A Tearful Goodbye
How do you say farewell to people you love, knowing you will never see them again?
Acts 20:1-38
Read the whole passage before anything else. Everything below exists to help you understand what you just read.
1After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.
2When he had gone through those parts and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Greece.
3When he had spent three months there, and a plot was made against him by Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia.
4These accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, Gaius of Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
5But these had gone ahead, and were waiting for us at Troas.
6We sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we stayed seven days.
7On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day; and continued his speech until midnight.
8There were many lights in the upper room where we were gathered together.
9A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead.
10Paul went down and fell upon him, and embracing him said, “Don’t be troubled, for his life is in him.”
11When he had gone up, had broken bread and eaten, and had talked with them a long while, even until break of day, he departed.
12They brought the boy in alive, and were greatly comforted.
13But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there; for he had so arranged, intending himself to go by land.
14When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and came to Mitylene.
15Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we came to Miletus.
16For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
17From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the assembly.
18When they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time,
19serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews;
20how I didn’t shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house,
21testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus.
22Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;
23except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.
24But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.
25“Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching God’s Kingdom, will see my face no more.
26Therefore I testify to you today that I am clean from the blood of all men,
27for I didn’t shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
28Take heed, therefore, to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
29For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
31Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.
32Now, brothers, I entrust you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
33I coveted no one’s silver, gold, or clothing.
34You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.
35In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
36When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
37They all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him,
38sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
What just happened?
After the riot in Ephesus, where the silversmiths nearly tore the city apart over Paul's message, Paul finally departed. He traveled through Macedonia, a region in modern-day northern Greece, encouraging the scattered Christian communities. He then moved south into Achaia, specifically spending three months in Greece, likely in Corinth. His original plan was to sail directly to Syria, probably Antioch, which was a hub for missionary journeys. But a plot by some Jewish groups against him, revealed just before his departure, forced a change of plans. This wasn't an isolated incident; plots and accusations had followed Paul throughout his travels, turning what should have been straightforward travel into a calculated risk.
Instead of sailing, Paul decided to retrace his steps through Macedonia. A group of companions, representing various churches, joined him. This wasn't just a travel entourage; these men were likely carrying financial contributions from their churches to the struggling believers in Jerusalem, a mission Paul had been orchestrating for some time. Luke, the author of Acts, re-joins Paul's narrative here, indicated by the shift to "we." They sailed from Philippi, arriving at Troas, a significant port city on the northwest coast of Asia Minor, after five days. This is where a memorable, if somewhat dramatic, incident occurred during a late-night gathering to share a meal and hear Paul speak.
Paul, known for his lengthy sermons, was speaking until past midnight. A young man named Eutychus, perched in a window on the third floor, eventually succumbed to sleep and fell to his death. Paul's immediate response was not panic, but a powerful act: he went down, embraced Eutychus, and declared he was alive. This miraculous resuscitation, echoing similar acts by Peter and even Jesus, brought immense comfort and confirmed Paul's authority. After this dramatic interlude, Paul continued speaking until daybreak, then departed. The journey continued by sea, with Paul opting to walk a portion of the journey to Assos, perhaps for solitary reflection or to avoid larger groups on the ship. Their ultimate destination was Jerusalem for Pentecost, but first, a critical stop was made in Miletus, just south of the major city of Ephesus.
An Unexpected Interruption
Luke tells us, "On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day; and continued his speech until midnight." This 'breaking of bread' was a significant communal meal, likely involving the Lord's Supper, a practice central to the early Christian community. Paul, knowing this was his last chance to address them for some time, extended his teaching into the night. It's a scene of intense fellowship and teaching, but also one of human frailty.
The narrative then takes an unexpected turn: "A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead." This isn't just a side-story; it's a profound moment embedded in Paul's farewell tour. The detail about many lights in the room, creating heat and perhaps reducing oxygen, adds a touch of realism to Eutychus's slumber. Paul's action, going down and falling on the boy, embracing him, and declaring "Don't be troubled, for his life is in him," is a powerful demonstration. The Greek phrase here, "hē psychē autou en autō estin," emphasizes that his very 'life-breath' or 'soul' was still within him, indicating a return to life, not merely a misdiagnosis. The relief and comfort felt by the community are palpable, illustrating the deep impact of this event on their faith and fellowship.
Paul's Farewell Address: Looking Back and Forward
From Miletus, Paul "sent to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the assembly." These leaders, also called 'overseers' in verse 28, were the spiritual guides of the Ephesian church, a community Paul had invested three intense years in. His opening words are deeply personal, recalling his humble service: "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews." This isn't a boast, but an appeal to their shared history and mutual suffering. He reminds them he didn't hold back, teaching "publicly and from house to house," ensuring they heard "the whole counsel of God" (v. 27). This comprehensive teaching covered repentance towards God and faith in Jesus, foundational tenets for both Jews and Greeks.
Then Paul turns to his future, with a somber prediction: "Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there; except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me." This isn't a fatalistic surrender, but a determined resolve. He acknowledges the coming hardship, yet declares, "But these things don't count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God." This isn't just a statement of purpose; it's a profound declaration of priorities. For Paul, the mission of testifying to the good news of God's grace outweighs personal comfort or even life itself. His 'race' metaphor speaks to a focused, disciplined pursuit of his God-given calling.
A Prophetic Warning and Emotional Goodbye
Paul delivers his most heartbreaking prophecy: "Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching God's Kingdom, will see my face no more." This statement, delivered with certainty, underscores the gravity of the moment and foreshadows his eventual martyrdom. He then declares himself "clean from the blood of all men" because he "didn't shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God." This phrase isn't about personal innocence, but rather freedom from responsibility for their spiritual state, having faithfully delivered the message. It's a heavy responsibility for a teacher, akin to a watchman warning a city of impending danger, as described in Ezekiel.
His final charge to the elders is a somber warning and a call to vigilance: "Take heed, therefore, to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood." The reference to God purchasing the church with "his own blood" is a striking theological statement, highlighting the divine nature of Jesus' sacrifice. He warns them of "vicious wolves" entering the flock and even men from their "own selves" speaking "perverse things." Paul entrusts them to "God and to the word of his grace," which he says is capable of building them up. His personal example of self-sufficiency, working with his own hands, and his emphasis on generosity – "It is more blessed to give than to receive" – round out his message. The passage concludes with an intensely emotional scene: kneeling in prayer, mutual weeping, and a final embrace, sealed by the sorrow of knowing they would never see him again. The depth of their bond, forged in shared faith and tribulation, is evident in their tears and reluctance to let him go.
What are we supposed to see?
This passage vividly shows that God is at work, even amidst human frailty, danger, and deeply emotional farewells. The miraculous resuscitation of Eutychus isn't just a dramatic anecdote; it demonstrates God's power over life and death, even in what appears to be a mundane accident. It's a moment where the divine intervenes directly, not just to save a life, but to affirm Paul's ministry and comfort a grieving community. This act underscores that God's presence is not limited to grand public miracles but can manifest in intimate, unexpected ways, turning sorrow into profound reassurance for those gathered.
The passage also shows God as one who calls and equips leaders, entrusting them with profound responsibility for the community. Paul's charge to the Ephesian elders, reminding them they were made "overseers" by the Holy Spirit to "shepherd the assembly," highlights God's active role in establishing leadership structures. He is presented as the one who "purchased" the church, implying a deep, costly ownership. This demonstrates God's commitment to His people and His foresight in providing for their spiritual care and protection against future threats, even after key human leaders depart. God is a shepherd for His flock, and He raises up undershepherds to care for them.
- 1WHAT HE VALUES
God values faithful and comprehensive teaching of His 'whole counsel,' ensuring His message is fully delivered without compromise. He values leaders who serve with humility, tears, and resilience in the face of adversity, prioritizing the flock's spiritual well-being over personal gain or comfort.
- 2WHAT HE VALUES
God values self-sacrificial ministry, where His messengers are willing to endure hardship and even death to complete the 'race' He has set before them. He values generosity, reminding His followers that 'it is more blessed to give than to receive,' fostering a community of care and mutual support.
- 3WHAT HE CONFRONTS
God confronts false teaching and internal divisions, warning His church through Paul about 'vicious wolves' and individuals who will rise from within to speak 'perverse things' and draw people away. He confronts complacency, calling His leaders to be vigilant and protective of the flock He purchased.
Where this sits in the whole Bible
Acts 20:24 → 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Paul speaks of 'finishing my race with joy' in Acts, a sentiment he echoes much later when facing his own death, saying 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' Both passages show his enduring commitment to his mission despite impending hardship.
Acts 20:28 → 1 Peter 5:1-4
Both passages address church elders/overseers, emphasizing their role as shepherds of God's flock. Paul calls them to 'shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God,' while Peter exhorts them to 'shepherd the flock of God that is among you,' highlighting a shared understanding of spiritual leadership responsibility.
Acts 20:35 → Matthew 10:8
Paul quotes Jesus saying 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' a saying not found in the Gospels. This indicates an early tradition of other Jesus sayings circulating among believers, emphasizing generosity as a core Christian value.
The profound human cost of faith is woven through this passage, not just in Paul's impending suffering, but in the tears and heart-wrenching farewells, reminding us that commitment to a calling often involves deep personal sacrifice and painful goodbyes to beloved community.
Don't rush past this
The hardest thing in this passage is Paul's unwavering certainty that he would never see these people, whom he loved deeply, again. "I know that you all... will see my face no more." This isn't a hopeful farewell or an 'until we meet again' sentiment; it's a stark, definitive pronouncement of permanent separation. For people who have invested years in a community, building relationships, sharing life and faith, to say such a goodbye, knowing it's final, is an incredibly heavy burden. It forces us to confront the reality of loss and the finite nature of human connection in this life, even within the context of a shared spiritual journey.
Equally uncomfortable is Paul's explicit warning about internal threats: "Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them." This isn't an external enemy, but a danger from within the very community he nurtured. It's a grim reminder that even in faith communities, human fallenness and ambition can corrupt, leading to division and spiritual harm. This foresight, coupled with his certain departure, leaves the elders with a monumental and potentially heartbreaking task: guarding the flock not just from outside pressures, but from those who claim to be one of their own, making the burden of leadership intensely complex and isolating.
Turn it inward
Three questions from this passage. Answer them or just sit with them — nothing here is required to finish the lesson.
God of all comfort, thank you for the lives of those who have poured themselves out for others, like Paul. Help us to value the teaching and sacrifice of those who have gone before us. Give us the courage to speak truth, even when it's hard, and the wisdom to discern threats to our faith. Remind us that even in goodbyes and uncertainty, your Spirit continues to guide and protect your church.
Consider those in your life who have profoundly shaped your faith or personal growth, but with whom your active connection is fading or has ended. This week, find a small, tangible way to honor their impact or the lessons they taught you. It could be writing a short note, performing an act of service they would appreciate, or simply reflecting on their influence in your prayers.
History, language, objections and sources. None of it is needed to understand the passage.
Did Eutychus really die and was he resurrected, or did Paul just revive an unconscious person? The text says he was 'taken up dead,' but then Paul says 'his life is in him.' This seems ambiguous, maybe just a lucky resuscitation.
The text explicitly states Eutychus 'fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead.' Luke, the author, was a physician, and his description is generally precise. Paul's statement, 'his life is in him,' is immediately followed by the community bringing 'the boy in alive, and were greatly comforted.' The narrative presents this as a genuine restoration of life after death. While modern medical science might seek alternative explanations for unconsciousness, the biblical account consistently frames such events (like those involving Elijah, Elisha, Jesus, and Peter) as miraculous resurrections demonstrating divine power over death, understood as such by the immediate witnesses. The comfort they received was from a life restored, not merely from someone waking up from a deep faint.
Paul says he's 'bound by the Spirit' to go to Jerusalem, even though the Holy Spirit testifies in every city that 'bonds and afflictions wait' for him. Is he ignoring the Spirit's warnings? Why would the Spirit tell him about trouble if not to prevent it?
This is a common point of discussion. The Holy Spirit's testimony about 'bonds and afflictions' isn't necessarily a command to avoid Jerusalem, but a warning about the reality of what awaits him there. The Greek word 'bound' (dedemenos) by the Spirit suggests an internal compulsion or divine imperative, not an external chain. It implies that Paul felt a strong, guiding call from God to go, even knowing the consequences. The warnings served to prepare him for the inevitable suffering, not to divert him from his path. In this view, God prepares His servants for trials rather than always removing them from danger, allowing them to complete their mission despite adversity. Paul consistently held that suffering was part of his calling, so the Spirit revealing it could reinforce his resolve rather than deter it.
Paul tells the Ephesian elders, 'I know that you all... will see my face no more.' How could he be so certain? Did he have a direct prophecy about his own death, or is this just a dramatic flourish for a goodbye?
Paul's certainty likely stems from a combination of factors. First, the Holy Spirit had already been testifying in 'every city' that 'bonds and afflictions' awaited him (v. 23). While not explicitly a death prophecy, these warnings, combined with the continuous plots against his life and his own understanding of the risks involved in his mission, could have led him to this conclusion. Second, Paul's commitment to reaching Rome and Spain (mentioned in other letters) meant a path that diverged from Asia. Third, he was an older man by this point, having endured immense physical hardship. So, it's not necessarily a dramatic flourish but a sober assessment based on divine warnings, the realities of his dangerous missionary work, and his own physical state, leading to a strong conviction about his future. This prediction ultimately proved accurate, as he did not return to Ephesus before his execution in Rome.
The 'We' Passages and Luke's Eyewitness Account
The book of Acts contains several sections where the narrative shifts from 'he' or 'they' to 'we' (e.g., Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-18, 27:1-28:16). These 'we' passages are widely understood as indicating the presence of the author, Luke, alongside Paul during these specific journeys. This suggests that for these portions of Acts, Luke is providing an eyewitness account, lending a remarkable degree of immediacy and detail to the narrative. His professional background as a physician (Colossians 4:14) is sometimes seen as adding to the precision in descriptions, such as the details of Eutychus's fall and subsequent revival.
The sudden re-appearance of the 'we' in Acts 20:5, after a gap since Philippi in Acts 16, means Luke likely re-joined Paul's company at Troas or slightly before, sailing with him across the Aegean Sea towards Asia Minor. This personal involvement offers a unique perspective into Paul's final journey to Jerusalem and the emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders. It's not just a historical report but a personal memoir of events he witnessed firsthand, adding a layer of authenticity and human connection to the account.