Atos 20
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Atos 20
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO ACTS 20 This is a very brief and, therefore, somewhat confusing summary of Paul's ministry in Macedonia and Greece on his third missionary journey. The best way to sort out Paul's ministry in this area is to consult his letters, especially I and 2 Corinthians. Luke attempts to detail Paul's movements by using many time markers and place names, but its brevity causes confusion.
Atos 20:1-6
20:1 "After the uproar had ceased" This phrase is ambiguous. It does not mean to imply that Paul left Ephesus immediately because of the riot started by Demetrius because his evangelistic work was finished, as Demetrius' own statements made obvious (cf. Acts 19:26) ▣ "Paul sent for the disciples and when he had exhorted them" Paul was concerned with both evangelism and discipleship (cf. Acts 20:2; Matt. 28:18-20). The gospel, although received individually, becomes a family of believers to which service is due (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7). The goal of mature believers is the health and growth of the Body! SPECIAL TOPIC: DISCIPLES SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY IS CORPORATE ▣ "and taking leave of them" This Greek term implies an introductory and parting embrace (cf. Acts 21:6,7). It was similar to "the holy kiss" as a regularly expected form of greeting and departing (much like Shalom in Hebrew culture). 20:2 "he had gone through those districts" This possibly refers to Illyricum (cf. Rom. 15:19) to the Macedonian cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea ▣ "he came to Greece" Greece (Hellas) refers to the Roman Province of Achaia (cf. Acts 19:21). This relates mainly to the city of Corinth. Paul had an extended ministry in this area. During this time he wrote Romans. He was worried about the church in Corinth, as 1 Cor. 16:5-9 and 2 Cor. 2:12-13 clearly show. See chart of Paul's letter in Introduction to Romans, "Date" online. 20:3 This verse relates to Paul's travel plans. He often had to change them because of circumstances. In this instance Paul thought it unwise (i.e., a plot by Jews) to board a pilgrim ship heading toward Jerusalem, so he traveled by land. ▣ "a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail" He was planning to sail on a Pilgrim ship that stopped at all ports on the way taking Jewish pilgrims to the festivals in Jerusalem. Unbelieving Jews plotted many times to kill Paul (cf. Acts 9:23-24; 20:3,19; 23:12,30; 25:3; also note 1 Thess. 2:16). SPECIAL TOPIC: JEWS 20:4 "he was accompanied by. . ." Faithful, trusted members of the Gentile churches that gave money for the mother church in Jerusalem (cf. 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8-9). Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus ‒ he may be the Sosipater of Rom. 16:21 Aristarchus of Thessalonica, mentioned in Acts 19:29; 27:2; Col. 4:10 Secundus of Thessalonica, mentioned only here Gaius of Derbe, mentioned in Acts 19:29 (but says he is from Macedonia) Timothy of Asia, mentioned often as Paul's co-worker; first appearing in Acts 16:1 Tychicus of Asia, mentioned in Eph. 6:21-22; Col. 4:7-9; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12, another of Paul's faithful co-workers Trophimus of Asia, mentioned in Acts 21:29; 2 Tim. 4:20 The following is taken from my exegetical online commentary on 1 Corinthians (see www.freebiblecommentary.org ). "the collection" Logia is a term which has been found in the Greek papyri in Egypt as a gift of money for a religious purpose, but not related to a regular tax (cf. Moulton, Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, p. 377). It is uncertain whether in this context it refers to a regular gift or extra gift to the church. Paul began this concern for the poor in Judea from a conversation with James, Peter, John, and Barnabas in Gal. 2:10; 6:10. This specific offering was begun by the church at Antioch where Paul and Barnabas served, Acts 11:27-30. This offering is mentioned in several NT books (cf. Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 Cor. 16:1). It was an attempt to seal the relationship between the Hebrew mother church and the Gentile churches. Paul calls this one-time contribution by several names. almsgiving, Acts 24:17 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: ALMSGIVING) fellowship, Rom. 15:26,27; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:13 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: KOINŌNIA) an indebtedness, Rom. 15:27 service, Rom. 15:27; 2 Cor. 9:12" From 2 Cor. 8:6,16 it seems that Titus may have also been a church representative. It is so strange that Luke never mentions Titus in Acts. The theory has been that Titus was Luke's brother and that modesty caused him to omit his name. This may also explain the unnamed brother in 2 Corinthians 8:18, who many think was Luke (Origen recorded in Eusebius' His. Eccl. 6.25.6; A. T. Robertson's, Word Pictures in the New Testament, p. 245). F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free, comments on Titus and Luke being brothers. "One explanation of Luke's silence about one who was such a trusted lieutenant of Paul's is that Titus was Luke's brother; cf. W. M. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen (London, 1895), p. 390; Luke the Physician and Other Studies (London, 1908), pp. 17 f.; A. Souter, 'A Suggested Relationship between Titus and Luke', Expository Times 18 (1906-7), p. 285, and "The Relationship between Titus and Luke', ibid., pp. 335 f. But if this relationship is maintained, then the possibility that Luke is the 'brother' of 2 Corinthians 8:18 f. (see. p. 320) is ruled out: Paul's purpose in sending this 'brother' along with Titus was that he should be an independent guarantor of the probity of the administration of the relief fund, and this purpose would have been frustrated if critics had been given an opportunity to draw attention to a blood-relationship between the two. Nothing could have been better calculated to foster already existing suspicions" (p. 339 footnote #5). 20:5 "us" Luke begins again his eyewitness account, which was discontinued because he stayed in Philippi (cf. Acts 16). The "we" sections are identified as Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; and 27:1-28:1b. 20:6 "the days of Unleavened Bread" This seven-day feast in mid-April was combined with the one-day Passover feast (cf. Exodus 13). Paul's Jewish background influenced the way he viewed the calendar. We know nothing of Jews or a synagogue at Philippi, so Paul did not keep this feast for witnessing purposes (cf. 1 Cor. 9:19-23). Perhaps it is just mentioned because he was planning his travel to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost (cf. Acts 20:16). SPECIAL TOPIC: PASSOVER
Atos 20:7-12
20:7 "On the first day of the week when we were gathered together to break bread" This shows the early Church's procedure of meeting on Sundays (the first workday of the week) to have a communal fellowship meal (Acts 20:11) and the memorial supper ("breaking bread" is a NT idiom for the Lord's Supper). Jesus Himself set the precedent of Sunday worship by His three post-resurrection appearances in the upper room (cf. John 20:19,26; 21:1; Luke 24:36; 1 Cor. 16:2). The Helps for Translator series (The Acts of the Apostles by Newman and Nida, p. 384) says that Luke is referring to Jewish time and that this would have been Saturday evening (cf. TEV), but most translations are more literal, "the first day of the week." This is the only use of this phrase in Acts. Paul uses the phrase "first day of the week" only in 1 Cor. 16:2, where it implies Sunday. ▣ "prolonged his message" Paul wanted to teach and encourage these new churches as much as possible (cf. Acts 20:2,31). ▣ "until midnight" The Jews began the day at twilight or evening because of Genesis 1, while the Romans began the day at midnight. 20:8 "There were many lamps" This must have been a hot, stuffy, even smokey, atmosphere. It almost seems Luke is trying to explain why Eutychus fell asleep. 20:9 "a young man" The term here denotes a man in the prime of life. A different term is used in Acts 20:12 which denotes a child. Therefore, Eutychus was a young adult. ▣ "Eutychus. . .was sinking into a deep sleep, and as Paul kept on talking" This PRESENT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE shows the biblical evidence both for long sermons and sleeping listeners! ▣ "was picked up dead" Apparently he was dead! See verse 12. 20:10 "fell on him and embraced him" Paul acted much like Elijah and Elisha in the OT, who also raised the dead in this same manner (cf. 1 Kings 17:21; 2 Kings 4:34). He tells his audience not to be troubled, but in point of fact, I feel sure Paul was distressed by this event! ▣ "Do not be troubled" This is a PRESENT IMPERATIVE with a NEGATIVE ARTICLE which usually means to stop an act already in process. 20:12 NASB, TEV "and were greatly comforted" NKJV, NRSV "they were not a little comforted" "and were greatly encouraged" "greatly relieved" "rejoiced over him exceedingly" The NKJV and NRSV are literal and show Luke's propensity for negated understatements (cf. Acts 12:18; 15:2; 19:11,23,24; 20:12; 26:19,26; 27:20; 28:2).
Atos 20:13-16
20:13 "the ship" Paul's travel plans had to be changed because of a plot against his life, which had been planned to occur at sea (cf. Acts 20:3). Perhaps Paul wanted to know who was on this ship before he boarded. Paul went overland from Troas to Assos, where he would be picked up by the ship from Troas. All of the people mentioned in Acts 20:4 were already on this ship. 20:14 "came to Mitylene" This is the chief city of the island of Lesbos. It is the largest island off the coast of Asia Minor (western Turkey). 20:15-16 It is amazing how much Luke knew about sailing. He uses many technical sailing terms in his accounts ("we" sections) of Acts. Several of the "we" sections involve sea travel. Obviously he was a well educated man who traveled extensively. 20:15 "Chios" This is another island in the Aegean Sea. It is a long, narrow island very near the coast. ▣ "Samos" This is yet another island off the west coast of Asia Minor, close to Ephesus. ▣ "Miletus" This was once a large and important maritime city on the southern coast of Ephesus at the mouth of the Maeander River. Paul landed here and sent for the church leaders at Ephesus. It was about a thirty-mile trip. 20:16 "Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus" This seems to imply that Paul had some volitional control over the ship. If so, then either they had hired a ship all to themselves they picked a ship that did not stop at Ephesus ▣ "if" This is a FOURTH CLASS CONDITIONAL (ei with OPTATIVE MOOD), which expresses a prayer or wish. SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK GRAMMATICAL TERMS, VII ▣ "Pentecost" This was the Jewish feast fifty days after Passover. Paul missed Passover Feast because of verse 3. SPECIAL TOPIC: PENTECOST CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO ACTS 20:17-21:16 There is an element of self defense in this passage, as if some were continuing to attack Paul personally (cf. Acts 20:33). This is the only example in Acts of Paul preaching to believers. In Acts 13:16ff he is addressing Jews, while in Acts 14:15ff and 17:22ff he is addressing pagan Greeks. This message has many parallels to Paul's letters, as one would expect. Paul's unique vocabulary is readily reflected in this farewell admonition. This shows Luke's faithfulness in recording the testimonies of others.
Atos 20:17-18
20:17 "Miletus" This port was about 30 miles south of Ephesus. ▣ "elders" From this word (presbuteros) we get "Presbyter" or "Presbyterian." Because of Acts 20:17,28 and Titus 1:5,7 the terms "elders" (presbuteroi) and "bishops" (episcopoi) are synonymous with the term "pastor" (poimenos, cf. Eph. 4:11). The term "elder" had a Jewish background (Jewish tribal leaders) and "bishop" or "overseer" had a Greek city-state political/administrative background. There are only two groups of local church leaders mentioned in the NT—pastors and deacons (cf. Phil. 1:1). There may be three groups listed in 1 Timothy 3, which includes the widows' role or deaconesses (cf. Rom. 16:1). Notice that the term is PLURAL. This probably refers to house-church leaders (cf. Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 4,6,22-23; 16:4; 21:18; 1 Tim. 5:17, 19; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1). SPECIAL TOPIC: BISHOPS/OVERSEERS SPECIAL TOPIC: DEACONESS SPECIAL TOPIC: FEMALE CHURCH WORKERS ▣ "the church" This Greek term (ekklēsia) is the word used for a town assembly (cf. Acts 19:39). However, it was used to translate the OT phrase "the congregation (qahal) of Israel" in the Septuagint. The early church chose it to describe the new body of believers because it identified them with the OT people of God. The NT church saw themselves as the true fulfillment of the OT promise because Jesus of Nazareth was the true Messiah. SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH (ekklēsia)
Atos 20:18-24
20:18 "You yourselves know. . .how I was with you the whole time" Paul's walk and talk confirmed his relationship with Christ. The fact that Paul states this so strongly in Acts 20:18-19 shows the presence of critics. 20:19 "serving the Lord with all humility" This term begins a list of Christian virtues which produces unity (cf. Eph. 4:2-3). "Humility" is a uniquely Christian virtue which was not included in the Greek moralists' (Stoics) list of virtues. Both Moses (cf. Num. 12:3) and Jesus (cf. Matt. 11:29) are described by this term. Paul uses it several times (cf. Eph. 4:2; Phil. 2:3; Col. 2:18,23; 3:12). SPECIAL TOPIC: VICES AND VIRTUES IN THE NT ▣ "with tears and with trials" Paul lists the physical and emotional things that he faced as the Apostle to the Gentiles in 2 Cor. 4:7-12; 6:3-10; 11:24-28. Ministry costs! SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER? ▣ "through the plots of the Jews" There are several examples of these "plots" in Acts (cf. Acts 9:24; 13:45,50; 14:2,4,5,19; 17:5,13; 18:12; 20:3; 21:27; 23:12,27,30; 24:5-9,18-19). SPECIAL TOPIC: JEWS 20:20 "did not shrink" This is a sailing term (cf. Acts 20:27, an AORIST MIDDLE INDICATIVE) for striking the sails when a ship approaches the dock. ▣ "anything that was profitable" Paul taught them everything related to the gospel: how to receive it, how to live it, how to defend it, and how to promote it. ▣ "teaching you publicly and from house to house" This probably means that not only did Paul teach in open public group meetings (not secret meetings), but also within individual houses (or possibly separate house churches). The point is they knew quite well how Paul acted among them and also what Paul said. Paul must have been attacked by some local group. This was his way of deflecting the criticism. 20:21 "testifying to both Jews and Greeks" There is one message for both groups. Often the presentation is varied but the content of the gospel message is the same, as the sermons in Acts (kerygma) show. Paul made it a priority to present the gospel to the Jews first (cf. Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18,24). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KERYGMA OF THE EARLY CHURCH SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN ▣ "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" Repentance is a change of mind (Greek word), followed by a change of action (Hebrew word). It is one of at least two requirements for salvation. The other is faith in our Lord Jesus (cf. Mark 1:15; Acts 3:16,19; 20:21). One is negative (turning from self and sin). One is positive (turning to embrace Jesus and His atonement of our behalf). Both are required and both have the DEFINITE ARTICLE for emphasis. I have come to believe that there are several NT requirements: certainly initial repentance and faith continuing repentance and faith obedience service worship perseverance There are some variants in the ancient Greek texts about "our Lord Jesus Christ." The title "Christ" is omitted in manuscript B (Vaticanus), but it is present in P 74 , א, A, and C. Like the vast majority of these variants, they do not change the sense of the text. The UBS 4 Greek text believes the shorter reading is "almost certain" because there is no reason why any scribe would delete it, but there is evidence of them expanding parallel phrasing to the expected full phrasing. SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (NT) SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (OT) SPECIAL TOPIC: FAITH, BELIEVE, OR TRUST SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRIST JESUS AS LORD SPECIAL TOPIC: TEXTUAL CRITICISM 20:22 NASB, NKJV, Peshitta "bound in the spirit" "a captive of the Spirit" "in obedience to the Holy Spirit" "in captivity to the Spirit" "constrained by the Spirit" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE. It shows Paul's sense of divine leadership (cf. Acts 18:21; 19:21; 20:23; 1 Cor. 4:19; 7:40; 16:7). See the note at Acts 19:21. The Holy Spirit, as the source of Paul's inner convictions, is mentioned in the next verse. SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT (pneuma) IN THE NT 20:23 "the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying the bonds and afflictions await me" This was probably done through different prophets being used by the Holy Spirit to warn Paul (cf. Acts 9:16; 21:4, 10-12). Often God sends and uses what seems negative, in purposeful, positive ways (cf. Isa. 55:8-11). Paul was not detoured by personal hardship as long as he believed it served God's purposes. For a good brief discussion on this issue, see Hard Sayings of the Bible pp. 533-535. SPECIAL TOPIC: PROPHECY (NT) 20:24 "I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself" This type of thinking is the opposite of fallen human self-centered thinking. Christians have a different world view. They have died to self and sin and are alive to God (cf. Romans 6; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:16). Death to the tyranny of self brings the freedom of selfless service. ▣ "finish my course" This is an athletic term for running a race. Paul loved to use athletic imagery. He often speaks of his life as an athletic event (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Gal. 2:2; 5:7; Phil. 2:16; 3:14; 2 Tim. 2:5; 4:7). Paul believed God had a specific will, plan, purpose for his life. ▣ "the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus" Paul received his call on the Damascus road (cf. Acts 9). All believers are called and gifted ministers (cf. Eph. 4:11-12). This realization, this worldview will change the way we live (cf. 2 Cor. 5:18-20). We are men and women on mission! We are saved to serve. We are all stewards of the gospel and our spiritual gift! This paragraph clearly shows Paul's view of his life and of God's providential leadership and direction. There is a divine redemptive plan working out in time involving individuals and nations. See full note in "Introduction to Acts," "Purpose and Structure," #10. SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRIST JESUS AS LORD ▣ "the gospel of the grace of God" Fallen mankind's only hope is in the unchanging, gracious mercy of God. The Triune God has provided everything we need for abundant life (cf. John 10:10). Our hope is in who He is and what He has done. It is surprising how seldom Luke uses the NOUN "gospel" (not at all in Luke and only twice in Acts, 15:7; 20:24), but he uses the VERB many, many times in both of his books. SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) SPECIAL TOPIC: THE GOSPEL
Atos 20:25-35
20:25 "I know that all of you. . .will see my face no more" He was planning to go to Spain (cf. Rom. 15:24,28), but this possibly contextually refers to his upcoming, predicted imprisonment and possible death at Jerusalem. If the Pastoral Epistles describe Paul's fourth missionary journey then he did return to this very area again. Ephesus, 1 Tim. 1:3; 3:14; 4:13 Miletus, 2 Tim. 4:20 Possibly even Troas, 2 Tim. 4:13 Paul lived by faith in God's leadership. He did not know the specific future. ▣ "preaching the kingdom" See full note at Acts 2:34. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KERYGMA OF THE EARLY CHURCH SPECIAL TOPIC: KINGDOM OF GOD 20:26 "I am innocent of the blood of all men" This is a Jewish idiom, like Acts 18:6, or more specifically, Ezek. 3:16ff and 33:1ff. Paul had faithfully presented the gospel (cf. 2 Cor. 2:17). Now those who responded and those who rejected bear the burden of their own decision. One to service, the other to destruction (cf. 2 Cor. 2:15-16). 20:27 "I did not shrink" See note at Acts 20:20. ▣ "the whole purpose of God" We must always proclaim God's full message, not just our favorite part! This may be an allusion to the Judaizers who claimed that Paul left out part of the message (i.e., Mosaic Law–Judaism) to the charismatics of 2 Corinthians 12 who thought Paul was devoid of spiritual experiences God's purpose is that humans be restored to full fellowship with Himself, which was the purpose of creation (cf. Gen. 1:26,27; 3:8; 12:3). SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KERYGMA OF THE EARLY CHURCH 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. This admonition is also in 1 Cor. 16:13; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:6,10. The Christian life has both a divine and a human aspect. God always takes the initiative and sets the agenda, but believers must respond and continue to respond. In one sense we are responsible for our spiritual lives (cf. Phil. 2:12-13). What is true of individual believers, is true for church leaders (cf. 1 Corinthians 3). SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT ▣ "and for all the flock" This is imagery for the people of God (cf. Psalm 23; Luke 12:32; John 21:15-17). It is also the origin of the term "pastor." See note at Acts 20:17. Church leaders are responsible to God for themselves and their churches (cf. 1 Corinthians 3). ▣ "the Holy Spirit has made you" This shows the divine call of God in choosing church leaders. SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSONHOOD OF THE SPIRIT ▣ "overseers" See note at Acts 20:17. SPECIAL TOPIC: BISHOPS/OVERSEERS ▣ "the church of God" "God" is found in the ancient Greek manuscripts P 74 , A, C, D, and E, while "Lord" is found in MSS א and B. Paul uses the phrase "church of God" often, but never the phrase "church of the Lord." The context supports "the church of the Lord" because the next phrase, "with His own blood," which surely refers to Christ. If so, this is one of several texts that assert the Deity of Jesus (John 1:1,18; 8:58; 10:31-39; Acts 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9; 2 Thess. 1:12; Titus 2:13; 2 Pet. 1:1). However, this is just the kind of editorial scribal change that one would expect (see Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary, pp. 480-482). Therefore the UBS 4 Greek text retains "God," but gives it a "C" rating. "Lord" would be the most unusual and difficult reading, therefore, probably the original. This text serves as a good example of how scribes changed texts for theological reasons. Scribes altered texts to make them stronger doctrinally against the Christological heresies of their day. Acts 20:28 offers a variety of changes probably related to internal historical/theological tensions. Before we throw up our hands in despair, we must remember that the New Testament has a superior textual tradition, far better than any other ancient writing. Although we cannot be absolutely sure of the exact wording of the original autographs, we still have a trustworthy and accurate text! The original words are in the variants. These variants do not affect any major doctrines!! See Rethinking New Testament Textual Criticism ed. David Alan Black. SPECIAL TOPIC: TEXTUAL CRITICISM ▣ "He purchased with His own blood" This reflects the OT concept of sacrificial substitution (cf. Leviticus 1-7; Isaiah 53; Matt. 20:28; Luke 22:19; Rom. 5:12-21; 2 Cor. 3:21). This emphasis is surprisingly not mentioned much in the kerygma of Acts (see James D. G. Dunn, Unity and Diversity in the NT, pp. 17-18). It is also possibly a strong reference to Jesus' Deity (i.e., "church of God"). Paul often uses phrases which point to this truth (cf. Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9; 2 Thess. 1:12; Titus 2:13). It is also possible to translate this Greek phrase as "through His own," meaning near relative (i.e., His Son Jesus). F. F. Bruce, Commentary on the book of the Acts, p. 416 #59, says this phrase should be translated "by means of the blood of His own one," which he asserts is well attested in the Egyptian Koine papyri literature. If so, this phrase would refer to the Father's choice to sacrifice His own Son for the salvation and restitution of His fallen human creation! SPECIAL TOPIC: BLOOD 20:29 "savage wolves will come in among you" This is imagery based on the previously used imagery of "flock" and "shepherd." This accentuates the problem of the false teachers, both from without (Acts 20:29) and within (Acts 20:30). They both came in sheep's clothing (cf. Matt. 7:15-23; Luke 10:3; John 10:12, also in interbiblical apocalyptic literature, I Enoch 89:10-27; IV Ezra 5:18). Believers must test those who claim to speak for God (cf. 1 John 4:1). Test them by their faithfulness to the gospel, both in word and deed (cf. Acts 20:18-24; Matthew 7; Rom. 16:17-18; 1 John 4:1-3). These wolf type false teachers are described in Jude vv. 4-16! 20:30 "speaking perverse things" "Speaking" is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE, while "perverse things" is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE, used as a SUBSTANTIVE (DIRECT OBJECT). Its basic meaning is "to twist." It is used to describe human society (cf. Luke 9:41; Phil. 2:15). This activity is described (different term) in 2 Pet. 3:15-16. This connotation of the false teachers "twisting" in "crooked things" may be a word play on the term "right" or "righteous," which was a construction image used by God to describe Himself. See SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS. ▣ "to draw away the disciples after them" The theological question is, "Are those who are members of the church drawn away, spiritually lost, or confused?" (cf. Matt. 24:24). It is impossible to be dogmatic, but true faith continues! (cf. 1 John 2:18). Salvation is a faith relationship with Jesus. If that relationship ceases, salvation ceases! For a good brief discussion see Dale Moody, The Word of Truth, #55, "Salvation and Apostasy," pp. 348-365. SPECIAL TOPIC: APOSTASY (aphistēmi) SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSEVERANCE 20:31 "be on the alert" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE (cf. Mark 13:35), which is parallel to Acts 20:28, "Be on guard for yourselves" (PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE). God's leaders and God's church must be on constant watch for false teachers—not those who disregard our personal preferences, but those who disregard the gospel and its lifestyle implications. ▣ "for three years" This refers to Paul's stay in Ephesus. This time indication includes all of Paul's activity in the area. He stayed longer with these believers than with any other city, church, or area. They knew the gospel. Now they must protect it and spread it! 20:32 "commend you to God" This means "entrust to" (cf. Acts 14:23). We are responsible to God for the gospel we have been entrusted with (cf. 1 Tim. 1:18). We are responsible to pass it on to others who will pass it on (cf. 2 Tim. 2:2). The name "God" is found in MSS P 74 , א, A, C, D, and E. The term "Lord" is found in MS B. UBS 4 gives Theos a "B" rating (almost certain). ▣ "and to the word of His grace" This is a synonymous phrase for "the gospel." See note at Acts 20:24. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE GOSPEL ▣ "able to build you up" Notice that it is the person and truth of God (the gospel) that leads to maturity (cf. Acts 9:31). Paul uses this imagery often. This Greek word can be translated both "build up" or "edify" (cf. 1 Corinthians 14). This is the goal of the gospel, not just the maturity of the individual believer, but of the whole church. Mature believers must live for the health and growth of the Body of Christ. The gospel is a person to welcome truths about that person to believe a life like that person's to live SPECIAL TOPIC: EDIFY ▣ "and to give you the inheritance" In the OT God was the inheritance of the Levites and Priests. In the NT God is all believers' inheritance because believers are God's children through the person and work of Christ (cf. Rom. 8:15,17; Gal. 4:1-7; Col. 1:12). NT believers, like the OT Israelites, are priests (cf. Exod. 19:6; 1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6). We are meant to minister to the lost world (Matt. 28:19-20; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 1:8). SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVERS' INHERITANCE ▣ "among all those who are sanctified" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE. SPECIAL TOPIC: NT HOLINESS/SANCTIFICATION 20:33 "silver or gold or clothes" These were items of wealth. Paul is defending his actions and motives. In the NT greed and sexual exhortation are often hallmarks of false teachers (cf. 1 Cor. 3:10-17), as well as their claim of unique special revelation (i.e., Gnostics). 20:34 "ministered to my own needs" Paul refused to take help from the churches he currently served because of the constant accusation by the false teachers concerning his motives. Paul supported himself (cf. 1 Cor. 4:12; 9:3-7; 2 Cor. 11:7-12; 12:13; 1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:6-13). Also Paul, being a trained rabbi, would have personal qualms about accepting money for teaching. However, he asserts that ministers of the gospel should be paid (cf. 1 Cor. 9:3-18; 1 Tim. 5:17-18). There is an excellent brief history of the first century Mediterranean world by James S. Jeffers, The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era. It mentions that Paul alludes to working with his own hands to provide his physical needs in all three missionary journeys (cf. p. 28). First journey, 1 Cor. 4:12; 9:6; 1 Thess. 2:9 Second journey, Acts 18:3 Third journey, Acts 19:11-12; 20:34; 2 Cor. 12:14 20:35 Notice that the believers' hard labor is not for personal gain or luxury, but for the sake of others in need in Christ's name (cf. 2 Cor. 9:8-11). Paul's quote from Jesus is not found in any of the Gospels. Therefore, it must be an oral tradition. This "weak" is not used here in the sense of over scrupulous Christians (cf. Rom. 14:1; 15:1; 1 Cor. 8:9-13; 9:22), but physically needy. Paul worked to support himself and other believers in need. SPECIAL TOPIC: WEALTH ▣ "and remember the words of the Lord Jesus. . ." Apparently Paul is quoting an oral tradition that is not found in our NT. We must remember that Jesus spoke and taught on many subjects that are not recorded in our Bibles (cf. John 20:30-31; 21:25). The concept of "the word of God" is larger than what was recorded by Gospel writers! However, there are so many "false writings" circulating in the first few centuries that claim to be from Jesus that modern believers must be careful of what they receive as authoritative information! It is safer to restrict our curiosity and cling to Apostolic truth recorded in our NT. We have all the information we need for salvation and Chistian living. We do not need more information; we need a deeper faith relationship with God through Christ and the indwelling Spirit! For a brief discussion see Hard Sayings of the Bible, pp. 535-537.
Atos 20:36-38
20:36 "knelt down" This was not the usual posture of prayer from Paul's Jewish background. This was possibly a special commitment ritual (cf. Acts 20:32; 21:5). SPECIAL TOPIC: WORSHIP 20:37 "embraced Paul" The NKJV is more literal, "fell on Paul's neck." Thank God for church leaders who care! 20:38 "grieving especially over the word which he had spoken" This refers to Acts 20:25.