Acts 20:17 - From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the elders of the assembly.
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What does "Acts 20:17" mean?
Acts 20:17 describes a key moment in the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey. Let's break down what the verse means:
"From Miletus": Miletus was a port city on the coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul was traveling by ship and stopped there.
"He sent to Ephesus": Paul didn't go to Ephesus himself at this point. Ephesus was a major city and a very important center for early Christians. It was approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Miletus.
"and called to himself the elders of the assembly": This is the most significant part of the verse.
"Elders" (Greek: presbyterous): These were leaders within the Christian community in Ephesus. They were responsible for the spiritual oversight and well-being of the believers. We can think of them as similar to pastors or overseers.
"of the assembly" (Greek: ekklēsia): This refers to the Christian church or congregation in Ephesus. The word "assembly" or "church" suggests a gathered community of believers.
"Called to himself": Paul specifically requested that these elders come to him in Miletus.
In essence, the verse means:
While traveling in Miletus, Paul sent a message to Ephesus and requested that the leaders of the Christian church there (the elders) come and meet with him in Miletus.
Why is this significant?
Paul's concern for the Ephesians: Paul had spent a considerable amount of time (three years, according to Acts 20:31) ministering in Ephesus. He had a deep connection with the church there and was clearly concerned for their well-being.
A farewell meeting: Paul had a sense that he would not be returning to Ephesus (Acts 20:25, 38). This meeting was likely his final opportunity to speak with and encourage these leaders face-to-face.
Instructions and warnings: In the subsequent verses (Acts 20:18-35), Paul delivers a powerful farewell address to the elders. He reminds them of his ministry among them, warns them about false teachers who would try to lead the church astray, and exhorts them to diligently shepherd the flock of God.
Leadership and shepherding: The passage highlights the importance of leadership within the church. Paul recognized the vital role of the elders in guiding and protecting the believers.
In summary, Acts 20:17 sets the stage for a very important and emotional meeting between Paul and the Ephesian elders. It underscores Paul's commitment to the church in Ephesus, his concern for their future, and the importance of faithful leadership.
Acts 20:17 - From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the elders of the assembly.
What does "Acts 20:17" mean?
Acts 20:17 describes a key moment in the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey. Let's break down what the verse means:
"From Miletus": Miletus was a port city on the coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul was traveling by ship and stopped there.
"He sent to Ephesus": Paul didn't go to Ephesus himself at this point. Ephesus was a major city and a very important center for early Christians. It was approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Miletus.
"and called to himself the elders of the assembly": This is the most significant part of the verse.
"Elders" (Greek: presbyterous): These were leaders within the Christian community in Ephesus. They were responsible for the spiritual oversight and well-being of the believers. We can think of them as similar to pastors or overseers.
"of the assembly" (Greek: ekklēsia): This refers to the Christian church or congregation in Ephesus. The word "assembly" or "church" suggests a gathered community of believers.
"Called to himself": Paul specifically requested that these elders come to him in Miletus.
In essence, the verse means:
While traveling in Miletus, Paul sent a message to Ephesus and requested that the leaders of the Christian church there (the elders) come and meet with him in Miletus.
Why is this significant?
Paul's concern for the Ephesians: Paul had spent a considerable amount of time (three years, according to Acts 20:31) ministering in Ephesus. He had a deep connection with the church there and was clearly concerned for their well-being.
A farewell meeting: Paul had a sense that he would not be returning to Ephesus (Acts 20:25, 38). This meeting was likely his final opportunity to speak with and encourage these leaders face-to-face.
Instructions and warnings: In the subsequent verses (Acts 20:18-35), Paul delivers a powerful farewell address to the elders. He reminds them of his ministry among them, warns them about false teachers who would try to lead the church astray, and exhorts them to diligently shepherd the flock of God.
Leadership and shepherding: The passage highlights the importance of leadership within the church. Paul recognized the vital role of the elders in guiding and protecting the believers.
In summary, Acts 20:17 sets the stage for a very important and emotional meeting between Paul and the Ephesian elders. It underscores Paul's commitment to the church in Ephesus, his concern for their future, and the importance of faithful leadership.