MPV Commentary

Continuing His Route to Jerusalem He Reaches Miletus,

13-14. Paul and his companions sailed from Troas to Assos, where they planned to meet up with him by land. This was a deliberate choice on Paul's part, as it would take them nearly 40 miles out of their way to sail around Cape Lecture, whereas traveling overland would cut the distance in half.

14. They arrived at Mitylene, the capital of Lesbos, and spent the night there.

15-16. The next day they sailed past Chios, another beautiful island in the Aegean Sea, but did not stop there. Instead, they continued on to Samos, where they anchored for the night. From there, they sailed to Trogyllium, a small anchorage near the southern tip of Samos.

16. Paul had decided to bypass Ephesus because he was eager to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, which was an important time for the church and would allow him to present his apostolic credentials to the leaders in Jerusalem.

17. From Miletus, Paul sent a message to Ephesus, calling on the elders of the church to come to him. He wanted to meet with them before he left, as he knew that he would not be able to see them again after this.

18-27. When the elders arrived, Paul began by expressing his confidence in their leadership and his conviction that they were called by God to oversee the flock of Christ. He reminded them that the Holy Spirit had appointed them as overseers (or bishops) to feed the church of God, which Jesus had purchased with His own blood.

28-30. After his departure, Paul warned the elders about two types of enemies who would infiltrate their ranks: grievous wolves who would prey on the flock, and sectarian teachers who would distort the truth in order to draw followers after them.

31. For three years, Paul had been warning every person night and day with tears, urging them to remain faithful to Christ.

32-35. Before leaving, Paul commended the elders to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build them up and give them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. He reminded them that he had ministered to their needs through his own labor and that they should support others in a similar way.

35. As he did for himself, so they should also labor for the weak, remembering Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

36-38. Paul then kneeled down with them all and prayed, expressing his deep affection and gratitude for their partnership in the gospel.