Acts 20:13-17
13 But we went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos, intending from there to take Paul on board; for that was what he had arranged, intending himself to go by land.
14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.
15 Sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios; and the next day we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus.
16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to lose time in Asia; for he was hurrying, if it might be possible for him to be in Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
17 From Miletus he sent word to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the church.
From Troas to Miletus (1)
The context
Paul is currently planning to go to Jerusalem passing through Macedonia and Achaia. (1) He initially intended to board a ship from Cenchreae, the port of Corinth, to Jerusalem. However, upon learning of a plot to kill him, he changed his plan and decided to travel by land (from Corinth to Philippi, then to Troas). (2) The seven companions, being unrelated to the plot, traveled ahead by ship to Troas. (3) Paul and Luke joined the seven companions in Troas. (4) They stayed in Troas for seven days, during which Paul ministered to the church there. Despite Eutychus’s falling accident, his revival brought great comfort to the people. (5) This passage serves as a travel log of the journey from Troas to Miletus (Luke faithfully records Paul’s travels). The key focus is the message Paul delivers to the elders of Ephesus in Miletus. In the Book of Acts, Luke records three significant messages delivered by Paul: (1) First Missionary Journey: The message in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:16-41). (2) Second Missionary Journey: The message in Athens (Acts 17:22-31). (3) Third Missionary Journey: The message in Miletus (Acts 20:18-35).
From Troas to Assos
“But we went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos, intending from there to take Paul on board; for that was what he had arranged, intending himself to go by land.” (1) The companions (eight including Luke) boarded the ship and departed from Troas ahead of Paul. They left before Paul because the sea route to Assos took longer. To reach Assos by ship, it was necessary to sail around Cape Lectum. (2) On the other hand, the land route from Troas to Assos is approximately 19 miles (30 km). Paul decided to travel this route alone. It was a one-day journey on foot. (3) Why did Paul choose the land route? Several possible reasons can be considered. (a) Economic reasons: It may have been necessary to save on travel expenses. (b) Health reasons: Walking provided moderate exercise. (c) Evangelistic reasons: It allowed Paul to engage in evangelism or fellowship with believers along the way. (d) Fellowship with God: This was likely the most important reason. During this period, Paul needed to seek God’s will and pray regarding the offering for the Jerusalem church. Let us also ensure we set aside time to be alone. Such moments are an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with God. There is no need to fear solitude.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, having fellowship with You is the most important thing. When I pray, please reveal me Your will. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.