Acts 20
Summary. In this chapter, the apostle Paul follows the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all his work. He travels to various places, sharing the good news with everyone without discrimination. Acts 20:1-6. Apostle Paul in Macedonia and Greece. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul leaves Ephesus to travel and minister in the regions of Macedonia and Greece. During his journeys, the Lord prepared companions to assist him. These companions would play a role in proclaiming the good news, as the area of ministry was large. Acts 20:7-12. Apostle Paul breaks bread with the believers at Troas. In Troas, the apostle Paul gathered with the believers on the first day of the week to break bread. The Lord gave the apostle the words to talk to the people. While Paul was speaking for a long time, a young man fell from the third-story window and died. Although he sustained injuries from the fall, the Lord God Almighty used His apostle to bring this young man back to life with no injuries remaining in the body. Acts 20:13-16. Apostle Paul leaves Troas to start his long journey. The apostle departs from Troas. The Lord had guided the apostle in his heart to join the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The Lord God Almighty had a plan and places for His apostle to minister. During his journey, the apostle will pass through many places, and at each place, the apostle will make an impact as well. Acts 20:17-38. Apostle Paul speaks to the Ephesian Elders. The apostle Paul stayed in one location, specifically at Miletus, where the elders of the church in Ephesus came to hear his message. In his address to these elders, Paul discussed five main points: 1) His work in spreading the good news was not easy, as many people sought to discredit it. 2) He preached the good news to everyone without discrimination, both in public and from house to house, testifying repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. 3) The Holy Spirit directed him to go to Jerusalem, and he followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all things with trust and full faith in the Lord. 4) He warned the elders to watch over the flock, adhere to the Word of God, and remain steadfast in their faith, as the dark will attack the church from the inside. 5) He urged everyone to use their God-given abilities to work, provide for their own needs, and assist those in need.
1
Now, after the uproar ceased, Paul, having called to him the disciples and having encouraged them, having embraced them, he departed to go to Macedonia.
Comments Acts 20:1
“Now, after the uproar ceased ...” The Lord God Almighty is the loving and kind God above all. When the problem ceased, the apostle did not leave right away, but the Lord God Almighty stirred the apostle’s heart to act in love and encourage the people. Those who were innocent did not participate in the uproar. The Lord God Almighty did not seek revenge to punish those involved in the uproar, but has shown all humans that He is the Lord God Almighty with a heart full of love and mercy for all humans. The heart of the Lord God Almighty has mercy and is willing to forgive all when they have acknowledged their fault, surrendered, and opened their ears to listen to the apostle’s teaching.
“Having embraced them, he departed ...” The apostle followed the Lord God Almighty’s guidance by showing love to the people. His actions have given people peace in their hearts. After the people’s hearts realized the mercy and love that the Lord God Almighty had for them, the Lord guided His apostle to go further. The work in spreading the good news and mercy of the Lord God Almighty needs to be proclaimed to all.
“Having embraced them, he departed ...” The apostle followed the Lord God Almighty’s guidance by showing love to the people. His actions have given people peace in their hearts. After the people’s hearts realized the mercy and love that the Lord God Almighty had for them, the Lord guided His apostle to go further. The work in spreading the good news and mercy of the Lord God Almighty needs to be proclaimed to all.
2
Then, having passed through those parts, and having exhorted them with much talk, he came to Greece.
Comments Acts 20:2
All readers should notice the apostle’s action in this place. After facing challenges and objections, the apostle did not leave without explanation and much talk. This talk would stir people’s hearts to see and accept the forgiveness from the Lord God Almighty. This spreading of good news encompasses both the message and the action.
3
Then, having continued three months there, a plot having been made against him by the Jews, he, being about to set sail into Syria, determined to return through Macedonia.
Comments Acts 20:3
“Then, having continued three months ...” Regardless of what the apostle does, the Lord’s children with the dark mind control find a reason to fight against him, even though they have nothing that the apostle does wrong against them, but only helps them. When they let the dark mind control them, they will not realize that the light the apostle brings is meant to help them. The nature of the dark is rejecting the light, and here is an example: the dark fights against the light.
“He, being about to set sail into Syria ...” The Lord God Almighty guided His apostle on the way to travel and the places to be. The good news must be proclaimed in certain places, because in those places, the dark has power in controlling the minds of people. And the Lord God Almighty has mercy on all humans, guiding His apostle to go there to proclaim the good news.
“He, being about to set sail into Syria ...” The Lord God Almighty guided His apostle on the way to travel and the places to be. The good news must be proclaimed in certain places, because in those places, the dark has power in controlling the minds of people. And the Lord God Almighty has mercy on all humans, guiding His apostle to go there to proclaim the good news.
4
And he was accompanied by Sopater Pyrrhus, a Berean; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
Comments Acts 20:4
The traveling was not difficult, but the Lord God Almighty had prepared companions for His apostle. These companions would also have a part in proclaiming the good news to people, because the distance and area spreading widely needed more workers to spread the good news.
5
Also, these having gone before, were waiting for us in Troas.
Comments Acts 20:5
The believers who had given their hearts to the Lord God Almighty received guidance on when, where, and how long to stay with the apostle. The hard work ahead needed proper instructions for the workers, and during this time, the believers would gain more knowledge and receive proper understanding.
6
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of the Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days, where we stayed seven days.
Comments Acts 20:6
“And we sailed away from Philippi ...” The Lord God Almighty’s feast, which would link the hearts of believers to be one. For the apostle and the helper believers to travel further, this feast would give them the benefit and firm feeling that the Lord God Almighty Himself leads their actions. And all have no room for doubt to come. For the work to succeed, every heart must be one in worshiping and serving the Lord God Almighty.
“And came to them at Troas within ...” Travel not long, the time spent may be short, but with their hearts open and faithful, they would receive the proper teaching from the apostle. In this place, the proper work will start, and many hearts will receive the blessing and right knowledge in serving the Lord God Almighty.
“And came to them at Troas within ...” Travel not long, the time spent may be short, but with their hearts open and faithful, they would receive the proper teaching from the apostle. In this place, the proper work will start, and many hearts will receive the blessing and right knowledge in serving the Lord God Almighty.
7
Then, in the first day of the week, we, having come together to break bread, Paul talked to them, about to depart on the next day; and he continued the talk until midnight.
Comments Acts 20:7
When believers came to join together to worship and seek advice from the Lord God Almighty, the apostle received the word in the talk. Regardless of the length of time for humans to talk, without the help from the Lord God Almighty, the talk will be empty and of no benefit for any soul. But here in this place, the Lord God Almighty had the word for the people, and the apostle had received the message and the duty of spreading out this message.
8
Now there were many lights in the upper room where we were assembled.
Comments Acts 20:8
The lights had been prepared in the gathering place, allowing people to see and feel each other as they worshiped together. The light for the physical and the light for the soul are needed for humans. The blessed Word of God is the light for the soul. When the soul has this light, it will guide the body to use the physical light in order to make decisions and know what should be done among each others.
Q: What can we say about the trend we see in churches nowadays, where they turn off the lights in the sanctuary during worship and use smoke and other visual effects? A: When humans use smoke to obscure the physical eye, that smoke also covers the spiritual eyes. The Lord God Almighty is the God of light. When humans turn off the lights in the worship place and use smoke effects, it is the same as telling the Lord God Almighty Himself that they know it all and no longer need His advice.
Q: What can we say about the trend we see in churches nowadays, where they turn off the lights in the sanctuary during worship and use smoke and other visual effects? A: When humans use smoke to obscure the physical eye, that smoke also covers the spiritual eyes. The Lord God Almighty is the God of light. When humans turn off the lights in the worship place and use smoke effects, it is the same as telling the Lord God Almighty Himself that they know it all and no longer need His advice.
9
Then, by the window, was sitting a certain young man named Eutychus, overpowered with deep sleep as Paul discoursed on longer; having been overpowered by the sleep, he fell downwards from the third story and was taken up dead.
Comments Acts 20:9
“Then, by the window, was sitting ...” The verse tells us the specific place where this person sat. This also indicates that there were many people in that room, leaving no room for some to stay in a safe place. But the one who has a heart for the Lord God Almighty will take a risk to stay in any position, even if it means not being secure and potentially facing harm to themselves. Because of the wish to hear the good news, this person was willing to take a chance.
“Having been overpowered by the sleep ...” The weak body, combined with the distance of the place to stay higher from the ground, made the person lose control of themselves and let the weakness overpower them. Falling asleep while listening made the mind lose control of position, and the person fell downwards to the floor from the high spot, causing damage to the person.
“And was taken up dead.” Give attention, all readers; the person who fell down had been found, but their life also ended. In human eyes, when taking the person up in that position, they believed that the person’s life had completely vanished from the person; he was dead.
“Having been overpowered by the sleep ...” The weak body, combined with the distance of the place to stay higher from the ground, made the person lose control of themselves and let the weakness overpower them. Falling asleep while listening made the mind lose control of position, and the person fell downwards to the floor from the high spot, causing damage to the person.
“And was taken up dead.” Give attention, all readers; the person who fell down had been found, but their life also ended. In human eyes, when taking the person up in that position, they believed that the person’s life had completely vanished from the person; he was dead.
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However, Paul, having gone down, fell upon him, and having embraced him, said, Be not disturbed, for his life is in him.
Comments Acts 20:10
“However, Paul, having gone down ...” The Lord God Almighty guided His apostle to go down. By embracing the person’s body, the Lord God Almighty’s presence within the apostle sustained the person’s life. Because every life belongs to the Lord God Almighty, death had no power in this place.
“Be not disturbed, for his life is in him.” The Lord God Almighty gave the word to His apostle to say out that the life of this person did not end, still hanging on; the person was in critical condition, but still alive.
“Be not disturbed, for his life is in him.” The Lord God Almighty gave the word to His apostle to say out that the life of this person did not end, still hanging on; the person was in critical condition, but still alive.
11
Then, having gone up, and having broken the bread, and having eaten, and having talked for long, until daybreak, so he departed.
Comments Acts 20:11
“Then, having gone up, and having ...” The Lord God Almighty used His apostle to perform a miracle. This miracle will impact every heart, filling everyone with faith and reverence for the mighty hand of the Lord God Almighty.
“And having talked for long, until ...” After the apostle had awakened the injured person, he did not leave them right away. The Lord God Almighty intended to use this event to stir the hearts of all people, making them realize that the Lord God Almighty had come with His apostle. This event would stir every heart to pay attention to the good news and build up faith.
“And having talked for long, until ...” After the apostle had awakened the injured person, he did not leave them right away. The Lord God Almighty intended to use this event to stir the hearts of all people, making them realize that the Lord God Almighty had come with His apostle. This event would stir every heart to pay attention to the good news and build up faith.
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And they brought the boy alive, and were not a little comforted.
Comments Acts 20:12
Give attention, all readers. The person fell downwards from that height and an injury occurred, but the Lord God Almighty used His apostle in keeping the body well. The person was awakened and made well; no injuries remained on the body.
13
We, however, having gone ahead to the ship, set sail to Assos, there intending to take in Paul. For thus having ordered, he was himself intending to go on foot.
Comments Acts 20:13
“We, however, having gone ahead to the ship ...” The Lord God Almighty set a plan for His apostle where to go, and that is why He stirred the believers to come into that place, Assos, and take the apostle to the destination. The journey did not end there; however, the weather conditions prevented them from traveling for too long. At this place will be the starting point where the apostle will lay out the plan for which direction to go and where to stop; without this direction, the trip will not succeed.
“For thus having ordered ...” The apostle himself received guidance to go on land, but the rest of the believers, who were his co-workers, needed to go by sea.
“For thus having ordered ...” The apostle himself received guidance to go on land, but the rest of the believers, who were his co-workers, needed to go by sea.
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Now, when he met with us at Assos, having taken him in, we came to Mitylene.
Comments Acts 20:14
The apostle followed the guidance of the Lord God Almighty to arrive at Assos at the right time, and the believers, his co-workers, will join and pick him up at that point.
15
And having sailed away from there, we arrived on the following day opposite Chios; then, the next day we arrived at Samos; and the following day we came to Miletus.
Comments Acts 20:15
The Lord God Almighty had a plan and places for His apostle to be. The precise time was also needed. The journey of His apostle will pass through many places, and at each place the apostle will make an impact as well.
16
For Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastened, if it was possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
Comments Acts 20:16
“For Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus ...” The Lord God Almighty guides the apostle’s heart. The place that he did not want to go was not by his own, but by the guidance of the Lord God Almighty. Going to Asia would be the duty of someone else later on, but at this time, the work in that area was not the right time for people to receive.
“For he was hastened, if it was possible ...” The day of Pentecost is important for all believers. At this time, the apostle of the Lord had been guided in his heart to join the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, because important work was waiting for the apostle to do at that time.
“For he was hastened, if it was possible ...” The day of Pentecost is important for all believers. At this time, the apostle of the Lord had been guided in his heart to join the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, because important work was waiting for the apostle to do at that time.
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And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church.
Comments Acts 20:17
Everything in talking with people, the apostle followed the guidance of the Lord God Almighty. The elders are responsible for giving further information, and here is an example for all. The apostle called the elders to receive the advice, and these elders will have the duty of spreading the information further.
18
Then, when they had come to him, he said to them, You know, from the first day that I arrived in Asia, how I was with you the whole time,
Comments Acts 20:18
“Then, when they had come to him ...” The apostle waited in one place, and the elders came and received the word from him. He did not have to go and talk to each individual separately.
“You know, from the first day ...” Being an apostle, he had set an example for others on how to behave. The behavior must follow the guidance of the Lord God Almighty in order to be able to make people realize and follow the right way. As believers follow the Lord’s teachings and set examples, as this verse instructs, and refrain from using our own understanding to act towards others. When people look at you, they can misunderstand the teachings you’ve received.
“You know, from the first day ...” Being an apostle, he had set an example for others on how to behave. The behavior must follow the guidance of the Lord God Almighty in order to be able to make people realize and follow the right way. As believers follow the Lord’s teachings and set examples, as this verse instructs, and refrain from using our own understanding to act towards others. When people look at you, they can misunderstand the teachings you’ve received.
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serving the Lord with all humility, and tears, and trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews;
Comments Acts 20:19
The work of the apostle in spreading the good news was not easy to do, as many people came up and tried to discredit the good news. The dark does not want the light from the Holy Word to come and work in people’s hearts, but these troubles did not make the apostle back off from doing the work.
20
how I shrank back nothing from declaring to you of that being profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house,
Comments Acts 20:20
“How I shrank back nothing from ...” What would benefit the people, the Lord God Almighty gave the apostle the courage to do. Greater difficulty also strengthened the apostle’s faith, for when hardship came, it made him realize he could only turn to the Lord God Almighty for the strength to continue the work.
“And teaching you publicly, and ...” Although the way to spread the good news may look difficult, going from house to house at that time would have benefited the apostle more, because when the apostle entered a house, this action gave the house owner the feeling that the apostle trusted them, and they also felt that the Lord God Almighty had mercy and wanted to use them. Spreading the good news from house to house benefited not only the apostle but also the people themselves.
“And teaching you publicly, and ...” Although the way to spread the good news may look difficult, going from house to house at that time would have benefited the apostle more, because when the apostle entered a house, this action gave the house owner the feeling that the apostle trusted them, and they also felt that the Lord God Almighty had mercy and wanted to use them. Spreading the good news from house to house benefited not only the apostle but also the people themselves.
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earnestly testifying both to the Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God , and faith in our Lord Jesus .
Comments Acts 20:21
“Earnestly testifying both to the Jews ...” The duty of the apostle was to proclaim the good news to all, to be saved, and also to let them know that the Lord God Almighty never leaves them or forsakes them, just be faithful and stay firm in faith toward Him.
“Repentance toward God.” Open your heart, acknowledge your faults, repent, and accept the judgment from the Lord God Almighty, the judgment of right and wrong. Full repentance, not only accepting your guilt and sins but also accepting mercy and forgiveness. The heart of repentance will expect the mercy of the Lord God Almighty and leave no room in the heart to have any doubt in His mercy.
“And faith in our Lord Jesus.” Accept the decision and mercy from God the Father, also accept the judgment from the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus. When full repentance happens, the Lord Jesus Christ will be the One who gives comfort in punishment of the soul. Be faithful and trust in His mercy.
“Repentance toward God.” Open your heart, acknowledge your faults, repent, and accept the judgment from the Lord God Almighty, the judgment of right and wrong. Full repentance, not only accepting your guilt and sins but also accepting mercy and forgiveness. The heart of repentance will expect the mercy of the Lord God Almighty and leave no room in the heart to have any doubt in His mercy.
“And faith in our Lord Jesus.” Accept the decision and mercy from God the Father, also accept the judgment from the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus. When full repentance happens, the Lord Jesus Christ will be the One who gives comfort in punishment of the soul. Be faithful and trust in His mercy.
22
And now, behold, I go bound in the S pirit to Jerusalem, not knowing in what it will happen to me,
Comments Acts 20:22
The apostle accepted and was willing to obey all orders and directions of work, even the hardship that awaited; the apostle was fully and willingly to accept all.
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except that the Holy Spirit testifies earnestly to me in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations await me.
Comments Acts 20:23
The apostle received warnings and assurances from the Lord God Almighty regarding what can happen to His life in serving Him. But with the heart truly faithful to the Lord God Almighty, the apostle was willing to give his life to the Lord. Whether faced with torture or death, there was no difference for the apostle; he was willing to endure either one.
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But I make not my life dear to myself on any account, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus , to testify earnestly the gospel of the grace of God .
Comments Acts 20:24
“But I make not my life dear to myself ...” The apostle has given his life to the Lord God Almighty. Now, for the apostle himself, his life is not his; the Lord God Almighty can use him as He pleases.
“So that I may accomplish my course ...” The work the Lord Jesus has given to His apostle made the apostle feel joyful. And the apostle had one thing left in his mind: the life he had left was only for working according to the will of the beloved Son of God.
“To testify earnestly the gospel ...” The greatness and mercy of the Lord God Almighty and His beloved Son must be proclaimed to all humans. All humans must know the true love of the Father and the Son for humans. And the apostle took his duty as a privilege to proclaim the gospel to all humans.
“So that I may accomplish my course ...” The work the Lord Jesus has given to His apostle made the apostle feel joyful. And the apostle had one thing left in his mind: the life he had left was only for working according to the will of the beloved Son of God.
“To testify earnestly the gospel ...” The greatness and mercy of the Lord God Almighty and His beloved Son must be proclaimed to all humans. All humans must know the true love of the Father and the Son for humans. And the apostle took his duty as a privilege to proclaim the gospel to all humans.
25
And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more.
Comments Acts 20:25
In this place, at this time, the Lord God Almighty gave information and orders to His apostle. His time of departure from this place was coming very soon, and the duty for some persons that the Lord wanted them to hear the apostle will end, and they will not see the apostle talking to them again. Hearing about and being spoken to will have a different impact on the heart. Specific persons who needed to hear directly from the apostle, that was the purpose for the apostle to be there. To hear from the mouth of the apostle, or to hear someone saying what the apostle said, is different.
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Therefore, I testify to you in this day that I am innocent from the blood of all.
Comments Acts 20:26
When the apostle has completed the task he received from the Lord God Almighty, it will also be the time for his soon-to-come departure. The good news had been proclaimed, and the hearts that were open have received the message.
27
For I shrank not back from declaring to you all the counsel of God .
Comments Acts 20:27
The apostle received his duty and, with his whole heart, was willing to do all the work. With all his heart, he had faith and trust in the Lord God Almighty in helping him to fulfill his duty, which he received.
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Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of the God , which He purchased through H is own blood.
Comments Acts 20:28
“Take heed to yourselves ...” The apostle gives warnings to the believers and leaders that they must act toward each believer with love, and expect friendship with a clean heart, and those in need, by the mercy of God, help one another. Treat each other as one family.
“In which the Holy Spirit has made ...” Those that the Holy Spirit leads you to meet are the ones that you need to help. Do not ignore any believer who is in need. When the Holy Spirit guides you to meet a brother in need, that is the place the Holy Spirit wants you to show love and mercy. The believers in the house of God are the family of God, and you are part of it. The duty of all believers is to help one another. Think of the word “in need.” Physical and spiritual, that is what helping those “in need” means.
“Which He purchased through His own blood.” The beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus, had been crucified and shed His blood on the cross; with His own blood, He had purchased every soul. By the mercy of God the Father, He has sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, to come down and save all humans.
“In which the Holy Spirit has made ...” Those that the Holy Spirit leads you to meet are the ones that you need to help. Do not ignore any believer who is in need. When the Holy Spirit guides you to meet a brother in need, that is the place the Holy Spirit wants you to show love and mercy. The believers in the house of God are the family of God, and you are part of it. The duty of all believers is to help one another. Think of the word “in need.” Physical and spiritual, that is what helping those “in need” means.
“Which He purchased through His own blood.” The beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus, had been crucified and shed His blood on the cross; with His own blood, He had purchased every soul. By the mercy of God the Father, He has sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, to come down and save all humans.
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I know that after my departure grievous wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
Comments Acts 20:29
“I know that after my departure ...” The Lord God Almighty let His apostle know that following his departure from the people, the confusion of mind will start to make people doubt the teachings they had received, and make themselves weak, and lack meditation. When lacking mediation, the mind will open to be deceived by the dark mind. The dark mind has no mercy because the dark wants to control humans, and they don’t want the light from the holy teaching to occupy any room in the human mind.
“Not sparing the flock.” The verse clearly tells all humans, young, old, male, female, all alike, that when lacking meditation, they can be deceived. The mind will be easily swayed and think negatively, not only toward the teaching but toward themselves and each other as well.
“Not sparing the flock.” The verse clearly tells all humans, young, old, male, female, all alike, that when lacking meditation, they can be deceived. The mind will be easily swayed and think negatively, not only toward the teaching but toward themselves and each other as well.
30
and out from your own selves, men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Comments Acts 20:30
“And out from your own selves ...” The dark mind (evil spirit) knows the weakness of humans. If someone from outside comes among believers, they will not be able to make their plan. However, to succeed, they must use people from the inside to create doubt for others, and that way, the way will be open for the dark to occupy more human minds. An attack from within can collapse the core, whereas an attack from the outside will strengthen it.
“Speaking perverse things.” The Bible says it all for humans. The tongue is an instrument of evil. The most difficult thing for humans to control is their own tongue. Their own tongue will sway the human mind away from the truth, leading them to seek trust and safety elsewhere. That is why all humans watch out, meditate, and beg for the mercy of the Lord to control their own tongue.
“To draw away the disciples after them.” When lacking meditation, doubt will come and occupy the minds of believers, and make the people walk away from the holy teachings and follow the speech of humans that sway many minds to believe.
“Speaking perverse things.” The Bible says it all for humans. The tongue is an instrument of evil. The most difficult thing for humans to control is their own tongue. Their own tongue will sway the human mind away from the truth, leading them to seek trust and safety elsewhere. That is why all humans watch out, meditate, and beg for the mercy of the Lord to control their own tongue.
“To draw away the disciples after them.” When lacking meditation, doubt will come and occupy the minds of believers, and make the people walk away from the holy teachings and follow the speech of humans that sway many minds to believe.
31
Therefore, watch, remembering that for three years I ceased not to admonish each one night and day with tears.
Comments Acts 20:31
“Therefore, watch, remembering that ...” In the place that needed more guidance, the Lord God Almighty put His apostle to be there for a longer time to help.
“I ceased not to admonish each one ...” Notice the love of the apostle for other believers. The Lord God Almighty put true love in the apostle’s heart for fellow believers. And also, guided the heart of the apostle toward the outsiders to bring them to have faith as well.
“I ceased not to admonish each one ...” Notice the love of the apostle for other believers. The Lord God Almighty put true love in the apostle’s heart for fellow believers. And also, guided the heart of the apostle toward the outsiders to bring them to have faith as well.
32
And now I commit you to God , and to the word of H is grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all those having been sanctified.
Comments Acts 20:32
“And now I commit you to God.” When the apostle had told them the good news to be saved, the Lord God Almighty had guided the apostle’s heart to pray and give those who had received the teachings to the Lord God Almighty in order to keep their faith growing and help them to stay firm in faith.
“And to the word of His grace ...” The Word of the Lord God Almighty is the Living Word, and when whosoever trusts and has faith in the Holy Word, that person also will be part of serving the Living Word, and the Lord God Almighty receives that person into His arms for protection and guides that person to spread out the Living Word.
“And to give you the inheritance among ...” When you have faith in the Living Word and truly follow the Lord God Almighty, He gives you an inheritance of eternal joy that will be with you forever. Do not let the dark sway your mind to have doubt. The dark cannot fight the Lord God Almighty, but they can sway the human mind to lose trust in the Holy Word. And when the person does not trust the Holy Word, the dark can enter and control the mind of the person.
“And to the word of His grace ...” The Word of the Lord God Almighty is the Living Word, and when whosoever trusts and has faith in the Holy Word, that person also will be part of serving the Living Word, and the Lord God Almighty receives that person into His arms for protection and guides that person to spread out the Living Word.
“And to give you the inheritance among ...” When you have faith in the Living Word and truly follow the Lord God Almighty, He gives you an inheritance of eternal joy that will be with you forever. Do not let the dark sway your mind to have doubt. The dark cannot fight the Lord God Almighty, but they can sway the human mind to lose trust in the Holy Word. And when the person does not trust the Holy Word, the dark can enter and control the mind of the person.
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I coveted no one's silver, or gold, or clothing.
Comments Acts 20:33
The apostle was pleased with his situation. Whether rich or poor, it had no effect on his mind. The trust in the Lord God Almighty that He would provide all his needs at the right time was in his heart.
34
You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my needs, and to those who were with me.
Comments Acts 20:34
“You yourselves know that these hands ...” Humans are born with physical abilities that are suitable for their needs. The apostle was happy to use his physical body to work to have enough for his needs, and he did not need to beg anyone for food. He had trust and begged the Lord God Almighty for all his needs, and the Lord God Almighty always provided all that he needed.
“And to those who were with me.” The apostle had a true heart and a true relationship with all believers who traveled with him. What the Lord God Almighty blessed him with, he also shared all with the people around him. No one had need to go out and be as a beggar because all their needs had been provided.
“And to those who were with me.” The apostle had a true heart and a true relationship with all believers who traveled with him. What the Lord God Almighty blessed him with, he also shared all with the people around him. No one had need to go out and be as a beggar because all their needs had been provided.
35
In all things I showed you, that thusly laboring it behooves us to help those being weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus , that H e H imself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Comments Acts 20:35
“In all things I showed you, that thusly ...” When your body is well, do the work as much as you can. And in all that you have, help those who are in need. In the same way, the Lord God Almighty will help you when you are in need.
“And to remember the words of the Lord Jesus.” The beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus, taught all humans. Remember all His teachings, meditate and follow, no doubting in your mind to follow.
“It is more blessed to give ...” Give attention: the blessings come upon you when you give. When you give, those who receive will give thanks to the Lord God Almighty, and that will make the Lord God Almighty bless you more abundantly, and you can go and do more giving than receiving.
“And to remember the words of the Lord Jesus.” The beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus, taught all humans. Remember all His teachings, meditate and follow, no doubting in your mind to follow.
“It is more blessed to give ...” Give attention: the blessings come upon you when you give. When you give, those who receive will give thanks to the Lord God Almighty, and that will make the Lord God Almighty bless you more abundantly, and you can go and do more giving than receiving.
36
And having said these, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.
Comments Acts 20:36
After the apostle had taught the truth he received, all knelt down together and prayed. The teaching words will grow in their hearts and make people give praise to the Lord God Almighty.
37
And there was sufficient weeping among all, and having fallen on Paul's neck they kissed him,
Comments Acts 20:37
The verse tells all readers that the believers loved the apostle in the way of true love, but also that all of them knew that this was the will of the Lord God Almighty for his departure. Pure love between believers has been shown in this verse. All believers should take this as an example. When you meet someone with a heart full of faith and you feel the Lord’s blessing upon that person to teach you the good news and the proper understanding of the Holy Word, it is important that when that person departs from you, the love and longing to hear more of the Holy Word should capture your heart to be sorrowful, but this sorrow you should also put behind the joy that you have heard the Holy Word being taught to you.
38
sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Comments Acts 20:38
“Sorrowing most of all for the word ...” When the apostle told people that they would not see him again, the longing for the apostle captured their hearts, and the blessing of the Lord God Almighty in sending His apostle gave them joy in hearing the Word. But the faith they have received this time will still be with them; however, they must continue meditating and talking about what they have received in order not to get mixed up and forget the joy that they received from the Word of God.
“That they should behold his face no more.” The face of the apostle gave them assurance of the Holy Word, and now they will not see his face again in their lives; that is the sadness of losing someone.
“Then they accompanied him to the ship.” The reader can notice the joy and love of the believers for the apostle. They wanted to spend every moment with him until they had to depart from one another. They walked and went with the apostle to the ship. That time would be important because the apostle would remind them more of the Holy Word from the Lord God Almighty.
“That they should behold his face no more.” The face of the apostle gave them assurance of the Holy Word, and now they will not see his face again in their lives; that is the sadness of losing someone.
“Then they accompanied him to the ship.” The reader can notice the joy and love of the believers for the apostle. They wanted to spend every moment with him until they had to depart from one another. They walked and went with the apostle to the ship. That time would be important because the apostle would remind them more of the Holy Word from the Lord God Almighty.
Life and faith applications. 1) We must pray and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all our work for the Lord. 2) As believers, we must take part in the breaking of the bread together with other believers. 3) We must remain watchful and vigilant, praying for safety in all situations. 4) We must stay firm in our faith by reading and meditating on the Word of God regularly. 5) We should witness our faith, without discrimination, to those whom the Lord brings into our path. 6) Fully commit ourselves to serving the Lord for the rest of our lives. 7) We must pray and stay alert, as false teachers will attempt to spread among the flock that the Lord Jesus purchased with His own blood. 8) Do not covet; instead, use our God-given abilities to provide for our needs and help others in need. 9) Pray for and bless those whom the Lord sends among us, as we see their hearts full of faith, and the Lord uses them to share the good news.