In Acts 20:3, Paul’s three-month stay in Greece is cut short by a threatening plot, prompting a detour through Macedonia that illustrates God’s sovereign guidance over his mission.
When Paul reached Greece on his third missionary journey (around AD 52-57), we read that, “And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.” (v.3) Paul had likely taken refuge in Corinth during these three months, deep in southern Greece, after a lengthy ministry in Ephesus. His teaching drew both followers and fierce opposition, so when he discovered the danger to his life, he altered his travel route and journeyed north through Macedonia (the region that included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) to avoid those conspiring against him. This short statement speaks of Paul’s unwavering commitment to share the message of Christ, despite the real threat of harm. It also shows the providence of God in guiding Paul’s steps, ensuring that the apostle continued his mission regardless of peril or detour, just as Jesus promised that He would be with His followers always (Matthew 28:20).
Historically, this episode occurred near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey (AD 54-57). Luke, the author of Acts, likely wrote these events around AD 60-62, highlighting the resilience and adaptability Paul displayed in the face of danger. Having spent time strengthening the churches in Macedonia, Paul used Corinth as a base to write key epistles (Romans may well have been penned during this stay), and it was in this city that he saw the fruit of new believers, fellowship among the faithful, and ongoing challenges from those opposed to the gospel. Through every plot and turn of circumstance, Paul seized opportunities to encourage fledgling churches and proclaim salvation in Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16).
At the time of this plot, Paul intended to cross the Aegean Sea directly to Syria. However, encountering opposition from certain Jews forced him to retrace his path by land, traveling back through Macedonia, which was often a safer route due to having established communities of believers there. This shift in plans also fit into Paul’s broader desire to revisit and encourage these Christians in towns such as Philippi (Acts 16:12) and Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1). He continued walking in obedience to the calling of Christ, trusting that even life-threatening schemes could ultimately serve God’s kingdom purposes.
He faced perils and detours, yet the Lord’s work marched forward unimpeded by human schemes.
Set to dark mode
Acts 20:3 meaning
When Paul reached Greece on his third missionary journey (around AD 52-57), we read that, “And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.” (v.3) Paul had likely taken refuge in Corinth during these three months, deep in southern Greece, after a lengthy ministry in Ephesus. His teaching drew both followers and fierce opposition, so when he discovered the danger to his life, he altered his travel route and journeyed north through Macedonia (the region that included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) to avoid those conspiring against him. This short statement speaks of Paul’s unwavering commitment to share the message of Christ, despite the real threat of harm. It also shows the providence of God in guiding Paul’s steps, ensuring that the apostle continued his mission regardless of peril or detour, just as Jesus promised that He would be with His followers always (Matthew 28:20).
Historically, this episode occurred near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey (AD 54-57). Luke, the author of Acts, likely wrote these events around AD 60-62, highlighting the resilience and adaptability Paul displayed in the face of danger. Having spent time strengthening the churches in Macedonia, Paul used Corinth as a base to write key epistles (Romans may well have been penned during this stay), and it was in this city that he saw the fruit of new believers, fellowship among the faithful, and ongoing challenges from those opposed to the gospel. Through every plot and turn of circumstance, Paul seized opportunities to encourage fledgling churches and proclaim salvation in Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16).
At the time of this plot, Paul intended to cross the Aegean Sea directly to Syria. However, encountering opposition from certain Jews forced him to retrace his path by land, traveling back through Macedonia, which was often a safer route due to having established communities of believers there. This shift in plans also fit into Paul’s broader desire to revisit and encourage these Christians in towns such as Philippi (Acts 16:12) and Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1). He continued walking in obedience to the calling of Christ, trusting that even life-threatening schemes could ultimately serve God’s kingdom purposes.
He faced perils and detours, yet the Lord’s work marched forward unimpeded by human schemes.