Acts 20:4

"When he had spent three months there, and a plot was made against him by Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia."

Key Reflection

In Acts 20:4, after spending several months in Ephesus, Paul faces a significant threat from Jewish opponents who plot against him as he prepares to depart for Syria. This situation prompts him to alter his plans and choose an alternative route, returning through Macedonia instead. The decision reflects the volatile religious climate of the time, where opposition to Paul's teachings could arise quickly and unexpectedly. Such shifts in travel plans were not uncommon given the political tensions and potential dangers faced by early Christian missionaries.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 4. And there accompanied him. It was usual for some of the disciples to attend the apostles in their journeys. Into Asia. It is not meant that they attended him from Greece through Macedonia; but that they went with him to Asia, having gone before him, and joined him at Troas. Sopater of Berea. Perhaps the same person who, in Ro 16:21, is called Sosipater, and who is there said to have been a kinsman of Paul. Aristarthus, Ac 19:29. Gaius of Derbe. See Barnes "Ac 19:29". Tychicus. This man was high in the confidence and affection of Paul. In Eph 6:21,22, he styles him "a beloved brother, and faithful minister in the Lord." And Trophimus. Trophimus was from Ephesus, Ac 20:29.

Related Verses

More from Acts 20

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion