# Acts Chapter 20
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## Summarrium
Paul departs Ephesus for Macedonia where he gives encouragement and comes to Greece where he spends three months before setting sail for Syria. In Troas Paul raises Eutychus from the dead after he falls asleep and out of a third story window. Paul leaves Troas and sailing past Ephesus travels to Miletus.

In Miletus Paul sends for the elders of the Ephesian Church and explains that the spirit has indicated that he will not see them again. In which case Paul implores the elders to watch the flock of the Lord not seeking material gain or to draw away disciples after them for twisted purposes.

## Meditatio
Pauls actions in this chapter show a significant commitment to the community of the local church. Paul gives encouragement (20:2), gathers with the community to break bread (20:7, 20:10), performs miraculous feats (20:10), gathers and instructs the leadership (20:17). He does not delegate this to others but makes time to meet with the community and give sacrificially of himself.

There is at first glance a sort of fatalism in Pauls actions (20:22-23). A sense in which Paul recognises that his desire to return to Jerusalem will end badly. Opposition against the church has grown and it has been made apparent to him the implications of a return. Paul specifically says the *imprisonment and affliction await me* which is an interesting choice of words.

Some might consider Paul unwise to ignore an oracle predicting incarceration and suffering. Yet this is not an option for Paul. It is the Christ like mindset of *thy will be done* which he is committed too. He points out this is characteristic of one sent by the Lord. Paul evidently is concerned that wolves will come and devour the Ephesian Church. Indeed there is clearly a touching scene in verse 36-28 where there is a finality to Pauls departure.

Paul has realised (in both senses of the word) what it means to be a disciple of Christ. When faced with the reality of loosing those relationships that clearly matter to him he acts to prepare the flock in his care. Paul has grasped the reality of John 8.