Acts 20:1-2
After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul didn't just leave after the riot; the text says he "encouraged them" first, indicating a deliberate act of strengthening the believers before his departure, rather than simply fleeing the unrest. This moment highlights his pastoral heart, ensuring the church was cared for before he moved on.
Following a major riot stirred up by silversmiths who felt threatened by Paul's ministry, Paul waited until the city was calm before gathering the Ephesian believers. After offering them encouragement and a heartfelt farewell, he set sail for Macedonia, a region he had previously evangelized, to visit the churches there. This departure marks the end of Paul's extended stay in Ephesus and the beginning of his final journey toward Jerusalem.
A riot breaks out, threatening Paul's life and the church in Ephesus. What does Paul do next, and why?
The text tells us that 'after the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples.' This wasn't an impulsive reaction but a strategic move.
Recognizing the Moment
Paul didn't leave during the chaos. He waited for the storm to pass. This allowed for a calmer, more intentional farewell, and also likely preserved him and the believers from further danger or false accusations. It shows a practical wisdom in navigating difficult situations.
A Calculated Departure
While Paul was known for his bold faith, he also exercised prudence. Leaving Ephesus after the riot wasn't an act of fear, but a recognition that his mission extended beyond this one city. He had other churches to visit and strengthen, and his presence in Ephesus could have become a continuing point of contention. The scholars suggest he might have left sooner than planned, prioritizing safety and the wider spread of the Gospel.
Paul's departure from Ephesus wasn't just a geographical move; it was deeply emotional. What did this farewell look like?
The text says Paul 'sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell.' The original language suggests more than a simple goodbye.
Encouragement Before Departure
Before leaving, Paul actively invested in his spiritual family. The word used for 'encouraging' implies strengthening them, perhaps reminding them of God's promises and their calling, especially in light of the recent turmoil. He wasn't just moving on; he was equipping them to stand firm.
A Tender Parting
Commentators note that the word for 'farewell' (or 'embraced' in some translations) often included a physical expression of affection, like a kiss or embrace. This was a heartfelt, personal goodbye. Paul had invested deeply in the Ephesian believers, and this parting was difficult for both him and them. It reveals the relational heart of his ministry—he saw them as spiritual children, not just converts.
Understand the original words
thorubos · Greek Noun
A tumult, disturbance, or violent outburst of public disorder, often stemming from opposition to the gospel.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Learners or followers; those who have accepted the message of Jesus Christ and committed themselves to living according to His teachings.
parakaleō · Greek Verb
To call alongside for the purpose of comfort, consolation, exhortation, or strengthening in the faith.
The uproar in Ephesus wasn't just a minor disturbance; it was a serious threat that likely hastened Paul's departure and shaped his subsequent travel plans, including his route and the timing of his return to Jerusalem.
c. AD 52-55
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent a significant period, possibly over two years, ministering in Ephesus, a major Roman city and hub of commerce and idolatry. This period was marked by great success in spreading the Gospel but also by growing opposition.
c. AD 55— this verse
The Silversmiths' Riot in Ephesus
A riot, incited by Demetrius the silversmith, erupted in Ephesus. Demetrius feared Paul's ministry was harming his trade in idols of the goddess Artemis, leading to a dangerous public disturbance in the city's theater.
c. AD 55
Paul's Departure from Ephesus
Following the riot and once the city quieted down, Paul gathered the Ephesian believers for a farewell. He then departed for Macedonia, likely to ensure his safety and to allow the church in Ephesus some peace.
c. AD 55-56
Journey Through Macedonia and Achaia
Paul traveled through Macedonia, visiting churches he had previously established. He then spent about three months in Greece (Achaia), likely ministering in Corinth, during which he wrote his letter to the Romans.
This passage directly follows Paul's departure from Ephesus, describing his anxious journey to Troas and then Macedonia, highlighting the mixed emotions and pressures he faced during this period.
1 Corinthians 16:5-8In this letter, written from Ephesus, Paul expresses his intention to travel through Macedonia towards Corinth, confirming his planned route and the timing of his departure which was influenced by events in Ephesus.
Romans 16:3-4This chapter mentions Priscilla and Aquila, who were likely in Ephesus with Paul during the uproar and who also seem to have left the city around the same time, indicating a broader exodus of key figures.
Acts 19:21-41This passage describes the 'uproar' itself, caused by Demetrius the silversmith, providing the immediate context and the reason for Paul's prudent departure from Ephesus after the disturbance subsided.
pulpitActs 20:1: "And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia."
Verse 1. - Having sent for... and exhorted for called unto him, A.V. and T.R.; took leave of them, and departed for and embraced them, and departed, A.V. Departed for to go into Macedonia. This was St. Paul's purpose, as he had written to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:5) from Ephesus. He judged it wise, not only with a view to his own safety and that of…
bengelActs 20:1: "And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia."
Acts 20:1 . Μετὰ ταῦτα ) Demetrius did not succeed in his attempt. Paul remained until all was quiet.
Paul didn't just leave after the riot; the text says he "encouraged them" first, indicating a deliberate act of strengthening the believers before his departure, rather than simply fleeing the unrest. This moment highlights his pastoral heart, ensuring the church was cared for before he moved on.
Following a major riot stirred up by silversmiths who felt threatened by Paul's ministry, Paul waited until the city was calm before gathering the Ephesian believers. After offering them encouragement and a heartfelt farewell, he set sail for Macedonia, a region he had previously evangelized, to visit the churches there. This departure marks the end of Paul's extended stay in Ephesus and the beginning of his final journey toward Jerusalem.
Following a major riot stirred up by silversmiths who felt threatened by Paul's ministry, Paul waited until the city was calm before gathering the Ephesian believers. After offering them encouragement and a heartfelt farewell, he set sail for Macedonia, a region he had previously evangelized, to visit the churches there. This departure marks the end of Paul's extended stay in Ephesus and the beginning of his final journey toward Jerusalem.
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Paul is leaving Ephesus, but where is he going, and what's the bigger picture behind his travels?
Paul's decision to go to Macedonia wasn't random; it was part of a larger, carefully considered missionary strategy.
A Planned Route
Paul had previously written to the Corinthian church about his intention to visit Macedonia (1 Corinthians 16:5). This departure from Ephesus aligns with those plans. The riot likely accelerated his timeline, but the destination itself was part of his ongoing mission to strengthen churches throughout the region.
The Broader Mission
His journey through Macedonia was a step towards other planned visits, including Greece (which likely means Corinth). From there, the ultimate goal, as indicated later in Acts, was to return to Jerusalem. This verse, therefore, marks a significant transition in Paul's ministry, moving from a period of intense work and conflict in Ephesus to consolidating gains and ministering in other key areas, all with an eye toward the overarching mission God had given him.
c. AD 56
Return Journey to Jerusalem
Paul set out to return to Jerusalem to deliver gifts collected for the poor believers there. He planned to sail from Greece, but due to a Jewish plot against him, he changed his route and traveled back through Macedonia.
"After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece." — Paul didn't just leave after the riot; the text says he "encouraged them" first, indicating a deliberate act of strengthening the believers before his departure, rather than simply fleeing the unrest…
