ANOINTING OIL DYNAMICS LTD Training Platform Mobile: 1-868-334-AODL / 345-AOIL H.E. Dr. Isaac Shadrack (CDKA, DCPC) 1-868-683-9883/394-9029 Menorah Castle, Debe e-mail: [email protected] TRINIDAD, West Indies [email protected] Website www.anointingoildynamics.com

The Book of Acts: Chapter 20 By Isaac Shadrack (Dip Theo, BA, MA, DD, PhD.) (Ps 119:98-100)

III. The church progressing westward to Rome: its shift from a Jewish to a Gentile entity 13:1–28:31 D. Third missionary journey 18:23–21:16 3. Paul’s return to the established churches 20:1–38

Acts 20:1-6 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, 3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into , he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4 And there accompanied him into Asia of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of , and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These going before tarried for us at Troas. 6 And we sailed away from after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.1  20:4. The men traveling with Paul at the end of this journey are probably those delegated by their churches to carry offerings for the collection Paul is taking to the needy Judean Christians. See 24:17; Romans 15:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 16:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8, 9.2  20:5 Troas was an important seaport on the in northwest Asia Minor and was the main port between Asia Minor and Macedonia (Europe). It was the ideal place for God to lead Paul when sending him into Europe with the gospel (16:6–10). Troas was 10 miles south of ancient , made famous by Homer. Troas was founded by the successors of in 300 B.C. and named Alexandria Troas. Paul was in Troas at least three times. Early in Paul’s second missionary journey, while at Troas, he received the vision leading him to Macedonia. Luke, the author of Acts, apparently joined the missionary party at Troas, for he begins to use the first person pronoun (we) to narrate the events (16:10). About seven years later, at the end of the third journey, Paul entered Troas for the second and third times. When he first left on his way to Macedonia (vv. 1, 2) he passed through Troas preaching the gospel and expecting to meet Titus there (2 Cor. 2:12). Then, after several months in Macedonia and Achaia, he spent seven days in Troas (vv. 5, 6). Paul evidently had a fourth visit, during which he left some essential possessions that he later needed during his second Roman imprisonment (2 Tim. 4:13).3  20:6. Luke, the author of the book, rejoins Paul at Philippi as indicated by we.4

Acts 20:7-12 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

1The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769. 2Thomas Nelson, Inc., King James Version Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1988 by Liberty University. 3Thomas Nelson, Inc., King James Version Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1988 by Liberty University. 4Thomas Nelson, Inc., King James Version Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1988 by Liberty University. there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 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. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 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. 12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.5  20:7. This passage provides the clearest evidence that the New Testament churches assembled on the first day of the week. In fact, this was the primary service of the week. Paul stayed in Troas one full week. Then on Sunday, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them. He consistently preached on the Jewish Sabbath, because that was the day the Jews would gather in the synagogues. On Sunday it would be virtually empty. But when Paul gathered for fellowship with the church it was on Sunday, as revealed here and in 1 Corinthians 16:2. Sunday was the day they received offerings; Sunday was the day they observed the Lord’s Supper. The teachings of the apostles agree with this practice. Only once do the apostles mention the Sabbath in teaching its proper place (Col. 2:16). Several other times reference is clearly made to the Sabbath (Rom. 14:5, 6; Gal. 4:9–11). In each of these passages Christians are urged not to allow the Sabbath to become an issue. Normally, Christians observe Sunday because of Christ’s resurrection on Sunday and because of the early church’s example. Neither Saturday nor Sunday is, however, the Christian’s Sabbath. We worship a Person, not a day. Every day is to be holy to the Lord. Remember the weekday to keep it holy.6  20:9, 10 Peter had earlier raised Tabitha to life (9:40). Now Paul raises Eutychus. Luke on a number of occasions draws parallels between the ministries of the two apostles to show God’s blessing was equally upon both.7  20:11 This incident further illustrates early Christian fellowship. They ate and talked until morning. They treasured every moment with God’s people. Sleep was secondary to insights gained through Christ’s grace.8

Acts 20:13-17 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto , there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. 14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. 15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against ; and the next day we arrived at , and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to . 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 the day of Pentecost. 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 9  20:17. These church leaders from Ephesus are called elders (Gr. presbuterous) and overseers or (Gr. episkopous) in verse 28. Two names are given for one office—the former designating their character, the latter their responsibility to superintend. 10

Acts 20:18-38 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

5The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769. 6Thomas Nelson, Inc., King James Version Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1988 by Liberty University. 7W.A. Criswell, Believer’s study Bible [computer file], electronic ed. , Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1991 by the Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. 8W.A. Criswell, Believer’s study Bible [computer file], electronic ed. , Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1991 by the Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. 9The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769. 10Thomas Nelson, Inc., King James Version Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1988 by Liberty University. humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 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. 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. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 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. 33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 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. 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, 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. 11  20:18 This tender scene of Paul’s meeting with believers from Ephesus, after he had summoned the elders, reveals afoundational truth concerning early church organization. The believers from Ephesus were called “the elders” (presbuteroi, Gk.). In v. 28 Paul calls them “overseers” (episkopoi, Gk.). Further, Paul exhorted these church leaders to “shepherd the church of God.” The verb “shepherd” is derived from the Greek word usually translated in its noun form as “pastor.” These three terms accordingly do not indicate levels of authority but diversity of function. The same man or men held all three responsibilities and offices at the same time (cf. 1 Pet. 5:1–3, note).12  20:22–24 Paul was convinced that God’s Spirit wanted him to go to Jerusalem. Others who were equally led of the Spirit prepared Paul by warning him that imprisonment was imminent if he persisted in his journey to the Holy City (v. 23). Paul’s evaluation of the situation was that none of the threats concerned him (v. 24). Life on earth was no longer a real concern except as it related to the completion of his mission.13  20:31. This does not contradict the statement in 19:10. Paul spent a total of three years in Ephesus; two in the school of Tyrannus.14 - 20:35. Here alone is a quotation from Christ that is not recorded in the Gospels.15

11The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769. 12W.A. Criswell, Believer’s study Bible [computer file], electronic ed. , Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1991 by the Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. 13W.A. Criswell, Believer’s study Bible [computer file], electronic ed. , Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1991 by the Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. 14Thomas Nelson, Inc., King James Version Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1988 by Liberty University. 15Thomas Nelson, Inc., King James Version Study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1988 by Liberty University.