Nazarene Commentary 2000©
21st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures©
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21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures©
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THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
CHAPTER TWENTY:
VISITING CITIES AND COUNSELING ELDERS
[“Happiness in Giving”]
Key word: Elders
Acts 20:1-6 – Wide Missionary Territory and Travels [55 AD]
AC20:1 Now after the commotion had stopped, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had encouraged them and said goodbye, he left for travels into Macedonia.
AC20:2 After traveling through these regions – encouraging the [disciples]
here and there with many messages – he arrived in Greece.
| 868 | Encouraging the [disciples]: Or, RHM: exhorting them with much discourse; RIE: speaking frequently and raising the spirits of the
congregations. The purpose of the Church and its representatives is two-fold: encouragement and education. Paul covers so much territory and we can only imagine his many journeys and the dangers he faced as described in 2 Corinthians 11. |
AC20:3 Then, after Paul had spent three months
there a Jewish plot was planned against him just as he was about to leave for Syria, so he changed his mind and decided to return through Macedonia.
| 869 | Three months: We are not told the precise locations but we may assume Athens and Corinth were included. |
AC20:4 Those who traveled with Paul
were Sopater the son of Pyrrhus of Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, also from the Asia [Minor] Tychicus and Trophimus.
| 870 | Those who traveled with Paul: Luke lists some of his traveling companions here without mentioning himself. Sopater was a relative
of Paul’s. [Romans 16:21] Aristarchus is with Paul on his way to Rome. [Acts 27:2] Secundus is only mentioned here. Gaius is likely the same of Acts 19:29. See notes elsewhere on Timothy. [Acts 16:1] Tychicus receives several assignments. [2 Corinthians
8:18, 19; 12:18; Ephesians 6:21, 22; Colossians 4:7-9; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12] Trophimus is mentioned at Acts 21:26-30; 2 Timothy 4:20. |
AC20:5 These went ahead and met us in Troas.
| 871 | These went ahead and met us in Troas: Luke’s presence is seen again with the “us.” Paul is now sailing south toward
Caesarea and then Jerusalem. |
AC20:6 As for us, we sailed away from Philippi after the Passover
and within five days we arrived to meet them at Troas, spending seven days there.| 872 | After the Passover: Or, days of unleavened bread.
Thus it is spring, March/April. |
Acts 20:7-12 – A Long Talk and a Raised Disciple
AC20:7 Now on the first day of the week
– when we were gathered together to break bread
– and since Paul was going to leave the next day – he began to give a talk to them, and he extended his message until midnight.
| 873 | First day of the week: Or, NEB: Saturday night [as days began at 6 PM and not midnight]; BEC: Sunday. [Literally, one of the sabbaths.]
On the basis of this over the years Christian worship moved to Sunday, though no specific day is commanded or observed in the Christian Bible. |
| 874 |
We were gathered together to break bread: Or, BEC: met for a meal; BAR: our common meal. It is likely this is the meaning though some think this refers to Communion. For details on the Memorial see notes on 1 Corinthians 11:20-30. |
| 875 | He extended his message until midnight: This may confirm the NEB rendering above: “Saturday night.” It seems clear they were
not meeting on the Jewish Sabbath, Friday 6 PM to Saturday 6 PM. |
AC20:8 (There were many lamps in the upper room where we were assembled.)
AC20:9 Now sitting at the window, and as Paul continued to speak, a certain young man named Eutychus,
falling into a deep sleep,
tumbled out of the third story [window] and was then raised up dead.
| 876 | Eutychus: Interestingly his name means “Fortunate.” He is called a “boy” a bit later. |
| 877 | Falling into a deep sleep: There must be a lesson in this. |
AC20:10 But
Paul rushed downstairs, and throwing himself over Eutychus embraced him and said to the others: “Do not be troubled for his soul is [still] in him!”
| 878 | His soul is [still] in him: Or, KJV: his life is still in him; TCN: he is still alive; RIE: there is life in him. Compare something
similar at 2 Kings 4:34. The Greek PSYCHE may be used of the life of a person, or the actual person. For details on “soul” see the work Where Are the Dead? in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Or, notes on 1 Corinthians 15:40-52] |
AC20:11 Then Paul went upstairs and breaking bread
he took some nourishment. After discussions
until daybreak, he finally left.
| 879 | Breaking bread: Whether this is another meal after so many hours early into the morning is not clear though some would think so. If so then this “breaking bread” was not Communion on Sunday [or, Monday] morning. If this were actually the Eucharist it seems strange it is not precisely mentioned. |
| 880 | Discussions: Or, TCN: talked with them at great length; WEY: long conversation. |
| 881 | Until daybreak, he finally left: Paul was tireless. It is likely he slept on the boat. |
AC20:12 Now the disciples took the boy
away alive and were immeasurably comforted.| 882 | Boy: Or, young man, lad. The Greek is PAIDA. |
Acts 20:13-16 – To Assos, Samos, and then Miletus
AC20:13 We now boarded the boat and sailed off to Assos,
where we were planning to take Paul aboard. For after giving us such orders,
Paul decided to walk by himself.
| 883 | Assos: Now called Behramkoy. About 50 miles by sea around Cape Baba, though shorter by inland walk of 20 miles. |
| 884 | Giving us such orders: Or, commanded, his instructions. |
| 885 | Paul decided to walk by himself: We are not told why Paul took the inland path overland. There are times when any person wishes to be alone. It is spring and we can imagine the coastal hills
in a burst of floral finery. |
AC20:14 So when he met up with us in Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.
| 886 | Mitylene: About 28 miles on the isle of Lesbos. |
AC20:15 The next day we sailed away from there and arrived across from Chios.
The following day we docked at Samos,
and then the day after we finally arrived at Miletus.
| 887 | Chios: Modern Khios [or, Scio] a large island in the Aegean Sea about 60 miles. |
| 888 | Samos: Another 60 miles south down the coast. |
| 889 |
Miletus: A famous and ancient city mentioned in the LXX at Ezekiel 27:18. |
AC20:16 For Paul had determined to sail beyond Ephesus so that he might not spend any more time in the Asia
[Minor]. He wanted to hurry to arrive in Jerusalem during the [festival of] Pentecost
if at all possible.| 890 | Arrive in Jerusalem during the [festival of] Pentecost: Not to celebrate the Jewish festival, but for reasons that will develop later leading to his imprisonment in Rome. Hundreds of thousands of people would be gathered in Jerusalem at this time. Matters are moving toward a serious conflict with the Jews just as it happened with the Nazarene. |
Acts 20:17-24 – A Meeting with Ephesian Elders
AC20:17 Now, from Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus
and summoned the elders of the congregation.
| 891 | Paul sent to Ephesus: This was 30 miles away and likely required several days. |
| 892 | Summoned the elders of the congregation: Or, officer, pastors, presbyters, older men. The Greek is PRESBYTEROUS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4245]. For details
see notes on Titus 1:5. [1 Timothy 3:1] Elders have been mentioned in Jerusalem, but it is clear that during the years 36-56 congregations have developed which included the appointment of elders. [Compare Philippians 1:1] We are not told how many these were
and no limit is ever placed on the amount of elders in a congregation. |
AC20:18 When they had all arrived he said to them: “You [elders] are well aware how I behaved
from the first day that I set foot in Asia [Minor] and the entire time I was with you.
| 893 | How I behaved: Or, manner, kind of life, my way of life. Paul is the role model for all elders and these have been able to observe
how he treated the flock. |
AC20:19 I slaved for the Master with all humility of mind
with tears and also all the trials that befell me by the evil designs of the Jews.
| 894 | Humility of mind: Or, lowliness of mind, humbly, without pride. Note “pride” at 1 Timothy 3:6. |
| 895 | The evil designs of the Jews: Or, lying in wait, machinations, plots. |
AC20:20 I
did not shrink back
from telling all of you all those things that were helpful to you.
Nor did I stop teaching you in public as well as in your homes.
| 896 | I did not shrink back: Or, kept back nothing, shrank not, not neglect, never failed. The elder cannot be a coward or one who is too
weak to speak the truth to the flock. Compare a similar wording in Hebrews 10:39. |
| 897 | Those things that were helpful
to you: Or, profitable, good for. Paul did not withhold any profitable doctrine. It is interesting that nowhere in his writings does Paul ever mention “hell.” |
| 898 | In public as well as in your homes: Or, TCN: both in public and in private; KJV: from house to house; LAM: in the streets and from house to house; BEC: in meetings and in homes; BAR: in your
own homes. For details on the rendering “house to house” see notes on Acts 5:42. There is no example of either Jesus or Paul preaching from door to door, but there are many cases of preaching and teaching in homes as most congregations were in private homes. There is no case in the Christian Bible of Christians building a church for meetings. |
AC20:21 No, but I thoroughly testified
both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance too God and faith in our Master Jesus.
| 899 | Thoroughly testified: Or, full witness, earnest urged, stressing. |
| 900 | Repentance to God and faith in our Master Jesus: Two of the basic “principles of the doctrine of Christ.” [Hebrews 6:1] |
AC20:22 And
now, look! I am traveling to Jerusalem compelled by the Pneuma
even though I realize the things that will happen to me there.
| 901 | Compelled by the Pneuma: Or, KJV: bound in the spirit; NEB: spiritual constraint; GDS: the spirit compels me; WMS: impelled by; BAS:
a prisoner in spirit. Some see this as God’s Pneuma, others Paul’s own spirit or inclination. It is possible Paul feels the constant pressure of the Pneuma driving him in a particular direction. |
| 902 | I realize the things that will happen to me there: This is the reason Paul is aware of the need to be in Jerusalem at Pentecost [spring 56 AD]. Compare notes on Acts
9:16. |
AC20:23 The holy Pneuma testifies to me in every town again and again
that prison and persecutions await me.
| 903 | Pneuma testifies to me in every town again and again: Or, RSV: testifies to me in every city; RHM: bear me full witness; WMS: emphatically
assures me. |
AC20:24 But I do not speak a single word as though my soul was dear to me.
I only want to finish my course
and the ministry that I accepted of the Master Jesus – to give a complete testimony regarding the Good News of God’s unmerited favor.”| 904 |
My soul was dear to me: Or, ALF: I count my life as of no value; WEY: even the sacrifice of my life I count as nothing; GDS: my life does not matter. |
| 905 | Finish my course: Or, complete the course, finish my race. Compare Philippians 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:7. |
Acts 20:25-30 – Counsel to Elders [Spring 56 AD]
AC20:25 “And now, look! I realize that all of you among whom I went preaching the Kingdom will never see me again.
| 906 | Will never see me again: Or, see my face no more. Paul, by the pneumatic pressure, knows his life is funneling toward a conflict with the Jews and then later the Romans. |
AC20:26 So I ask you all to testify today that I am innocent regarding the blood of all persons.
| 907 | I am innocent regarding the blood of all persons: Or, pure, clear, guiltless, my conscience is clear. A possible echo of Ezekiel 33:8. |
AC20:27 For I never withheld from any one of you all of God’s counsel.
| 908 | I never withheld from any one of you all of God’s counsel: Or, BER: I have not fallen short; RSV: the whole counsel of God;
GDS: God’s purpose without reserve; BAR: the whole purpose of God. Compare Paul with those foretold false teachers who would speak only what is pleasing to those who enlisted them. [1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:3] The elder who fails to declare God’s
counsel is putting himself in a dangerous place. Better to offend some with curt language than withhold “all the counsel of God.” [2 Corinthians 13:10; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15] |
AC20:28 You
[elders] keep paying attention yourselves
as well as to the entire flock,
because the holy Pneuma appointed all of you overseers
among [the flock]. Shepherd the Church of The God,
which He reserved for Himself
by means of the blood of His Own.
| 909 | Keep paying attention yourselves: Or, take heed, be watchful, take care, give attention to, be on guard; BAR: be careful about your
own spiritual life. The elder must constantly review his attitude, words, and methods. [2 Timothy 2:2, 15-17] |
| 910 | The
entire flock: Or, all the flock. Not just part or certain friends or favored persons, but to “all” the flock. |
| 911 |
Pneuma appointed all of you overseers: Or, made, set you, placed; BAR: appointed you as guardians. The Greek for “overseers” is EPISCOPOUS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1985]. This verse proves the elder and the overseer is the
same office. For details on the qualification of overseers see 1 Timothy 3:1. This “appointment” came through the laying on of hands of an elder or elder body, not the Jerusalem congregation or apostolic body. [Compare Titus 1:5.] |
| 912 | Shepherd the Church of The God: Or, KJV: to feed; AMP: tend and feed and guide. Compare notes on 1 Peter 5:2. All elders may be pastors
or shepherds. [Ephesians 4:11, 12] Some mss have “Lord” here instead of God. |
| 913 | He reserved for Himself:
Or, purchased, bought, obtained, acquired, won. |
| 914 | By means of the blood of His Own: Or, BAR: blood of his own
One. There are two approaches: a] if the use of “congregation of the Master” means Jesus then the phrase may be: “with his own blood.” Or, b] if it be the “congregation of The God” then the Greek TOU HAIMATOS TOU IDIOU permits
literally, “the blood of the own [one].” For details see notes in Error of the Trinity under Acts 20:28. |
AC20:29 I realize that after my departure burdensome wolves
will enter your midst and will not spare the flock.
| 915 | Burdensome wolves: Or, grievous, merciless, violent, fierce, cruel, savage, evil, monstrous, ferocious. The Greek carries the idea
of “heavy” and may allude to burdensome laws and rules added to oppress the flock. On the foretold apostasy see notes on the Nazarene’s parable at Matthew 13:38, 39. These false teachers within the Church are described at 2 Thessalonians 2, 2 Peter 2 and the letter of Jude. |
| 916 | Will not spare the flock: Or, NWT: not treat with tenderness; BER: no mercy; BAS: doing damage to. For this these elders will answer before the Master in the language of Matthew 7:21-23. |
AC20:30 Also, right from among you [elders] men will appear speaking twisted things
to mislead the disciples to follow them.” | 917 | Men will appear speaking twisted things: Or, KJV: perverse things; RHM: distorted; RIE: distort the truth; TCN: teach perversions of truth; BAS: wrong teaching; KNX: come forward with a false message; NOR: teach false
doctrines; BAR: preach a perverted version of the truth. Compare notes on 2 Corinthians 11:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1, 2. |
| 918 |
To mislead the disciples to follow them: Or, draw away, induce, seduce. This is their purpose and so many schisms later bore the name of their false teachers and still exist to this day. Compare 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John
4:1. |
Acts 20:31-35 – Elders Give by Assisting the Weak
AC20:31 “Because of this all of you [elders] continue to remain alert,
and keep in mind that for three years, night and day I never gave up urging
everyone through my own tears.
| 919 | Continue to remain alert: That is, “In view of this danger from such wolves…” Or, watch, on your guard, on the
alert. True elders who are “genuine disciples” will protect the flock from such teachers by shunning them. Compare notes on Romans 16:16; Ephesians 4:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; Titus 3:10; 2 John 10. |
| 920 | Urging: Or, warn, instructing. |
AC20:32 And now I entrust you to The God and to the Word
of his unmerited favor which is able to strengthen you and give you the inheritance among all those who have been sanctified.
| 921 | Word: It is the “word” that will build up and lead to the Inheritance. |
| 922 | Sanctified: Or, hallowed, saints, holy, consecrated, dedicated. Compare notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-4. |
AC20:33 I
have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing.
| 923 | I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing: Or, NEB: I have no wanted anyone’s money or clothes for myself; BAR:
no desire to possess any man’s money or finery. The clear attribute of the false teacher is one greedy for the flock’s money. |
AC20:34 All of you [elders] know quite well that these hands have supplied not only my needs
but also those with me.
| 924 | These hands have supplied not only my needs: Compare notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:9. [Acts 18:3] |
AC20:35 By so laboring I have demonstrated to you
in every way how you must also work hard
and thus assist those who are weak.
You must keep in mind the words of the Master Jesus, when he said:
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” | 925 | I have demonstrated to you: Or, shown you, pointed the way. Paul is an example or role model for all elders. [1 Corinthians 11:1] |
| 926 | You must also work hard: Or, laboring, toiling, work hard. The true elder is characterized by hard work in behalf of the sheep. Those who work hard in speaking and teaching are worthy of double honor. [1 Timothy 5:17] Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:8. |
| 927 | Assist those who are weak: Or, support, succor the needy, provide for the poor, help the feeble. Though this is the responsibility of every Christian, it is particularly required of elders. [Romans 15:1] |
| 928 | It is more blessed to give than to receive: Or, NEB: happiness lies more in giving that in receiving. Possibly a paraphrase of Matthew 10:8 and Luke 6:38, or a direct quote unknown precisely in the Gospels. |
Acts 20:36-38 – Tearful Farewell
AC20:36 Now after Paul had said these things, he fell to his knees will all the other [elders] and prayed together.
AC20:37 Then considerable crying began among them all
as they embraced Paul and kissed him goodbye.
| 929 | Then considerable crying began among them all: Or, all were in tears, loud lamentation, loud cries of sorrow. Paul is certainly beloved
of these men among whom he was so self-sacrificing. |
AC20:38 They were particularly pained because he had said they would never see him again. So they all saw him off on the boat.
Review Questions on Chapter Twenty
- What are some the places Paul re-visited?
- Who was Eutychus?
- What special meeting did Paul hold?
- What are some of the points of counsel and warning Paul gave to elders?
- How did they all respond to his departure?
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Nazarene Commentary 2000©
Mark Heber Miller
©2000 All Rights Reserved
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