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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 20:17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/20-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/44_Act_20_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 20:17 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/20-16.htm" title="Acts 20:16">◄</a> Acts 20:17 <a href="/acts/20-18.htm" title="Acts 20:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent <i>word</i> to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />However, from Miletus he sent <i>word</i> to Ephesus and summoned the elders of the church [to meet him there].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and summoned the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />From Miletus, Paul sent a message for the church leaders at Ephesus to come and meet with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />From Miletus Paul sent messengers to the city of Ephesus and called the spiritual leaders of the church to meet with him [in Miletus]. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />From Miletus Paul sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent messengers to Ephesus to ask the elders of the church to meet with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus, telling the elders of the church to come to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the Elders of the Church to come to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the assembly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And sending from Miletus to Ephesus, he called the ancients of the church. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, sending from Miletus to Ephesus, he called those greater by birth in the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />From Miletus he had the presbyters of the church at Ephesus summoned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And from Mi-le’tus he sent and called the elders of the church of Eph'e-sus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And from Miletus he sent and brought the Elders of the Church of Ephesaus.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And having sent from Miletus into Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />So he sent to Ephesus from Miletus, and called the presbyters of the church to attend him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the Elders of the Church to come to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And, having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But he sent from Miletus to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/20-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=6743" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16</span>Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: Apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">From</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3399.htm" title="3399: Milētou (N-GFS) -- Miletus, a city on the coast of the Roman province Asia. Of uncertain origin; Miletus, a city of Asia Minor.">Miletus,</a> <a href="/greek/3992.htm" title="3992: pempsas (V-APA-NMS) -- To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth. ">Paul sent</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2181.htm" title="2181: Epheson (N-AFS) -- Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.">Ephesus</a> <a href="/greek/3333.htm" title="3333: metekalesato (V-AIM-3S) -- Mid: I summon to myself, send for. From meta and kaleo; to call elsewhere, i.e. Summon.">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyterous (Adj-AMP) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">elders</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsias (N-GFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a></span><br />Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm">1 Peter 5:1-2</a></span><br />As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: / Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Titus 1:5</a></span><br />The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1-7</a></span><br />This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. / An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-12</a></span><br />And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:12-13</a></span><br />But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. / In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a></span><br />Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a></span><br />And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Colossians 1:25</a></span><br />I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">1 Timothy 5:17</a></span><br />Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">Jeremiah 3:15</a></span><br />Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-1.htm">Ezekiel 34:1-10</a></span><br />Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></span><br />He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-4.htm">Jeremiah 23:4</a></span><br />I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.</p><p class="hdg">the elders.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a></b></br> Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/11-30.htm">Acts 11:30</a></b></br> Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23</a></b></br> And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/19-41.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/18-22.htm">Church</a> <a href="/acts/16-4.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/acts/20-16.htm">Ephesus</a> <a href="/acts/20-15.htm">Miletus</a> <a href="/acts/20-15.htm">Mile'tus</a> <a href="/acts/20-16.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/17-8.htm">Rulers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Church</a> <a href="/acts/20-18.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/acts/21-29.htm">Ephesus</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-20.htm">Miletus</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-20.htm">Mile'tus</a> <a href="/acts/20-36.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/21-18.htm">Rulers</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-7.htm">He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-13.htm">Paul continues his travels;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-17.htm">and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">commits God's flock to them,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">warns them of false teachers,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-32.htm">commends them to God,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-36.htm">prays with them, and departs.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>From Miletus</b><br>Miletus was an ancient city located on the western coast of Asia Minor, near the mouth of the Maeander River. It was a significant port city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its strategic location and cultural influence. In the context of <a href="/acts/20.htm">Acts 20</a>, Miletus serves as a convenient meeting point for Paul, who is on his way to Jerusalem. The city’s proximity to Ephesus, about 30 miles away, makes it an ideal location for Paul to summon the Ephesian elders without having to enter the city itself, which might have delayed his journey.<p><b>Paul sent to Ephesus</b><br>Ephesus was a major city in the Roman Empire, known for its temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a center of commerce and religion, and Paul had spent a significant amount of time there during his missionary journeys, establishing a strong Christian community. By sending for the elders, Paul demonstrates his ongoing concern and responsibility for the churches he helped to establish. This action reflects the apostolic practice of maintaining oversight and providing guidance to the early Christian communities.<p><b>for the elders of the church</b><br>The term "elders" refers to the leaders of the Christian community in Ephesus. In the early church, elders were responsible for teaching, shepherding, and overseeing the spiritual well-being of the congregation. This role is consistent with the Jewish tradition of elders serving as leaders and decision-makers within the community. The calling of the elders highlights the importance of leadership and accountability within the church. It also underscores the early church's structure, which included a plurality of elders rather than a single leader, ensuring a balanced and collective leadership approach. This meeting is significant as it provides Paul an opportunity to impart final instructions and warnings, emphasizing the continuity of his ministry and the importance of vigilance against false teachings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who is on his third missionary journey. He is a central figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary work and epistles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/miletus.htm">Miletus</a></b><br>A coastal city in Asia Minor, near Ephesus. Paul stops here on his journey back to Jerusalem and calls for the Ephesian elders to meet him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor where Paul had previously spent significant time establishing and strengthening the church.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_the_church.htm">Elders of the Church</a></b><br>Leaders of the Ephesian church, responsible for shepherding the congregation. The Greek term used here is "presbyteroi," indicating their role as overseers.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul's_journey.htm">Paul's Journey</a></b><br>This event occurs during Paul's return trip to Jerusalem, highlighting his commitment to encouraging and instructing the churches he established.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_leadership_in_the_church.htm">The Importance of Leadership in the Church</a></b><br>Elders play a crucial role in guiding and nurturing the church. Their leadership is vital for maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/paul's_commitment_to_discipleship.htm">Paul's Commitment to Discipleship</a></b><br>Despite his busy schedule and impending journey to Jerusalem, Paul prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the Ephesian church by meeting with its leaders.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_elders_as_shepherds.htm">The Role of Elders as Shepherds</a></b><br>Elders are called to be shepherds, caring for the spiritual needs of the congregation. This involves teaching, protecting, and guiding the flock.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_personal_connection_in_ministry.htm">The Value of Personal Connection in Ministry</a></b><br>Paul's decision to call the elders to Miletus demonstrates the importance of personal interaction and encouragement in ministry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_future_challenges.htm">Preparation for Future Challenges</a></b><br>By meeting with the elders, Paul prepares them for future challenges, emphasizing the need for vigilance and faithfulness in their leadership roles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible_say_on_pastor_authority.htm">What is the biblical view on a pastor's authority?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_of_paul's_3rd_journey.htm">What were the key events of Paul's third missionary journey?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_senior_pastor's_role.htm">What defines the role of a senior pastor?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_church_elders.htm">What does the Bible say about multiple church elders?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.</span>--We find, from <a href="/acts/20-28.htm" title="Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.">Acts 20:28</a>, that they were known also as <span class= "ital">episcopi</span> ("bishops," or "overseers"), the two names being interchangeable at this period, and the Apostle standing in relation to those who bore them as the later Bishop did to the elders under him. (See Notes on <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm" title="Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:">Philippians 1:1</a>; <a href="/context/titus/1-5.htm" title="For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you:">Titus 1:5-6</a>; <a href="/context/1_peter/5-1.htm" title="The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:">1Peter 5:1-2</a>.) The many presbyters represented probably, each of them, a distinct church or congregation. Most, if not all, of these must have been ordained by the Apostle himself. He had found them loyal, faithful, singularly receptive of the truth (<a href="/acts/20-20.htm" title="And how I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,">Acts 20:20</a>; <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm" title="Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)">Ephesians 3:4</a>). He was passing, as he thought, to far-off regions, never to revisit them, and he was naturally anxious to give them parting words of counsel and of warning. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> <span class="accented">- Called to him</span> for <span class="accented">called</span>, A.V. The R.V. gives the force of the middle voice <span class="greek">μετεκαλέσατο</span>. <span class="cmt_word">The elders of the Church</span>; viz. of Ephesus. These are manifestly the same as are called <span class="greek">ἐπισκόπους</span> in ver. 28, "overseers," or bishops. The distinctive names and functions of Church officers were not yet fixed; and the apostles themselves, aided by degrees by such as Timothy and Titus, were what we now call bishops, exercising oversight over the elders themselves as well as over the whole flock (see <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1</a>). The diocesan episcopate came in gradually as the apostles died off, and the necessity for a regular episcopate arose (see <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-6</a>; <a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/20-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">From</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀπὸ</span> <span class="translit">(Apo)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> </span><span class="str2">From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Miletus,</span><br /><span class="grk">Μιλήτου</span> <span class="translit">(Milētou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3399.htm">Strong's 3399: </a> </span><span class="str2">Miletus, a city on the coast of the Roman province Asia. Of uncertain origin; Miletus, a city of Asia Minor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Paul] sent</span><br /><span class="grk">πέμψας</span> <span class="translit">(pempsas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3992.htm">Strong's 3992: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Ephesus</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἔφεσον</span> <span class="translit">(Epheson)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2181.htm">Strong's 2181: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[for]</span><br /><span class="grk">μετεκαλέσατο</span> <span class="translit">(metekalesato)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3333.htm">Strong's 3333: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mid: I summon to myself, send for. From meta and kaleo; to call elsewhere, i.e. Summon.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(tous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">elders</span><br /><span class="grk">πρεσβυτέρους</span> <span class="translit">(presbyterous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> </span><span class="str2">Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῆς</span> <span class="translit">(tēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">church.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκκλησίας</span> <span class="translit">(ekklēsias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/20-17.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/20-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 20:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 20:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/20-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 20:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 20:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>