Acts 20
1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
Paul is back in Europe.
3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
Remember, these Jews aren't the blood line of Judah, but those that are from the land of Judea. They're the kenites waiting to capture Paul.
4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
Going into Asia are Paul and seven disciples.
5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.
6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
5 = grace and 7= spiritual completeness in Biblical Numerics.
7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
Paul preached until midnight, so there were a lot of lights to help him keep teaching. Just as those that hold to The Truth of God, we should keep preaching until that midnight hour, symbolic of Christ return.
9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
Eutychus = "fortunate" on the Greek. Because Eutychus fell asleep, he lost-out on what was being said, putting him back on the milk of The Word. There are three levels of understanding and if your are not paying attention the whole way through, you will fall from that 3rd loft. You will become spiritually dead just as this one Eutychus.
10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
Eutychus = "fortunate" is still alive. After falling three levels, God has given him an opportunity in this life. It's time to wake up and get busy!
11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
Paul taught all night, until the sun had risen and hit the road to go preach to more people. Christians are can do children of God.
12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
They're relieved to see Eutychus is still alive, but a bit troubled he survived the fall.
13 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.
They all took a ship to Assos, while Paul walked.
14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
Paul had taken the opportunity to keep spreading The Word before he met them in Assos.
15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
Paul goes through many tribulations on his journey, but he knows it was The Holy Spirit that sent him and is with him while these kenites seek to murder him.
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Paul has gone many places, teaching everyone he could about faith in Christ Jesus and the life we can have now and to come.
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
We ask our Father to forgive us in Christ Jesus name, as it was His sacrifice that gives us The Way. In our faith, we KNOW, we are forgiven†
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Paul goes because The Holy Spirit leads him there. He knows those leaders of the temple want him dead, but Paul has faith, so they don't concern him. Paul is a can do Christian †
23 Save that the Holy Spirit witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
Paul isn't going to worry about anything. He knows God is in control and Gods will be done forever.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
It's not this flesh a Christian focuses on, but Christ Jesus and the eternal life to come. As Christians we are Christ like and are out there "to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
The reason Paul walked instead of taking that ship, was so he could see all those that have been in his life and to spread the Love of The Lord to them and many more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Paul is saying, he didn't use them or take advantage of them in anyway. Their blood isn't on his hands because they have heard The Truth and they're held accountable themselves.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Paul didn't hold any of The Truth from them.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
The Holy Spirit is making each one of them responsible for that flock that has been turned over to them by Paul. What he has given to those elders is on them now. When you are given The Truth of God's Word, you are then held responsible for what you do with it.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
After Paul is gone, evil will do its best to come into this church. Look around today, it has happened [IF] you have the eyes to see and ears to hear.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
There will be people that will twist The Truth. They will lead people right into satans arms because the people didn't have time to study and understand the lies.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
This is Paul's warning to everyone, be a watchmen! Look around you today. There are many so called "Pastors" and "Christians" out there that don't follow Gods Word at all. They're just going with whatever they're told to go with. They don't have time for God or following The Path that has been laid for those that are Christians. False doctrines are the majority and those that know The Truth has become the minority. STUDY †
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
God has given us "grace" = favor. We have The Way, all we have to do is accept Him and study His letter to us, The Bible. It will build you like nothing else ever will.
33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
Paul didn't care about the worldly junk. His focus was always on serving The Lord. That means the moneys raised went to help those in need and the church.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
A Pastor with other gifts, will use those gifts to make a living, they won't just sit back and collect money for the church, keeping it for themselves. Paul was a tent maker and that was how he made his living. If you understand anything about me, I want you to know I follow this example. Donations given to help this Ministry goes to help others in need or to continue in the work of our needs in supply's, to pay its bills, etc.
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
This world isn't about self, it's about The Path set forth. It's about following Christ Jesus and He was always blessing others, not Himself. "It is more blessed to give than to receive" †
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
They all loved Paul and the things he did in his Christian walk. They could all see Christ in him. It's always sad to see a loved one go. IF you have someone that preaches Truth, you know it's going to be hard to find someone like them again. Very few today teach The Truth of God's Word and when you find one, you want to hold on to that one. The thing is, once you're fed, it's now up to you to feed.
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
Remember verse 25? And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.