Acts 20:13

And wee went before to ship, and sailed vnto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had hee appointed, minding himselfe to goe afoote. Acts 20:13 (KJV)

In this verse, we find the apostle Paul and his companions embarking on a journey. To better understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore the context surrounding it.

The book of Acts, written by Luke, documents the early history of the Christian church and the spread of the gospel after Jesus’ ascension. In Acts 20, Paul is traveling through Macedonia and Greece, providing guidance and encouragement to the believers in various cities.

In the preceding verses, we learn that Paul had spent time in Troas, where he preached and celebrated the Lord’s Supper with the believers (Acts 20:7‑12). Afterward, they gathered together to break bread and continued their discussions until midnight. During this gathering, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep, fell out of a window, and died. Through the power of God, Paul raised Eutychus back to life, greatly encouraging those present.

Following this miraculous event, Paul and his companions, including Luke, departed from Troas. The verse in question, Acts 20:13, states that they went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, while Paul himself planned to travel by foot and meet them there. It is not explicitly mentioned why Paul chose to travel on foot, but it is possible that he desired solitude and time for prayer or reflection.

This verse highlights the commitment and dedication of Paul to his mission of spreading the gospel. Despite the events in Troas, he did not allow delays or distractions to hinder his journey. Paul’s determination to fulfill God’s calling on his life serves as an example of perseverance and faithfulness to believers today.

Moreover, this verse also emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among believers. While Paul chose to travel separately from his companions, they all had a common destination in mind: Assos. They worked together to carry out their mission, each contributing in their own way.

Overall, Acts 20:13 demonstrates Paul’s resolve to advance the gospel, his commitment to prayer and reflection, and the unity among believers in pursuing their shared goals. It encourages us to be steadfast in our own faith and dedicated to the purposes that God has placed before us.