20:1-3 While in Greece, Paul spent much of his time in Corinth. From there he wrote the letter to the Romans. Although Paul had not yet been to Rome, believers had already started a church there (2:10; 18:2). Paul wrote to tell the church that he planned to visit the Roman believers. The letter to the Romans is a theological essay on the meaning of faith and salvation, an explanation of the relation between Jews and Gentiles in Christ, and a list of practical guidelines for the church.
20:4 These men who were traveling with Paul represented churches that Paul had started in Asia. Each man was carrying an offering from his home church to be given to the believers in Jerusalem. Having each man deliver the gift gave the gifts a personal touch and strengthened the unity of the believers. This was also an effective way to teach the church about giving, because the men were able to report back to their churches the way God was working through their giving. Paul discussed this gift in one of his letters to the Corinthian church (see 2 Corinthians 8:1-21).
20:5, 6 The use of us and we shows that this is where Luke again joined the group. The last we occurred in chapter 16.
20:6 Jewish believers celebrated the Passover (which was immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread) according to Moses’ instructions (see Exodus 12:43-51) even if they couldn’t be at Jerusalem for the occasion.
20:8, 9 The “many lights” were candles in lanterns. The combination of the heat from the candles and the number of people gathered in the upstairs room probably made the room very warm. This no doubt helped Eutychus fall asleep, as well as the fact that Paul spoke for a long time. Eutychus was probably between the ages of 8 to 14 years old (the age of a “young man”).
20:16 Paul had missed attending the Passover in Jerusalem, so he was especially interested in arriving on time for Pentecost, which was 50 days after Passover. He was carrying with him gifts for the Jerusalem believers from churches in Asia and Greece (see Romans 15:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 16:1ff; 2 Corinthians 8–9). The Jerusalem church was experiencing difficult times. Paul may have been anxious to deliver this gift to the believers at Pentecost because it was a day of celebration and thanksgiving to God for his provision.
20:18-21 The way of the believer is not an easy road; being a Christian does not solve or remove all problems. Paul served humbly and “with many tears,” but he never quit, never gave up. The message of salvation was so important that he never missed an opportunity to share it. And although he preached his message in different ways to fit different audiences, the message remained the same: Repent and turn to Christ by faith. The Christian life will have its rough times, tears, and sorrows, as well as joys, but we should always be ready to tell others what good things God has done for us. His blessings far outweigh life’s difficulties.
20:23 The Holy Spirit showed Paul that he would be imprisoned and experience suffering. Even knowing this, Paul did not shrink from fulfilling his mission. His strong character was a good example to the Ephesian elders, some of whom would also suffer for Christ.
20:24 We often feel that life is a failure unless we’re getting a lot out of it: recognition, fun, money, success. But Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God’s work. What he put into life was far more important than what he got out. Which is more important to you—what you get out of life, or what you put into it?
20:24 Single-mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God’s work. The single most important goal of Paul’s life was to tell others about Christ (Philippians 3:7-13). It is no wonder that Paul was the greatest missionary who ever lived. God is looking for more men and women who will focus on that one great task God has given them to do.
20:31, 36-38 Paul’s relationship with these believers is a beautiful example of Christian fellowship. He had cared for them and loved them, even cried over their needs. They responded with love and care for him and sorrow over his leaving. They had prayed together and comforted one another. Like Paul, you can build strong relationships with other Christians by sharing, caring, sorrowing, rejoicing, and praying with them. You will gather others around you only by giving yourself away to them.
20:33 Paul was satisfied with whatever he had, wherever he was, as long as he could do God’s work. Examine your attitudes toward wealth and comfort. If you focus more on what you don’t have than on what you do have, it’s time to reexamine your priorities and put God’s work back in first place.
20:34 Paul was a tentmaker, and he supported himself with this trade. Paul did not work to become rich but to be free from being dependent on anyone. He supported himself as well as others who traveled with him (he mentions this in some of his letters; see Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:9).
20:35 These words of Jesus are not recorded in the Gospels. Obviously, not all of Jesus’ words were written down (John 21:25); this saying may have been passed on orally through the apostles.