Paul departed Ephesus once the riot was resolved so he could encourage believers in other regions.
“After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia.” (v.1) The verse begins by mentioning an “uproar,” which refers back to the riot in Ephesus described in the previous chapter (Acts 19:23-41). Ephesus was a prominent port city in the region of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), known for its grand temple of Artemis and bustling commerce. This unrest indicates the tension created by Paul’s preaching of the gospel in a place accustomed to idolatry. By referencing the end of that commotion, the verse highlights that Paul waited until the situation settled before summoning and encouraging the believers there.
“Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them…” (v.1) shows the Apostle’s deep concern for the faithful in Ephesus. Paul, who was born around 5 AD and became one of the most influential leaders in the early church during the mid-1st century AD, consistently taught, encouraged, and prepared believers to remain steadfast under the pressures of a city that was a hub of idol worship. His exhortation likely included reminders of Jesus’ teachings and the importance of unity in the face of challenges (Romans 15:5). It exemplifies Paul’s pastoral heart—he would not depart without ensuring the disciples were grounded in the truth of the gospel.
Finally, the verse notes that “he left to go to Macedonia.” (v.1) This region, located north of Greece, included cities such as Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul often traveled there to visit and strengthen churches he had previously established (Acts 16-17). He maintained a pattern of planting churches, writing letters, and then revisiting to check on their growth. This movement underscores the significant missionary work undertaken by Paul, as he labored extensively to spread the message of Christ throughout the known world.
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Acts 20:1 meaning
“After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia.” (v.1) The verse begins by mentioning an “uproar,” which refers back to the riot in Ephesus described in the previous chapter (Acts 19:23-41). Ephesus was a prominent port city in the region of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), known for its grand temple of Artemis and bustling commerce. This unrest indicates the tension created by Paul’s preaching of the gospel in a place accustomed to idolatry. By referencing the end of that commotion, the verse highlights that Paul waited until the situation settled before summoning and encouraging the believers there.
“Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them…” (v.1) shows the Apostle’s deep concern for the faithful in Ephesus. Paul, who was born around 5 AD and became one of the most influential leaders in the early church during the mid-1st century AD, consistently taught, encouraged, and prepared believers to remain steadfast under the pressures of a city that was a hub of idol worship. His exhortation likely included reminders of Jesus’ teachings and the importance of unity in the face of challenges (Romans 15:5). It exemplifies Paul’s pastoral heart—he would not depart without ensuring the disciples were grounded in the truth of the gospel.
Finally, the verse notes that “he left to go to Macedonia.” (v.1) This region, located north of Greece, included cities such as Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul often traveled there to visit and strengthen churches he had previously established (Acts 16-17). He maintained a pattern of planting churches, writing letters, and then revisiting to check on their growth. This movement underscores the significant missionary work undertaken by Paul, as he labored extensively to spread the message of Christ throughout the known world.