PAUL IN TROAS
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Opening Prayer
Whatever this day holds for me, Father, help me to walk through it in spirit and truth, with confidence that you are with me, and with faith that you always accomplish your purposes.
Read ACTS 20:1–16
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Through Macedonia and Greece
20 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. 2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, 3 where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. 4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. 5 These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. 6 But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas
7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
‘O worship the King, all-glorious above.’1
After the Ephesian riot, Paul left for Macedonia, where he had sent Timothy and Erastus, his helpers, in advance.2 Paul’s journeys were often quite convoluted, and it is likely that he chose his route so that he could visit and encourage churches that he knew while he was traveling. Evangelism and mission cannot be separated from pastoral care and discipleship. Paul was about to sail to Syria but, because of a plot against him, he decided to go back through Macedonia, accompanied by many co-workers, including Luke. Paul believed in team ministry and never worked alone. He used the companionship, gifts, and connections of others—a good example for us today.
Luke explains that the others went on ahead to Troas, while Paul stayed for the Feast of the Unleavened Bread and followed later. Troas was another strategic center for gospel connections. The church there seems well established, since Luke describes a worship service. This was the early church being the church: we may recognize elements in our own worship!
Luke’s description of Paul’s long and winding journey to Jerusalem resembles his description of Jesus’ journey there. Paul traveled with his disciples, experienced challenges from the Jewish leaders, and was determined to get there for Pentecost. Luke may be emphasizing the nature of discipleship for those who follow Jesus. He also tells us about Eutychus, the young man who fell from the window while Paul preached, and was discovered dead (Luke, of course, was a doctor). Paul effected a miracle by laying hands on the young man3 and Eutychus recovered. Paul allowed the power of God to flow through him. Then he left for the next bit of his journey.
Apply
Reflect on the ways our worship is connected with those early Christians.
Closing prayer
Thank you, Jesus, that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You deserve all of my praise and worship.
1 ‘O Worship the King’, Robert Grant, 1833 2 See Acts 19:22 3 Like Elijah in 1 Kings 17
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