Acts 20:1-6

Summary retelling of Acts 20:1-6

When the turmoil in Ephesus died down, Paul called the disciples around him and he said goodbye to them.  He went through Macedonia and Greece.  As he traveled, he stayed in Greece for three months until a plot was made against him.  Upon discovering the plot, Paul decided to go back to Philippi instead of setting sail immediately to Syria (probably Antioch).  If we look at the list of people who were with him, most of his church plants have a person or two who are a part of his “touring group of disciples.”  Once he returned to Philippi and celebrated the Passover there, Paul set sail for Syria.  He stops at Troas along the way.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul says goodbye to the disciples in Ephesus.  No doubt Paul wants to give some last minute instructions.  No doubt Paul wants to prepare them for leadership without Him.  No doubt Paul wants to encourage them – especially given the turmoil that has just happened in Ephesus.  But he does say goodbye.  The neat thing that we see here is that it is ultimately about God’s work, not human relationships.  Paul says goodbye, but it is not a bitter parting.  We must all do God’s work.  When it is about God’s work and we trust that we are in the Lord, then God will bring us together again.  If not in this life … definitely in the next.

Why is saying goodbye so difficult?  How can our faith make it endurable?

Second Thought:

Paul heads back to Philippi – the small faithful church that was started by a group of women.  In many respects, Philippi is the shining star of God’s work through Paul.  He goes there to celebrate the Passover with them.  He goes there to remember what the Lord did through Passover and all of the symbolism that Passover takes on in Christ.  When it comes time for Paul to be spiritual, he goes to the people that are spiritual.

How does this demonstrate our need for Christian community?  What benefits do we actually get out of being a part of a Christian community?

Third Thought:

Paul has a growing group of followers.  It seems like almost everywhere that Paul goes someone decides to give up their life and follow his teaching!  We know of a few people who aren’t on this list: Luke (the author of Acts), Titus, Silas, Chloe, Phoebe, Prisca, and Aquila to mention a few.  What we can see happening here is that Paul is developing a ministry team.  All of these various disciples are going to and from these churches back to Paul to keep Paul informed.  They are going to encourage the churches.  They are probably also going out and helping to start other gatherings of believers as they travel.  They are teaching the faith.

I find this concept absolutely fascinating: a ministry team whose purpose is to have multiple points of faith-teaching happening.  A central core of teachers of the faith whose job is to equip the local leaders and help them create more points of ministry.  It’s a neat concept.

Why do you think certain people are called to give up their “local life” and follow a religious leader (like we see here with Paul of like we saw with Jesus and His disciples)?  What does it take to make that kind of commitment?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 20:7-12