Acts 20:13-16 NKJV[13] Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. [14] And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. [15] We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. [16] For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.
In Acts 20:13-16, we witness the Apostle Paul’s unwavering commitment to his mission as he journeys from Troas to Miletus. This passage, though concise, reveals Paul’s determination, strategic planning, and the importance of fellowship within the early Christian community. Let’s delve into these verses to uncover their deeper significance and the lessons they offer for our lives today.
Verse Analysis:
- Acts 20:13 (ESV):
“And we went ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land.”
Paul’s Journey on Foot: Instead of sailing with his companions, Paul chose to walk from Troas to Assos. This decision might have been motivated by a desire for solitude, reflection, or prayer. Paul’s willingness to walk highlights his dedication and the personal sacrifices he was willing to make for his ministry.
- Mark 1:35: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”
- Luke 5:16: “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”
- Acts 20:14 (ESV):
“And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene.”
Reunion at Assos: Paul’s companions met him at Assos, and together they traveled to Mitylene. This reunion underscores the importance of teamwork and mutual support in ministry.
- Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
- Philippians 1:27: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”
- Acts 20:15 (ESV):
“And sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus.”
Detailed Travel Log: Luke meticulously records their journey, mentioning Chios, Samos, and Trogyllium before arriving at Miletus. This detailed itinerary highlights the historical accuracy and the strategic nature of their travels.
- Romans 15:24: “I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.”
- 2 Timothy 4:13: “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.”
- Acts 20:16 (ESV):
“For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.”
Strategic Decision: Paul chose to bypass Ephesus to avoid delays, aiming to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. This decision shows his strategic planning and commitment to his mission.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
- Acts 2:1: “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.”
Key Themes:
1. Personal Devotion and Reflection:
Paul’s Journey on Foot: Paul’s decision to walk from Troas to Assos reflects his commitment to personal devotion and prayer.
- Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Matthew 14:23: “And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.”
2. Unity and Fellowship:
Reuniting with Companions: The reunion of Paul and his companions at Assos demonstrates the importance of unity and fellowship in the early church.
- Acts 2:42: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
- Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
3. Strategic Planning in Ministry:
Paul’s Itinerary: Paul’s meticulous planning to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost highlights the importance of strategic planning in ministry.
- Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
- James 4:13-15: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'”
Acts 20:13-16 provides a glimpse into Paul’s journey and the dynamics of the early Christian community. Through Paul’s personal devotion, unity with his companions, and strategic planning, we learn valuable lessons about our own spiritual walk and ministry. Let us be inspired to seek personal reflection, foster unity, and plan strategically in our service to God. May we, like Paul, remain dedicated to our mission and be led by the Holy Spirit in all that we do.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Paul and the early church. Help us to seek personal devotion, unity, and strategic planning in our lives and ministries. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit and strengthen us to fulfill Your will. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen. B
