Paul and who Paul picked to travel with him so they could learn from him. Paul was discipling these men. Paul had a traveling seminary. He was giving them on-the-job training in the things of Christ. He was teaching them doctrine and showing them how to apply it by following his example. We could call them interns, for they were in training for the ministry. (Acts 20:1-12 New Testament Practices) Steven

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Robertson - Here again we have "us" ("we") for the first time since Ac 16 (Acts 16:15, 16, 17) where Paul was with Luke in Philippi. Had Luke remained all this time in Philippi? We do not know, but he is with Paul now till Rome is reached. The seven brethren of Acts 20:4 went on ahead from Philippi to Troas while Paul remained with Luke in Philippi. Acts 20:6 We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days. NET Acts 20:6 We sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and within five days we came to the others in Troas, where we stayed for seven days. GNT Acts 20:6 ἡμεῖς δὲ ἐξεπλεύσαμεν μετὰ τὰς ἡμέρας τῶν ἀζύμων ἀπὸ Φιλίππων καὶ ἤλθομεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν Τρῳάδα ἄχρι ἡμερῶν πέντε, ὅπου διετρίψαμεν ἡμέρας ἑπτά. NLT Acts 20:6 After the Passover ended, we boarded a ship at Philippi in Macedonia and five days later joined them in Troas, where we stayed a week. KJV Acts 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. ESV Acts 20:6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days. ASV Acts 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days, where we tarried seven days. CSB Acts 20:6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread. In five days we reached them at Troas, where we spent seven days. NIV Acts 20:6 But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days. NKJ Acts 20:6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. NRS Acts 20:6 but we sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we joined them in Troas, where we stayed for seven days. YLT Acts 20:6 and we sailed, after the days of the unleavened food, from Philippi, and came unto them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days. Philippi: Ac 16:12 Php 1:1 1Th 2:2 the days : Ac 12:3 Ex 12:14,15,18-20 13:6,7 23:15 34:18 1Co 5:7,8 came 2Ti 4:13 seven: Ac 21:4,8 28:14 Acts 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries We sailed from Philippi - The plural pronoun indicates Luke had joined the group. Remember to follow along on the Map above. After the days of unleavened bread (Passover) Ex 12:17,18,20 See Feast of Unleavened Bread

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Robertson - Paul was a Jew, though a Christian, and observed the Jewish feasts, though he protested against Gentiles being forced to do it Ga 4:10; Col 2:16 Was Luke a proselyte because he notes the Jewish feasts as here and in Ac 27:9 He may have noted them merely because Paul observed them. But this passover was a year after that in Ephesus when Paul expected to remain there till Pentecost 1 Co 16:8 He was hoping now to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost Ac 20:16 as he did. We do not know the precise year, possibly A.D. 56 or 57. Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. NET Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul began to speak to the people, and because he intended to leave the next day, he extended his message until midnight. GNT Acts 20:7 Ἐν δὲ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων συνηγμένων ἡμῶν κλάσαι ἄρτον, ὁ Παῦλος διελέγετο αὐτοῖς μέλλων ἐξιέναι τῇ ἐπαύριον, παρέτεινέν τε τὸν λόγον μέχρι μεσονυκτίου. NLT Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord's Supper. Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight. KJV Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ESV Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. ASV Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight. CSB Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, we assembled to break bread. Paul spoke to them, and since he was about to depart the next day, he extended his message until midnight. NIV Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. NKJ Acts 20:7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. NRS Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them; since he intended to leave the next day, he continued speaking until midnight. YLT Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, the disciples having been gathered together to break bread, Paul was discoursing to them, about to depart on the morrow, he was also continuing the discourse till midnight, the first day: Joh 20:1,19,26 1Co 16:2 Rev 1:10 when we were gathered together: 1Co 11:17-21,33,34 to break bread: Ac 20:11 2:42,46 Lu 22:19 24:35 1Co 10:16 11:20-34 he prolonged his message until midnight: Ac 20:9,11,31 28:23 Ne 8:3 9:3 1Co 15:10 2Ti 4:2 Acts 20 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK PARTAKING OF PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL FOOD And on the first day of the week - Sunday, the day the church gathered for worship, because it was the day of Christ’s resurrection. Cf. Mt 28:1; Mk 16:2, 9; Lu 24:1; Jn 20:1, 19; 1Co 16:2. The writings of the early church Fathers confirm that the church continued to meet on Sunday after the close of the NT period. Scripture does not require Christians to observe the Saturday Sabbath: 1) the Sabbath was the sign of the Mosaic Covenant (Ex 31:16, 17; Neh 9:14; Eze 20:12), whereas Christians are under the New Covenant (2 Co 3; Heb 8); 2) there is no NT command to keep the Sabbath; 3) the first command to keep the Sabbath was not until the time of Moses (Ex 20:8); 4) the Jerusalem Council (chap15) did not order Gentile believers to keep the Sabbath; 5) Paul never cautioned Christians about breaking the Sabbath; and 6) the NT explicitly teaches that Sabbath keeping was not a requirement (Ro 14:5; Ga 4:10, 11; Col 2:16, 17). See John MacArthur's sermon where he discusses the Sabbath.

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Robertson notes that "Luke is fond of this use of the figure litotes (use of the negative) instead of the strong positive Acts 1:5." Comforted (3870)(parakaleo from para = side of, alongside, beside + kaleo [ word study] = call) conveys the basic idea of calling one alongside to help or give aid. In the present case in a sense the meaning of parakaleo proved to be literally true as "Paul went down and fell upon him." Henry

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Robertson notes the literal sense is "hold your mind on yourselves." Figuratively prosecho conveys the idea of holding one's mind before means to take heed, to pay attention, to give heed, be in a state of alert, to watch out for or to be on guard. When used in this manner prosecho warns of anger, usually spiritual but occasionally physical! Prosecho is not a call simply to notice something, but to be on guard against it because it is so harmful The idea is to turn one’s mind or attention to a thing by being on one’s guard against it. In this passage prosecho is in the present imperative which is a command to the elders at Ephesus (and by application to elders of every church - You do have elders don't you? If not who is overseeing the sheep? Who will recognize the savage wolves?), the watchers of the God's flock, to continually be on the look out for savage wolves Satan's "servants of righteousness" (2Cor 11:14, 15+), who craftily seek to bring in error besides truth (2Pe 2:1+, Jude 1:4+) and thereby promote soul deceiving and deadening "doctrines" (cp 1Ti 4:1+, Eph 4:14+) Be on guard for yourselves - Read this very slowly and carefully lest you miss what Paul is saying. What is he saying? Yourselves first, then the flock. First, check the shepherd, then the sheep! Is he not saying in essence what Solomon charged in his proverb... Watch over your heart with all diligence, for (Term of explanation - What is he explaining?) from it flow the springs of life. (Pr 4:23+) Paul is saying to the leaders that the first order of business is to guard their own heart and mind (cp (Mark 13:9+; Luke 21:34+), so that they might be better prepared to then guard the flock entrusted to their watchcare. There are temptations which are unique or peculiar to the position of leadership which necessitate constant personal vigilance! This begs the question dear pastor or elder, how is your personal relationship with God? Are you walking in the light? Are there secret sins about which no one knows? How's your prayer life? Are you in the Word daily (and not just for preparation of sermons or lessons, but for personal feeding, Mt 4:4+)? Jack Arnold - The very first exhortation Paul gives these elders is to take heed to, attend to, or guard, their own souls. No elder can be of any good to the church who is not first himself warm and fervent in his spirit for Jesus Christ and the written Word of God. The very first duty of an elder is to live what he preaches, and he should always be an example to the flock. Elders must first be applying the truth they are learning to life. Their authority comes from God, but men respect their authority when they see elders are living the truth. It is only as they are obedient to the truth which they teach that they have any right to say anything to anyone else. An elder without a heart for Christ is a man full of deceit and hypocrisy, for it is impossible for an elder to lead anyone any further in Christ than he himself has come. An elder should never ask anyone to do anything that he himself is not willing to do. Elder, guard against a cold, calculating, hypocritical heart! A survey taken several years ago gave the five primary reasons why a minister fails in the pastorate. They were: 1) pride; 2) sexual immorality; 3) an unhappy wife; 4) a materialistic spirit, and 5) overwork and discouragement. (Acts 20:28-38 Concerns of a Shepherd) Paul gave a similar warning to Archippus... And say to Archippus, "Take heed (blepo in the aorist imperative - a command issued with a sense of urgency; "Carry this out now and do it effectively!" see need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) to the ministry (diakonia) which you have received in the Lord (cf Acts 20:24 - "the ministry I received" - ministry is received, not achieved!), that you may fulfill (pleroo) it. (Col 4:17+) Comment: Note that just as with the Holy Spirit's selection of the overseers, the ministry Archippus had received was given to him by the Lord. Beloved, how we need to hear and heed this basic Biblical principle lest our "ministry" be in vain, veritable wood, hay and stumble! All ministry must be from Him, to Him and through Him! Ministry begins with God’s choosing, not man’s volunteering. He Alone is the Head of the Body. Ministry is not a career ladder but a divine assignment. He Alone is the originating and sustaining Vine (Jn 15:5+). Be sure your service in His Name is indeed His service, the ministry He has graciously given you!

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Robertson says "Certainly they knew that the church in Ephesus had not supported Paul while there." Know (1097)(ginosko) describes knowledge gained by experience or by an active relationship between the one who knows (the elders) and the person known (Paul). The elders could testify from experience that Paul provided for his needs (he was a tentmaker). These hands (Acts 18:3 1Co 4:12 1Th 2:9 2Th 3:8,9) - NET Bible adds "these hands of mine" where the phrase "of mine" not in Greek but added to make clear that Paul is referring to his own hands, a reference to his toil as a tent maker at Thessalonica and Corinth. The point is that Paul did not consider himself too "good" to perform mundane tasks involved in manual labor. Furneaux imagines that Paul must have held out his hands for the elders to see to emphasize his point, adding "As he held them up, they saw a tongue of truth in every seam that marked them." (Acts 20:28-38 Commentary). Ministered (5256)(hupereteo from huperetes = an attendant or assistant <> from hupo = under, beneath + eretes = a rower = an "under rower" ~ a subordinate who waits to carry out a superior's commands) means to serve as a rower (see huperetes below), to do service on board the ship and then came mean simply to serve, render service or assistance or be helpful to someone. In secular Greek usage the huperetes (Mt 5:25, 26:58; Mk 14:54, 65; Jn 7:32, 45, 46; 18:3, 12, 18, 22; 19:6; Acts 5:22, 26) referred to common sailors (distinguished from nautes = seaman) who were down in the ship's, doing one thing -- rowing and with their eyes on one man, the man standing at the front of the hull, shouting "Row, Row, Row!" The verb hupereteo occurs 3 times in the NT and below are the other two uses... Acts 13:36 "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay; Acts 20:23 Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.

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