Acts – Chapter 20

New Testament38 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And after the tumult was ceased, Paul calling to him the disciples and exhorting them, took his leave and set forward to go into Macedonia." — so begins Acts 20. The chapter centers on Paul and Timothy. Across its 38 verses, two threads run through the text: holiness and the work of the Spirit. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And after the tumult was ceased, Paul calling to him the disciples and exhorting them, took his leave and set forward to go into Macedonia.

2And when he had gone over those parts and had exhorted them with many words, he came into Greece:

3Where, when he had spent three months, the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria. So he took a resolution to return through Macedonia.

4And there accompanied him Sopater, the son of Pyrrhus, of Berea: and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus: and Gaius of Derbe and Timothy: and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

5These, going before, stayed for us at Troas.

6But we sailed from Philippi after the days of the azymes and came to them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days.

7And on the first day of the week, when we were assembled to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, being to depart on the morrow. And he continued his speech until midnight.

8And there were a great number of lamps in the upper chamber where we were assembled.

9And a certain young man named Eutychus, sitting on the window, being oppressed with a deep sleep (as Paul was long preaching), by occasion of his sleep fell from the third loft down and was taken up dead.

10To whom, when Paul had gone down, he laid himself upon him and, embracing him, said: Be not troubled, for his soul is in him.

11Then going up and breaking bread and tasting and having talked a long time to them, until daylight, so he departed.

12And they brought the youth alive and were not a little comforted.

13But we going aboard the ship, sailed to Assos, being there to take in Paul. For so he had appointed, himself purposing to travel by land.

14And when he had met with us at Assos, we took him in and came to Mitylene.

15And sailing thence, the day following we came over against Chios: and the next day we arrived at Samos: and the day following we came to Miletus.

16For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, lest he should be stayed any time in Asia. For he hasted. if it were possible for him, to keep the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.

17And sending from Miletus to Ephesus, he called the ancients of the church.

18And when they were come to him and were together, he said to them: You know from the first day that I came into Asia, in what manner I have been with you, for all the time.

19Serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and temptations which befell me by the conspiracies of the Jews:

20How I have kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have preached it to you, and taught you publicly, and from house to house,

21Testifying both to Jews and Gentiles penance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

22And now, behold, being bound in the spirit, I go to Jerusalem: not knowing the things which shall befall me there:

23Save that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesseth to me, saying: That bands and afflictions wait for me at Jerusalem.

24But I fear none of these things, neither do I count my life more precious than myself, so that I may consummate my course and the ministry of the word which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25And now behold, I know that all you, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26Wherefore I take you to witness this day that I am clear from the blood of all men.

27For I have not spread to declare unto you all, the counsel of God.

28Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29I know that after my departure ravening wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30And of your own selves shall arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

31Therefore watch, keeping in memory that for three years I ceased not with tears to admonish every one of you, night and day.

32And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, who is able to build up and to give an inheritance among all the sanctified.

33I have not coveted any man's silver, gold or apparel, as

34You yourselves know. For such things as were needful for me and them that are with me, these hands have furnished.

35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak and to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive.

36And when he had said these things, kneeling down, he prayed with them all.

37And there was much weeping among them all. And falling on the neck of Paul, they kissed him,

38Being grieved most of all for the word which he had said, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him on his way to the ship.

Important Verses in Acts 20

Testifying both to Jews and Gentiles penance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:21

But I fear none of these things, neither do I count my life more precious than myself, so that I may consummate my course and the ministry of the word which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24

Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Acts 20:28

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, who is able to build up and to give an inheritance among all the sanctified.

Acts 20:32

Historical Context

Acts addresses the growing Church, shown its apostolic origins and missionary calling within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 20 of 28 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 38 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Paul and Timothy, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "And after the tumult was ceased, Paul calling to him the disciples and exhorting them, took his leave and set forward…" The chapter ends with: "Being grieved most of all for the word which he had said, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him…" Read against its original backdrop, Acts narrates the Church's birth and expansion 'to the ends of the earth': Pentecost, the first community in Jerusalem, the martyrdom of Stephen, the conversion of Paul, the opening to the Gentiles, and Paul's… Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Acts around About AD 80-90.

Who Wrote It

Luke, as the second volume of his work

When It Was Written

About AD 80-90

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Acts 20 presents a concrete episode in the history of the Church's mission empowered by the Holy Spirit. A pivotal line is verse 21: "Testifying both to Jews and Gentiles penance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." The passage repeatedly touches on holiness before God.

Catholic exegesis reads Acts 20 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Acts shows the Church's apostolic foundation (CIC 857-862). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 133).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.
  • The Holy Spirit is the giver of life who animates creation, the prophets, and the Church.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.

People in This Chapter

Paul7 mentionsTimothy1 mention

Reflection for Today

Acts Chapter 20, containing 38 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1431). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands the Church's mission empowered by the Holy Spirit.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1814).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acts Chapter 20 about?

Acts 20 contains 38 verses. It opens with "And after the tumult was ceased, Paul calling to him the disciples and exhorting them, took his leave and set forward…" and closes with "Being grieved most of all for the word which he had said, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in Acts 20?

One of the most significant verses is verse 21: "Testifying both to Jews and Gentiles penance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Acts Chapter 20?

This chapter mentions Paul, Timothy.

Who wrote Acts and when?

Luke, as the second volume of his work. About AD 80-90.

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