ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Acts 20

Acts 20:1 In the final days of his Ephesian ministry, after writing 1 Corinthians (see note on Acts 19:22), Paul had considerable conflict with the Corinthian church. He made a “painful” visit to them. He also wrote a “tearful” letter upon his return to Ephesus (2 Cor. 2:1–4). As his time in Ephesus neared its completion, Paul sent Titus ahead to Corinth. Upon leaving Ephesus (Acts 20:1), Paul first went north. He visited Christian communities along the way and hoped to meet Titus returning from Corinth (2 Cor. 2:12–13). In Macedonia Titus finally joined him. Titus brought the good news that the Corinthian church had repented of its opposition to Paul’s leadership (2 Cor. 7:5–16). Paul then wrote 2 Corinthians.

Acts 20:2 Greece is another name for the province of Achaia, where Corinth was located.

Acts 20:3 Paul stayed at Corinth for three months, likely the winter months (see 1 Cor. 16:6). Sea travel was more dangerous then. Syria. Paul’s goal was to sail to a Syrian port, with Jerusalem as the final destination (Acts 19:21). Paul wrote Romans (c. a.d. 57) during this final Corinthian visit (see note on Rom. 16:1–23). In Romans he explained that he went to Jerusalem to deliver a collection from Gentile churches for needy Christians there (Rom. 15:22–29; see Acts 24:17). he decided to return through Macedonia. This took Paul back to the churches of Berea, Thessalonica, and Philippi.

Acts 20:4 accompanied him. In 1 Cor. 16:1–4, Paul noted that official representatives from the various churches of his ministry would travel with him. They protected the offering from robbers. They also guaranteed Paul’s integrity in handling the funds. Aristarchus. See note on Acts 19:29.

Acts 20:5 These went on ahead. This group may have included all the representatives or just the two Asians (v. 4). They perhaps arranged for the final voyage from Troas (see note on 16:8).

Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week. The first reference in Acts to worship on Sunday.

Acts 20:15 Chios was the birthplace of Homer. Samos was the birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras. Miletus was a major Aegean harbor in the province of Asia in Paul’s day.

Acts 20:17–35 Paul’s Miletus address is the only example in Acts of a major speech to Christians. Of all Paul’s speeches in Acts, it has the most in common with his letters, which were addressed to Christians.

Acts 20:17 The Ephesian church leaders are called elders. In v. 28 they are addressed as “overseers” (sometimes translated “bishops”) who are to “care for” (or “shepherd”) “the flock” (the role of pastors). “Elders” and “overseers” likely refer to the same office.

Acts 20:20 did not shrink. See note on vv. 26–27.

Acts 20:22–23 Constrained indicates the Holy Spirit prompted Paul to go quickly and directly to Jerusalem. the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city. Probably through Christian prophets (see 21:11) and direct revelation from the Holy Spirit.

Acts 20:24 Compare 2 Cor. 4:7–12; 12:9–10; Phil. 1:20–21; 3:8; Col. 1:24. In 2 Tim. 4:7 he used the same expression of finishing his course (or “race”).

Acts 20:26–27 For Paul’s claim to be innocent of their blood, compare Ezek. 33:1–6 and see note on Acts 18:6. Paul is not responsible for any future doctrinal or moral error in the Ephesian church, for he did not shrink from declaring any part of the teaching of the Word of God. whole counsel of God. The entirety of God’s redemptive plan presented in Scripture.

Acts 20:28 the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. The last part of this phrase refers to Christ’s atoning death on the cross (see Rom. 5:9). The first part of this phrase (“the church of God”) most likely refers to Christ (“God the Son”) as the head of the church. The phrase could also be translated to refer to the blood of God’s “own,” that is, of “God’s own Son.” (See also esv footnote.)

Acts 20:29–30 Paul showed remarkable insight into the future situation of the Ephesian church (probably through a revelation from the Holy Spirit). Paul’s letters to Timothy, who served Ephesus a decade or so later, mention false teachers who were using the church for their own gain. These persons came from within the church, in fact, from among the elders (from among your own selves). (See 1 Tim. 4:1–3; 2 Tim. 2:17–18; 3:1–9.)

Acts 20:31–32 Three years included the “three months” and the “two years” in Ephesus that Luke mentioned earlier (see 19:8, 10). inheritance. Salvation. sanctified. Made holy in heart and life by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 20:35 the words of the Lord Jesus. This saying from Jesus is not recorded in the Gospels. Jesus did many things that are not recorded in Scripture (see John 21:25). This saying was probably passed on to Paul by those who heard Jesus teach. give. On Christian generosity, see 2 Cor. 8:9–15.

Acts 20:38 sorrowful. Paul’s churches had deep affection for him.