Acts 20:17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀπὸ
from
G575
Ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
1 of 12
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέμψας
he sent
G3992
πέμψας
he sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
5 of 12
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέρους
the elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρους
the elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
10 of 12
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
Cross References
Acts 11:30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.Acts 20:28Take 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.James 5:14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:Titus 1:5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Historical Context
Miletus was a port city south of Ephesus. The elders' journey (likely taking a full day each way) shows their responsiveness to Paul's summons.
Questions for Reflection
- What does summoning elders from a distance teach about pastoral priorities?
- How did Paul balance travel schedule with pastoral care?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.' The 30-mile summons brought Ephesian leaders for a final meeting. Paul's determination to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost (v.16) prevented Ephesian visit, but pastoral concern demanded this gathering.