Paul travels through Macedonia and Greece, narrowly escaping a Jewish plot by returning through Macedonia, and at Troas restores to life Eutychus who fell from a third-story window during Paul's midnight discourse. Meeting Ephesian elders at Miletus, Paul recounts his faithful ministry among them through trials, tears, and Jewish plots, testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. He warns of his chains awaiting in Jerusalem, wolves entering the flock after his departure, and men arising within to draw disciples away, commends them to God and the word of His grace, reminds them of his self-supporting labor, quotes Jesus' saying about giving being more blessed than receiving, and kneels in tearful prayer and farewell.
Read Acts Chapter 20 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Places in This Chapter
Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia where Paul established the first church in Europe. Lydia, a seller of purple, was his first convert there. Paul and Silas were imprisoned here but miraculously freed by an earthquake, leading to the jailer's conversion. Paul later wrote his joyful letter to the Philippians from prison.
Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Paul spent over two years there establishing a church that became influential throughout the region. The riot of silversmiths threatened Paul's life. The book of Ephesians and the letter to the church of Ephesus in Revelation were written to this congregation.
Position in Book
Ephesus, final journey to Jerusalem.
Bible Bites
The Gospel Spreads in 28 Chapters
The book of Acts contains 28 chapters chronicling the explosive growth of the early church from Jerusalem to Rome. Written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel, it begins with 120 believers in an upper room and ends with Paul preaching boldly in the capital of the Roman Empire.
ActsThe narrator joins the story
In Acts 16:10, Luke suddenly switches from 'they' to 'we,' revealing he personally joined Paul's missionary journey. These 'we passages' (Acts 16, 20-21, 27-28) provide eyewitness accounts showing Luke was present for key events including Paul's shipwreck.
Acts 16:10