Acts 20:3

"When he had gone through those parts and had encouraged them with many words, he came into Greece."

Key Reflection

In Acts 20:3, when Paul mentions his journey through various parts of Asia Minor and his encouragement of believers there, the original audience would have recognized this as part of a broader narrative detailing Paul's missionary travels. The mention of coming to Greece, specifically Macedonia, indicates that Paul was making his way northward from Ephesus, a significant center for early Christian communities. This detail underscores the extensive geographical scope of Paul’s ministry and his commitment to spreading the gospel, even after facing potential dangers such as the plot against him by Jewish opponents in Ephesus.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 3. And there abode. Why he remained here is unknown. It is probable, that while in Greece he wrote the Epistle to the Romans. Comp. Ro 15:25-27. Laid wait. There was a design formed against him by the Jews, which they sought to execute. Why they formed this purpose, the historian has not informed us. As he was about to sail. It would seem from this, that the design of the Jews was to attack the ship in which he was about, to sail, or to arrest him on ship-board. This fact determined him to take a much more circuitous route by land, so that the churches Of Macedonia were favoured with another visit from him. Into Syria. On his way to Jerusalem. He purposed, etc.

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