Acts 20:1-5
 
Acts 20:1 (KJB)
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
 
Finally the crowd had dispersed and the tumult was over in Ephesus. So things had gotten back to normal and Paul had called together the disciples which were there and he had embraced them or greeted them. Paul always had a love for the brethren in every church he helped found and his concern was they prosper spiritually. Then after Paul had time with the brethren, he departed from there and went into Macedonia. Before he landed in Macedonia, he stopped in Troas which was north of Ephesus, a coast town. There he was looking for Titus. (2 Cor 2:12-13 KJV) Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, {13} I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. The Lord opened a great door for Paul to minister there even though he did not find Titus. This is a principle of the Christian life. We may go somewhere for a certain reason but the Lord may have a different reason. Here Paul went to look for Titus, instead found an open door to preach the Gospel.
 
Acts 20:2 (KJB)
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
 
He had gone through all the various cities in Macedonia and as he was ministering to the brethren, he was bringing them much encouragement and instruction. He may have visited the western parts of Macedonia including Illyricum which was on the southwest coast. (Rom 15:19 KJV) Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. No details are given as to which cities he stopped at but this was a very thorough journey for Paul. When he finished in Macedonia, he had gone down into Greece which the Greek writers had identified it as Achaia.
 
Acts 20:3 (KJB)
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
 
Paul had spent the three winter months in Achaia, 56-57 A.D. He had probably spent most of his time in Corinth. Paul had also taken an offering for the Jerusalem church from the Macedonians which were also very poor, being a great example of true givers. (2 Cor 8:1-2 KJV) Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; {2} How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. Paul had used the poverty of the Macedonian church to show the Corinthians the true spirit of giving. Then after the three months had expired, Paul was going to sail into Syria, no doubt to land at Antioch and then go south to Jerusalem. However, once again the Jews wanted to kill him, so he went by means of Macedonia and escaped out of their hands.
 
Acts 20:4 (KJB)
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
 
Paul did not travel by himself but he had seven who accompanied him. Sopater of Berea also known as Sosipater may have been one of those Bereans who searched the Scriptures and now is acting upon the truth accompanying Paul to Syria. (Rom 16:21 KJV) Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. Then Paul had two from the Thessalonian church, they were Aristarchus and Secundus. Aristarchus was a convert from Judaism and was referred to as Paul’s fellow prisoner. (Col 4:10 KJV) Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) Not much is known about Secundus as this is the only place he is mentioned but nevertheless he may have been a strong Christian since he is listed here as Paul’s traveling companion. Gaius was from Derbe in Lycaonia but may be referred to as Gaius from Corinth. (1 Cor 1:14 KJV) I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Then Timothy accompanied Paul and was known as his son in the faith. (1 Tim 1:2 KJV) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. Tychicus from Asia minor had a good ministry with Paul. He was sent to Ephesus to bring the letter to the Ephesians and did the same with the Colossians plus he also went to Crete to minister. Trophimus accompanied Paul to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:29 KJV) (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) The Jews thought that Paul had brought him into the temple because Gentiles were not allowed in the temple. The last glimpse we have of Trophimus is that he was left sick at Miletus. Paul had the gift of healing yet he could not heal Trophimus. This is something that the quacks in the modern Charismatic Movement should take note of.
 
Acts 20:5 (KJB)
These going before tarried for us at Troas.
 
These seven faithful men had gone ahead to Troas where they waited for the arrival of Paul. It seems that Luke was with Paul on this trip because he uses the word “us.” He must have remained with Paul and went back to Macedonia with him.

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