Paul’s Journeys in Greece

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 20:1-16

 

Acts 1:8

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

(NKJV)

 

When Jesus spoke the final words of Acts 1:8 to His disciples, they may not have realized the monumental task ahead of them. Many would, and still do, risk their lives to spread this message. Anyone believing that the message of the gospel is a fraud must consider the fact that millions have died, sacrificing their lives to spread that fraud. Either these people suffered from mass hysteria, or the message is true. Paul was one who once persecuted and ordered the execution of Christians and now tirelessly labors to spread the message he once thought was a fraud.

 

After things had quieted down in Ephesus, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed for Macedonia (Acts 20:1). Paul then went through the region of Macedonia and came to Greece (Acts 20:2). After staying in Greece for three months, the Jews plotted against Paul when he was about to sail to Syria, causing him to return through Macedonia (Acts 20:3). Some men accompanied Paul to Asia, going on ahead to wait for Paul in Troas (Acts 20:4-5). Paul and those with him sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread and after five days joined the men in Troas where they remained for seven days (Acts 20:6).

 

On the first day of the week, the disciples gathered together with Paul speaking until midnight, because he was ready to depart the next day (Acts 20:7). The room where the disciples gathered was well lit, and a man named Eutychus was overcome with sleep, falling out of a third-floor window and was presumed dead (Acts 20:8-9). Paul went down and fell on and embraced the man, telling the crowd not to be troubled because his life was still in him (Acts 20:10). Paul then went up to break bread with the disciples, talking with them till daybreak and then departed (Acts 20:11). Eutychus was brought in alive, giving much comfort to the disciples (Acts 20:12).

 

Those with Paul then went to the ship to sail for Assos, intending to take Paul with them, but Paul intended to go on foot (Acts 20:13). Paul met the men on the ship at Asos where they took him on board, coming to Mitylene (Acts 20:14). They arrived at Miletus after going through the region opposite Chios and after staying at Trogyllium (Acts 20:15). They took this path because Paul intended to sail past Ephesus, so he did not need to spend time in Asia because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16).

 

This narrative gives us a glimpse of Paul’s busyness while ministering. We must place all of this in context because Paul made these journeys on foot and by sailing ship and did not have the benefit of modern air travel. This glimpse begins with Paul departing Ephesus after a riot in which he was protected by the disciples and his friends (Acts 19:30-31). He then comes to Greece through Macedonia and remains there until the Jews plotted against him (Acts 20:2-3). Paul then goes through Macedonia instead of through Syria, possibly out of concern for the Jews plotting against him, finally arriving in Troas (Acts 20:4-6). In Troas, Paul teaches until midnight, and then leaves on foot and by boat, going past Ephesus so he would not spend time in Asia, so he could make it to Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16). Quite a grueling tour.

 

The calling to serve in ministry can be exhausting and grueling and definitely not for the faint of heart. While working on my doctorate degree, I interviewed someone in ministry who shared that ministry is not all rainbows and unicorns. Unfortunately, most people in the congregation only see the pastor on Sunday morning for around thirty to forty-five minutes. This may lead to some believing the job is easy, especially if they come to church after a hard week working at their jobs.

 

What the congregation sees on Sunday morning is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the work of a pastor. Underneath the surface of the water is time to study and prepare for the message. Time in prayer for direction on what the congregation needs to learn from God’s word. Praying for those who are sick or in need in the congregation. The pastor is also involved in the administration of the church, and if it is a small church, possibly holding down another job to support his family. This is hardly a cushy job, requiring the pastor to rely on strength from the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10; Philippians 4:13) to stay focused on the mission of the church (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).

 

Many generations of people have worked hard to bring the message of the Gospel to each of us. If you are reading this post and have not prayed for the forgiveness of your sins and to make Jesus the Lord of your life, I invite you to do so by praying now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but it must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.