AFTER THE UPROAR DIED DOWN. Paul had already decided to go through Macedonia and Greece (Acts 19:21), but planned to stay in Ephesus until after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8). This time had come (about the middle of May, 55 or 56 A.D. by the corrected calendar). After he _encouraged_ the disciples,... [ Continue Reading ]
ON SATURDAY EVENING. This is the evening of the "first day of the week." By the Jewish way of figuring time, the Sabbath expired at 6:00 P.M. on the day we call Saturday, and the first day of the week began there and continued until 6 P.M. of the day we call Sunday, at which time it terminated and t... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE WERE MANY LAMPS. These were their source of light. On the "upstairs room," see note on Mark 14:15. EUTYCHUS WAS SITTING IN THE WINDOW. The language implies that he was killed by the fall, and that he was then brought back to life by a miracle (_similar to_ 2 Kings 4:34).... [ Continue Reading ]
BROKE BREAD, AND ATE. This is the Lord's Supper [Holy Meal]. The Fellowship Meal would follow this. The two were closely associated, yet distinct from each other. _McGarvey_ says: "To the objection that Paul alone is said to have broken and eaten the bread, I answer, that this would be a very natura... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SAILED OFF TO ASSOS. Luke says: "we went on ahead," implying that he and some others went by ship. Paul followed the Roman road that connected Troas with Assos (a distance of twenty miles). It was about twice as far by ship, but Paul could expect to arrive there about the same time. We do not kn... [ Continue Reading ]
ASKING THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH TO MEET HIM. We are not told about them before this, but it was Paul's custom to appoint elders in each church (Acts 14:23). Elders [church leaders] are also called shepherds [bishops] in Acts 20:28. The modern system of a "hierarchical series of bishops" is _post-apo... [ Continue Reading ]
KEEP WATCH. This is said especially to elders [church leaders]. Compare Hebrews 13:17. OVER YOURSELVES. Their first responsibility was over themselves, since they could not fulfill their mission unless they themselves set an example by their own lives. AND OVER ALL THE FLOCK. The flock is the group... [ Continue Reading ]
AND NOW I PLACE YOU IN THE CARE OF GOD. He places a solemn obligation upon them. Compare James 1:21; Hebrews 4:12. FOR ALL HIS PEOPLE. See 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. I HAVE NOT COVETED. He had not preached because of any motives of self-interest or a desire to make himself rich. At Eph... [ Continue Reading ]
HE KNELT DOWN WITH THEM ALL AND PRAYED. This is the final good-bye. These people are more emotional than we are, but remember Paul is their spiritual leader and close friend, and they never expect to see him again in this world of time!!! _Johnson_ thinks Paul did get to see them one more time, afte... [ Continue Reading ]