And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. (Acts 20:25)

At the beginning of this chapter, Luke tells us of Paul’s departure from Ephesus into Macedonia. It is clear from Paul’s own writings that he traveled through Troas on his way, where he searched diligently for Titus, who had carried the first Corinthian letter, but he did not find him in Troas as he had hoped (2 Cor. 2:13). When Paul came into Macedonia, he found troubles “on every side,” but was at the last comforted “by the coming of Titus” (2 Cor. 7:5–6). In the next verses, as we listen in on Paul’s response to the Corinthians, it becomes apparent that Paul’s stern letter of reproof had been well received. It is also clear that Paul had been concerned that the weight of his letter might prove too much for these young Christians, but, much to the contrary, his inspired epistle had wrought in them great zeal, leading them ultimately to repentance. It was from here in Macedonia that Paul composed his second letter to them, which they received not long before he himself came to winter with them before his journey back to Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:6, Acts 20:3).
It was probably during his three months in Corinth that he found opportunity to write to the Roman church in a letter which he sent by the hand of Phebe, a member of the church in nearby Cenchrea (Rom. 16:1–2) who was bound for Rome on some unknown errand. Leaving Corinth behind him, Paul returned through Macedonia, where Luke probably joined him in Philippi as the change from third person (they, them) to first person (us, we) indicates in Acts 20:5. Luke would be with him until his execution (2 Tim. 4:6–11).
From Troas Paul journeys toward Jerusalem, and, shortly before leaving Asia behind altogether, he calls for the elders of the Ephesian church, telling them that he would not see them again (Acts 20:25). By reading some of Paul’s later epistles, however, it appears that Paul did return to Ephesus after his first Roman imprisonment, at which time he left Timothy to care for the church (1 Tim. 1:3). Paul was not fully aware of what he would face in Jerusalem, as the Spirit had only revealed that bonds and afflictions awaited him (Acts 20:23). It is possible that Paul may have mistaken this for his death, which the Lord later assured him would not be so imminent (Acts 23:11). It may also be the case that the wolves among the Ephesian elders (Acts 29:29) had so ravaged the flock that the eldership was dissolved before Paul’s return, prompting Paul to give Timothy a list of qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1–7) wherewith new ones could be appointed. When we last meet the Ephesian church, the Lord Himself rebukes them, warning them that their candlestick would soon be removed if they would not repent (Rev. 2:1–5). While we do not know what happened to this church, it is sad indeed to see their candle gone out. May our fate never the same as theirs!

After reading the text listed below, see if you can answer the following questions.

Non-trivial Questions (Acts 20:1–38)
1. After the uproar in Ephesus, where did Paul go first?
2. In which city did Paul stay for three months?
3. How long did Paul and his company remain at Troas?
4. What was the name of the young man that fell from the window?
5. From which Asian port city did Paul send for the elders at Ephesus?
6. Which part of Paul’s farewell speech saddened the Ephesian elders the most?