Level 2: Expanded Insights
(Scholars / Pastors)

Acts 20:1-6 chronicles a pivotal period of Paul’s third missionary journey, where his primary focus shifts from initial evangelism to the crucial work of consolidating existing churches, thereby ensuring the long-term success of The Great Commission. This passage immediately follows the great riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41), underscoring the resilience of Paul and the Gospel in the face of intense Christianity Accepted and Opposed.

The narrative begins with Paul’s departure from Ephesus: "After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia." (Acts 20:1). This move, following a major riot, demonstrates Paul’s courage and commitment to the next phase of The Great Commission. He spends a significant period traveling through Macedonia and Greece: "When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. And there he spent three months." (Acts 20:2-3a). Paul’s "exhortation" (paraklesei pollē) signifies a period of strengthening, teaching, and encouraging the churches he had planted earlier (e.g., Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth). This pastoral work is vital for The Great Commission, ensuring that disciples are grounded in Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel and prepared to withstand future Christianity Accepted and Opposed.

However, a serious threat from Jewish opponents forces a change in Paul's itinerary: "But 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." (Acts 20:3b). Paul’s original plan was to sail directly from Greece to Syria, likely with a collection for the Jerusalem church (cf. 2 Corinthians 8-9). This Jewish plot, a persistent manifestation of Christianity Accepted and Opposed, makes the sea journey too dangerous. Paul, guided by prudence and The Holy Spirit's Role, changes his plan, choosing the safer overland route back through Macedonia. This highlights the dangers and strategic decisions missionaries face, and underscores God’s providential protection over Paul’s life and The Great Commission.

Paul’s companions on this journey are meticulously listed, underscoring the collaborative and communal nature of the mission: "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. But these had gone on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas." (Acts 20:4-5). This diverse group, representing various regions (Berea, Thessalonica, Derbe, Asia), likely accompanied Paul to carry the collection for the Jerusalem church (cf. Romans 15:26-27). This detail is crucial for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT, as these companions are mentioned in Paul's epistles, providing historical context for his relationships and the unity of the church. The phrase "were waiting for us at Troas" (Acts 20:5) marks the return of the "we-passage," indicating that Luke has rejoined Paul's company.

The passage concludes with Paul’s final journey leg before the reunion: "We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we spent seven days." (Acts 20:6). Paul's deliberate stay in Philippi for the Passover festival and his subsequent journey to Troas, where he reunites with his companions, highlights his continued adherence to Jewish custom and his strategic planning. This passage serves as a powerful testament to The Great Commission's relentless progress, demonstrating God's providential care in navigating persecution, and the deep bonds of fellowship that sustain the mission.