Leaving Ephesus, Acts 20:1-16

This post concerns Paul’s actions on leaving Ephesus for Macedonia and then Syria.

Leaving Ephesus describes Paul’s writing and travel plans, Acts 20:1-2. “After the uproar ceased, Paul …farewell and departed for Macedonia. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece.”

During his time in Ephesus, he had probably written letters to Rome and Corinth. From Macedonia he probably wrote Galatians and a second letter to Corinth. Meanwhile, he encouraged Gentile churches to give money for the poor Jews in Judea.

After three months, he planned to go to Judea with this money. However, he had to change his plans, Acts 20:3. “… a plot was made against him by the Jews as he… about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.”

Churches sent six representatives to travel with Paul. Acts 20:5-6. “These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 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.”

The use of ‘we’ and ‘us’ means that Luke joined the group.

The fact that they stayed for seven days shows they were waiting to partake of the Lord’s Supper on Sunday Acts 20:7. “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread,”

This verse shows when to partake of the Lord’s Supper.

The first day of the week represented a special day of worship for New Testament churches. This church correctly partook of the Lord’s Supper with the approval of an apostle.

After partaking of the Lord’s Supper, Paul preached. Eutychus, a young man sitting in a window, fell asleep and subsequently fell out. Paul brought him back to life.

The group then boarded a ship bound for Mitylene. Paul chose to walk a short distance by land and boarded later. In about three days they arrived at Mitylene.

So, what did we learn?

1.Paul traveled north, then south, and then north again on the way to Syria.

2.On every Sunday, the saints partake of the Lord’s supper

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#Paul’sTravels #Lord’sSupperSunday