Acts 20:15 – “The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes the continued journey of Paul and his companions as they traveled toward Jerusalem. They made several brief stops along the way, showing the step-by-step nature of their journey.

• Chios – An island in the Aegean Sea, known for its beauty and strategic location. Paul and his team passed by the island but did not stop.
• Samos – Another island near the coast of modern-day Turkey. They briefly stopped here before continuing their journey.
• Miletus – A major port city where Paul decided to stop instead of going directly to Ephesus. He later called the Ephesian elders to meet him there (Acts 20:17).

Paul was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem before Pentecost (Acts 20:16), yet he still made deliberate stops along the way. His journey was not just about travel—it was about strengthening believers, preaching, and following God’s leading.

Historical Context

• Ancient Sea Travel – In the first century, ships followed coastal routes rather than traveling directly across open water. That’s why Paul’s journey involved several short stops instead of a single trip.
• Paul’s Third Missionary Journey – This journey was nearing its end. Paul had traveled through Macedonia, Greece, and Asia Minor, encouraging churches and preparing to return to Jerusalem.
• Miletus as a Strategic Stop – Paul chose to stop at Miletus rather than Ephesus, likely to save time and avoid being delayed by the many believers in Ephesus who would want to see him.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Guidance in Every Step – Paul’s journey was not random. God was directing each stop along the way, just as He leads believers today (Proverbs 16:9).
2. Balancing Urgency and Ministry – Paul was rushing to Jerusalem but still made time to minister along the way. This teaches us to balance our schedules with God’s priorities (Ephesians 5:15-16).
3. Faithfulness in the Journey – Even though Paul knew hardships awaited him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-23), he continued to walk in obedience, showing us what it means to trust God even when challenges lie ahead.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, provides detailed travel notes, which might seem like minor details but actually help paint a clear picture of Paul’s journey. These descriptions:

• Make the story more vivid and historical, confirming that this is an eyewitness account.
• Create a sense of movement and urgency, as Paul hurries toward Jerusalem.
• Foreshadow Paul’s upcoming speech to the Ephesian elders, which is a major moment in Acts 20.

Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
• Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”
• Acts 20:16 – Paul’s urgency to reach Jerusalem before Pentecost.
• Acts 20:17 – Paul calls the Ephesian elders to meet him in Miletus.
• Acts 20:22-23 – Paul speaks about the hardships awaiting him in Jerusalem.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Trust God’s Guidance in Every Step – Paul didn’t know every detail of what was ahead, but he trusted that God was leading his journey. We should do the same, even when our path seems unclear.
2. Make the Most of Every Opportunity – Even while traveling, Paul used his time to strengthen believers and prepare for what was next. We should live with purpose and not waste the time God gives us.
3. Obedience Sometimes Requires Urgency – Paul had a sense of urgency about his mission, just as we should have a sense of urgency about sharing the gospel and living for Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

• God is Present in the Journey – Just as God guided Paul from place to place, He walks with us in every step of our lives.
• God Uses Every Stop for His Purpose – Paul didn’t waste his journey—every stop had meaning. Likewise, God uses every season of our lives for His glory.
• God’s Love Gives Direction – Paul wasn’t just wandering—he was on a mission, directed by God’s love and purpose. The same is true for us.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Was Always on a Mission – Like Paul, Jesus traveled with purpose, knowing that His journey would ultimately lead to Jerusalem and the cross (Luke 9:51).
2. Jesus Called His Disciples to Urgency – Paul’s desire to reach Jerusalem before Pentecost reflects Jesus’ teaching that the time for serving God is now (John 9:4).
3. Jesus Guides His Followers – Just as God directed Paul’s journey, Jesus promises to lead His disciples step by step (John 10:27).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How do you see God’s guidance in your daily decisions and journey?
2. What does Paul’s sense of urgency teach you about living with purpose?
3. Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God’s leading more fully?
4. How can you make the most of your time to serve God and encourage others?
5. In what ways can you balance your own responsibilities with ministry opportunities, just as Paul did?

Acts 20:15 may seem like a simple travel log, but it teaches us powerful lessons about purpose, trust, and obedience. Paul’s journey wasn’t just about getting to a destination—it was about faithfulness in every step. May we, like Paul, walk in faith, trusting that God is leading us exactly where we need to go.