Paul didn't just leave after the riot; the word for "embraced" here implies a deeply affectionate farewell, showing his strong emotional connection to the Ephesian believers as he departed. This parting was likely hastened by the tumult, a necessary caution that also meant cutting short his time with them to travel to 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. There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a major uproar stirred up by silversmiths against Paul in Ephesus, the apostle takes a moment to gather the believers. After offering them encouragement and a tearful farewell, he sets out on his planned journey to Macedonia, eager to revisit churches he'd previously established there. This departure marks the end of his extended stay in Ephesus and the beginning of a new leg of his missionary travels.
A riot erupts, threatening Paul and the church. How does he respond when the dust settles? It’s more strategic than you might think.
Navigating the Storm
The uproar in Ephesus, stirred up by Demetrius the silversmith, was a serious threat. It wasn't just a minor disturbance; it was a full-blown riot that endangered Paul and the believers.
Paul, known for his boldness, doesn't rush back into danger or flee in panic. Instead, he waits.
This highlights a crucial leadership principle: knowing when to stand firm and when to strategically reposition. It’s about discerning God’s timing and protecting the community.
Leaving a beloved community is never easy. What does Paul's farewell reveal about his deep connection with the believers?
A Shepherd's Goodbye
Ask a follow-up
Paul’s departure from Ephesus wasn’t just a logistical decision; it was deeply emotional. The text tells us he 'called the disciples together, encouraged them, and then said farewell.'
This wasn't a cold, business-like departure. It was the poignant moment of a spiritual father leaving his spiritual children, leaving them strengthened and loved.
Paul’s travel plans seem complex. Why Macedonia next, and what does this reveal about his missionary strategy?
The Missionary Itinerary
Paul’s decision to go to Macedonia immediately after leaving Ephesus was part of a larger, strategic plan for spreading the Gospel.
Paul's life was a testament to a relentless, yet thoughtfully planned, advance of the Gospel message across diverse regions.
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.
epiboulē · Greek Noun
A planned scheme or conspiracy, usually with malicious intent to harm or obstruct God's servants or His work.
Ioudaios · Greek Noun/Adjective
A religious/ethnic designation referring to the covenant people of God, often used in Acts to identify those who opposed the apostolic message.
anagomai · Greek Verb
The act of moving by water, signifying the journeying of missionaries to spread the gospel across geographic boundaries.
The riot in Ephesus, though not achieving Demetrius's goals, directly precipitated Paul's departure. This event highlights the constant tension between the Gospel's spread and the entrenched powers and traditions it challenged.
c. AD 52-55
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent a significant amount of time in Ephesus, a major Roman city, establishing a strong church and combating idolatry. This period included intense ministry and significant opposition.
c. AD 55— this verse
Riot by Demetrius the Silversmith
A silversmith named Demetrius incited a violent uproar against Paul and his ministry because it threatened their trade in idols of the goddess Artemis. The mob dragged some of Paul's companions into the theater.
c. AD 55
Paul Departs Ephesus for Macedonia
Following the suppression of the riot, Paul took the opportunity to leave Ephesus. He said farewell to the Ephesian believers and traveled north into Macedonia.
c. AD 56
Ministry in Macedonia and Greece
Paul traveled through Macedonia, visiting churches like Philippi, and then went down into Achaia (Greece), likely spending time in Corinth.
c. AD 56-57
Writing of 1 Corinthians
During his time in Ephesus or possibly while in Macedonia/Greece, Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church, addressing various issues and giving instructions.
c. AD 57
Journey Towards Jerusalem
Paul planned to sail directly from Corinth to Syria, but upon learning of a plot against him by the Jews, he changed his route to return through Macedonia and then sail to Asia.
This passage reveals Paul's original intention to travel through Macedonia towards Corinth, directly aligning with the departure mentioned in Acts 20:1 and shedding light on his planned itinerary.
2 Corinthians 2:12-13These verses describe Paul's arrival in Troas and his subsequent anxious journey into Macedonia, providing emotional and contextual depth to his departure from Ephesus after the riot.
Philippians 1:1This greeting from Philippi, mentioning 'overseers and deacons,' shows Paul's engagement with the Macedonian churches he is now heading towards, underscoring the importance of his visit.
Acts 19:30-41This section details the uproar in Ephesus that immediately precedes Paul's departure, explaining why he 'ceased' the commotion and left.
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 word for "embraced" here implies a deeply affectionate farewell, showing his strong emotional connection to the Ephesian believers as he departed. This parting was likely hastened by the tumult, a necessary caution that also meant cutting short his time with them to travel to Macedonia.
Following a major uproar stirred up by silversmiths against Paul in Ephesus, the apostle takes a moment to gather the believers. After offering them encouragement and a tearful farewell, he sets out on his planned journey to Macedonia, eager to revisit churches he'd previously established there. This departure marks the end of his extended stay in Ephesus and the beginning of a new leg of his missionary travels.
Following a major uproar stirred up by silversmiths against Paul in Ephesus, the apostle takes a moment to gather the believers. After offering them encouragement and a tearful farewell, he sets out on his planned journey to Macedonia, eager to revisit churches he'd previously established there. This departure marks the end of his extended stay in Ephesus and the beginning of a new leg of his missionary travels.
"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. There he spent…" — Paul didn't just leave after the riot; the word for "embraced" here implies a deeply affectionate farewell, showing his strong emotional connection to the Ephesian believers as he departed. This part…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
