Acts 20:17
Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul, unable to visit Ephesus himself, summoned the church leaders to Miletus. This wasn't just a friendly check-in; he recognized this might be their final meeting, making this urgent summons an act of profound pastoral love and foresight.
Paul, on his way back to Jerusalem, intentionally sailed past Ephesus because he was in a hurry to reach the city by Pentecost. Since he wouldn't be visiting the church there personally, he sent word from Miletus, a nearby port, to summon the Ephesian elders to come to him for a final meeting. This gathering sets the stage for Paul's deeply emotional and profound farewell address to the leaders he had invested so much in.
Why did Paul, a man always on the move, stop to summon church leaders from Ephesus to Miletus, a significant distance away?
Paul's decision to send for the elders from Ephesus, even though he himself was near the city, highlights the immense importance he placed on this meeting. Traveling from Miletus to Ephesus was a journey of about twenty to thirty miles, a considerable distance for that time. This wasn't a casual encounter; it was a deliberate and urgent summons. Paul knew his time in Asia was ending and that he wouldn't see these leaders again. This farewell was not just a goodbye, but a critical moment to impart final instructions, warnings, and encouragement. The effort involved in bringing these leaders to him underscores the profound spiritual significance he attached to this pastoral charge.
Who were these 'elders' Paul called? Were they just older men, or something more?
The term 'elders' (Greek: presbyteroi) in the early church wasn't solely about age, though experience and maturity were valued. As indicated in verse 28 where Paul addresses them as 'overseers' (Greek: episkopoi), these individuals held leadership and shepherding responsibilities within the church. In this early period, the terms 'elder' and 'overseer' (bishop) were often used interchangeably, referring to those appointed to lead and care for the Christian community. Paul had personally appointed many of them, and they represented distinct congregations or significant parts of the church in Ephesus. Their role was vital to the health and continuation of the church in Asia.
What does Paul's action reveal about his deep love and commitment to the churches he planted?
Paul's decision to summon the Ephesian elders demonstrates his profound pastoral heart. Despite his urgent travel plans to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost, he prioritized this personal encounter. He had spent significant time in Ephesus, investing deeply in its people. Now, facing what he believed would be his final earthly interaction with them, he ensured he could impart crucial wisdom. His willingness to delay his journey and incur the effort of this meeting shows that the spiritual well-being and discipleship of those he led were his utmost concern. This wasn't just a business meeting; it was a fatherly charge from a spiritual leader who deeply loved and cared for his spiritual children.
Understand the original words
presbyteros · Greek Noun
A person holding an office of leadership, spiritual oversight, and pastoral care within the local church; often used interchangeably with overseer or shepherd.
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
A body of believers in Christ; the universal assembly of the redeemed or the local organized group of Christians gathering for worship and fellowship.
This encounter at Miletus marks a poignant moment as Paul, facing imminent danger and separation, entrusts the future of the Ephesian church to its leaders, demonstrating the importance of apostolic succession and guidance in the early church.
c. AD 52-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends over two years in Ephesus during this period, establishing a strong church and making significant progress in spreading the gospel throughout the region of Asia Minor.
c. AD 57
Paul's Departure from Ephesus
After a riot incited by silversmiths who feared for their trade, Paul leaves Ephesus to continue his missionary work, planning to travel through Macedonia and Greece.
c. AD 57
Voyage to Miletus
Paul sails past Ephesus and stops at Miletus, a port city south of Ephesus, as he is eager to reach Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost.
c. AD 57— this verse
Summoning the Ephesian Elders
Knowing he cannot visit Ephesus in person before his departure, Paul sends for the church elders to meet him at Miletus for a final farewell and instruction.
This passage outlines the qualifications for overseers (bishops) in the early church, directly relating to the 'elders' Paul called, as the terms were often used interchangeably.
Titus 1:5-9Similar to 1 Timothy, this passage details the qualifications for elders, underscoring the importance of godly character and sound doctrine for church leadership, which Paul was concerned about in his address to the Ephesian elders.
Acts 20:28-35This immediately follows the summoning of the elders, providing the content of Paul's crucial charge to them, emphasizing faithfulness, vigilance against false teachings, and self-sacrifice in ministry.
2 Timothy 4:1-5Paul's final charge to Timothy mirrors the themes of his address to the Ephesian elders, urging him to preach the Word faithfully, endure hardship, and guard the church, showing the continuity of Paul's pastoral concern.
Jeremiah 23:1-4This Old Testament passage provides a prophetic warning against faithless shepherds who scatter the flock, highlighting the severe consequences of neglecting the spiritual well-being of God's people, a stark contrast to Paul's example.
barnesActs 20:17: "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church."
He sent to Ephesus - Perhaps a distance of twenty or thirty miles. The elders of the church - Who had been appointed while he was there to take charge of the church. See the notes on Acts 15:2.
henryActs 20:17-27: "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church."
20:17-27 The elders knew that Paul was no designing, self-seeking man. Those who would in any office serve the Lord acceptably, and profitably to others, must do it with humility. He was a plain preacher, one that spoke his message so as to be understood. He was a powerful preacher; he preached the gospel as a testimony to them if they received it; but as a testimony against them if they rejected it. He w…
Paul, unable to visit Ephesus himself, summoned the church leaders to Miletus. This wasn't just a friendly check-in; he recognized this might be their final meeting, making this urgent summons an act of profound pastoral love and foresight.
Paul, on his way back to Jerusalem, intentionally sailed past Ephesus because he was in a hurry to reach the city by Pentecost. Since he wouldn't be visiting the church there personally, he sent word from Miletus, a nearby port, to summon the Ephesian elders to come to him for a final meeting. This gathering sets the stage for Paul's deeply emotional and profound farewell address to the leaders he had invested so much in.
Paul, on his way back to Jerusalem, intentionally sailed past Ephesus because he was in a hurry to reach the city by Pentecost. Since he wouldn't be visiting the church there personally, he sent word from Miletus, a nearby port, to summon the Ephesian elders to come to him for a final meeting. This gathering sets the stage for Paul's deeply emotional and profound farewell address to the leaders he had invested so much in.
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c. AD 57
Paul's Farewell Discourse
Paul delivers a deeply emotional and instructive speech to the elders, recounting his ministry, warning them of future challenges, and charging them with faithful leadership.
c. AD 57
Departure from Miletus
After the elders depart, Paul continues his journey towards Jerusalem, facing further trials and ultimately his arrest.
"Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him." — Paul, unable to visit Ephesus himself, summoned the church leaders to Miletus. This wasn't just a friendly check-in; he recognized this might be their final meeting, making this urgent summons an act…
