Acts 20:1

The first six verses give a summary of many months of Paul's travels; a special account of Paul and company taking the Lord's supper at Troas is given (Acts 20:7-12); Paul continued his trip to Jerusalem (Acts 20:13-16); he called for a meeting with the Ephesian elders, bidding them farewell (Acts 20:17-35); and a special account of the tearful farewell is given (Acts 20:36-38).

Like all of the sacred writings, Acts omits many of the things men are naturally curious about; but the Holy Spirit never catered to human curiosity. Several events of great importance took place in Paul's three-year campaign in Ephesus which are not mentioned by Luke at all. Inferences from 1Corinthians suggest that Paul even made a short trip to Corinth while at Ephesus; another event of particular importance was the collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem which Paul gathered from the young churches; and it was partially for the purpose of delivering that bounty that his trip to Jerusalem (under way in this chapter) was planned. He also mentioned fighting "with wild beasts" at Ephesus (1 Corinthians 15:32), which must be a reference to some event not given by Luke. Also, very little is said of Aquila and Priscilla regarding their work with Paul at Ephesus; but it is quite likely that Ephesus was the scene of their unselfish aid of Paul by "laying down their own necks" for him (Romans 16:4).

And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia. (Acts 20:1)

Sent for the disciples ... indicates that Paul had probably been protected in some place of safety; but immediately after the uproar was over, and having already planned to go to Macedonia (Acts 19:21), decided to begin that journey at once. The passions of the mob would not soon be fully abated; and, rather than cause his friends any further anxiety, he left for Macedonia. The Macedonian detour, however, was part of the more extended trip to Jerusalem. Ramsey noted that:

Paul's third missionary journey ends, like his second, with a visit to Jerusalem; but whereas the earlier visit is dismissed in a few words (Acts 18:21,22), this later visit is described at great length and in much detail.[1]