Acts 20:13-24 – Paul recounting his life

In verses 13-16 we see a recollection of the different ways Paul and his companions came to Assos. Paul had arranged for them, including Luke, to go ahead by sea to Assos while he would travel there by foot to join them on board.

When Paul boarded at Assos, the team first set sail to Mitylene then to a spot opposite Chios, arriving there the next day. From there, their next stop was Samos on the next day.  Then on the following day they came to Miletus. This journey was given some detail. In all they seemed to have taken about five days of sailing time. Starting each night with each port represented a day’s journey.  

In his hurry to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, Paul avoided Ephesus. The reason he avoided Ephesus is a puzzle. It could well be that it was not safe for him to go to Ephesus at that time. Or it could also be that his traveling was tied up with the schedule of the ship, which only stop at Miletus as the port of call.  So from Miletus he sent for the elders from the church at Ephesus.

When thy came to him at Miletus, he gave his farewell speech. Verses 18-21 Paul began with a heart to heart talk. He appealed to their knowledge of him and his ministry. He reminded them that from the day he set foot in Asia he had spent his whole time devoting himself to them and had served the Lord in humility. And despite the hardship, tears, trials or even plots by people who opposed him, none could stop him. He kept on declaring and teaching them either publicly or privately. Paul not only declared to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. He solemnly called on them to repent and turn to God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

From verses 22-24, Paul made clear that it was not only his plan but that of the Spirit, to press on to Jerusalem, although he did not know what was before him. Paul knew he had to make some personal sacrifices but that would not deter him. For him, his life was worth nothing to himself, because his greatest goal was to finish the race and the ministry assigned him by the Lord. His life was consumed by the call to declare the Gospel of the grace of God.    

Paul shown exceptional commitment to the Lord and the people he came to serve. Through dangers and perils to his own personal life, he did not relent. He kept his eyes on the Lord and the mission He had been entrusted to do. What commitment! Let’s be challenged by his commitment extraordinaire and seek to emulate him.