Acts 20:14

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

Acts 20:14 (KJV)

Context

Acts 20 records the Apostle Paul’s journey through Macedonia and Greece as he made his way toward Jerusalem. He had spent three years in Ephesus, and now he was hurrying to reach Jerusalem by the Feast of Pentecost. Along the way, Paul stopped in several cities to encourage and teach the believers.

Acts 20:14 is a brief travel note within this larger journey. Paul had walked from Troas to Assos while his companions sailed ahead, and at Assos they rejoined him. The “we” in this verse indicates that Luke, the author of Acts, was present with Paul. Assos was a city in the region of Mysia on the seacoast, and Mitylene was the chief city of the island of Lesbos in the Aegean Sea.

Meaning

The verse highlights Paul’s deliberate choice to walk alone from Troas to Assos, a decision that allowed him time for solitude and reflection before rejoining his companions. This detail underscores Paul’s commitment to both personal devotion and the fellowship of the believers traveling with him. The journey’s urgency is tied to Paul’s desire to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost, reflecting his commitment to the Jewish feasts and his mission to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.

The act of the believers at Assos taking Paul in demonstrates the hospitality and close-knit nature of the early Christian community. They opened their homes and hearts to Paul and his companions, providing spiritual and practical support. This interaction allowed for the sharing of testimonies, teachings, and prayers, uplifting both Paul and the local believers.

Biblical connections

This passage also demonstrates the practical coordination and mutual trust among Paul and his companions as they carried out their missionary journey. The “we” passages in Acts, such as this one, contribute to the historical reliability of Luke’s account, showing the specific movements of Paul and his company. The verse implicitly shows the importance of companionship in ministry, as Paul rejoins his fellow workers to continue the voyage together.

Application

Acts 20:14 encourages us to cultivate a spirit of hospitality and fellowship within our Christian communities. We should be willing to extend hospitality to traveling ministers, missionaries, and fellow believers in need. By doing so, we contribute to the building of God’s Kingdom and provide support to those who labor in service to the Lord.

The verse also reminds us of the value of fellowship in the context of ministry. As Paul journeyed from place to place, he sought to build and maintain relationships with fellow believers. These connections were crucial for the spread of the gospel and the strengthening of the early church. Today, it remains important for believers to support and fellowship with one another in their respective ministries.

Additionally, Acts 20:14 reminds us of the importance of gathering with other believers to encourage and strengthen one another in our walk with Christ. Paul’s choice to walk alone for a time also speaks to the value of solitude and reflection in our own lives, even as we remain connected to the body of Christ.

Reflection

Consider how you can practice hospitality and fellowship in your own community. Who are the traveling ministers, missionaries, or fellow believers that you can support and encourage? How can you balance times of solitude and reflection with the fellowship of other believers, following Paul’s example?