KJV: And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
YLT: And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly,
Darby: But from Miletus having sent to Ephesus, he called over to him the elders of the assembly.
ASV: And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.
| τῆς | - |
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Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| Μιλήτου | Miletus |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: Μίλητος Sense: a maritime city, now nearly 0 miles (6 km), from the coast of Caria or Ionia, near the mouth of the Maeander and 35 miles (55 km) from Ephesus. |
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| πέμψας | having sent |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: πέμπω Sense: to send. |
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| Ἔφεσον | Ephesus |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: Ἔφεσος Sense: a maritime city of Asia Minor, capital of Ionia and under the Romans, of proconsular Asia, situated on the Icarian Sea between Smyrna and Miletus. |
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| μετεκαλέσατο | he called for |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular Root: μετακαλέω Sense: to call from one place to another, to summon. |
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| πρεσβυτέρους | elders |
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Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Plural Root: πρεσβύτερος Sense: elder, of age,. |
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| τῆς | of the |
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Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| ἐκκλησίας | church |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: ἐκκλησία Sense: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly. |
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Greek Commentary for Acts 20:17
Aorist middle (indirect) indicative of μετακαλεω metakaleō old verb to call from one place to another Ephesus was some thirty miles, a stiff day‘s journey each way. They would be with Paul the third day of the stay in Miletus. [source]
The very men whom Paul terms “bishops” Luke heard this address as he may and probably did hear those in Jerusalem and Caesarea (Acts 21-26). Furneaux suggests that Luke probably took shorthand notes of the address since Galen says that his students took down his medical lectures in shorthand: “At any rate, of all the speeches in the Acts this contains most of Paul and least of Luke. It reveals Paul as nothing else does. The man who spoke it is no longer a man of eighteen centuries ago: he is of yesterday; of today. He speaks as we speak and feels as we feel; or rather as we fain would speak and feel.” We have seen and listened to Paul speak to the Jews in Antioch in Pisidia as Luke pictures the scene, to the uneducated pagans at Lystra, to the cultured Greeks in Athens. We shall hear him plead for his life to the Jewish mob in Jerusalem, to the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea, to the Jewish “King” Herod Agrippa II in Caesarea, and at last to the Jews in Rome. But here Paul unbosoms himself to the ministers of the church in Ephesus where he had spent three years (longer than with any other church) and where he had such varied experiences of prowess and persecution. He opens his heart to these men as he does not to the average crowd even of believers. It is Paul‘s Apologia pro sua Vita. He will probably not see them again and so the outlook and attitude is similar to the farewell discourse of Jesus to the disciples in the upper room (John 13-17). He warns them about future perils as Jesus had done. Paul‘s words here will repay any preacher‘s study today. There is the same high conception of the ministry here that Paul had already elaborated in 2 Corinthians 2:12-6:10 (see my Glory of the Ministry). It is a fitting time and occasion for Paul to take stock of his ministry at the close of the third mission tour. What wonders had God wrought already. [source]
About thirty miles. [source]
Called overseers or bishops in Acts 20:28. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 20:17
The first use of that term for the Christian preachers. In Acts 20:17, Acts 20:28 “elders” and “bishops” are used interchangeably as in Titus 1:5, Titus 1:7. The term probably arose gradually and holds a position in the church similar to the same term in the synagogue. The apostles were apparently absent from Jerusalem at this time and they were no longer concerned with serving tables. In Acts 21:18 Paul presented the later collection also to the elders. Since Peter and James (till his death) were in Jerusalem during the persecution in chapter Acts 12:1 it is probable that the visit of Barnabas and Saul to Jerusalem came really after that persecution for Peter left Jerusalem (Acts 12:17). The elders here mentioned may include the preachers in Judea also outside of Jerusalem (Acts 26:20). [source]
Contracted form of ποιμενιον ποιμνη poimenion ̂ poimnē (John 10:16) already in Colossians 1:15-2064 and also in Acts 20:29; 1 Peter 5:2, 1 Peter 5:3. Common in old Greek. Hath made (ετετο etheto). Did make, second aorist middle indicative of τιτημι tithēmi did appoint. Paul evidently believed that the Holy Spirit calls and appoints ministers. Bishops The same men termed elders in Acts 20:17 which see. To shepherd (ποιμαινειν poimainein). Present active infinitive of purpose of ποιμαινω poimainō old verb to feed or tend the flock (ποιμνη ποιμνιον poimnēποιμην poimnion), to act as shepherd (βοσκε poimēn). These ministers are thus in Paul‘s speech called elders (Acts 20:17), bishops (Acts 20:28), and shepherds (Acts 20:28). Jesus had used this very word to Peter (John 21:16, twice την εκκλησιαν του τεου boske feed, Acts 21:15, Acts 21:17) and Peter will use it in addressing fellow-elders (1 Peter 5:2) with memories, no doubt of the words of Jesus to him. The “elders” were to watch over as “bishops” and “tend and feed as shepherds” the flock. Jesus is termed “the shepherd and bishop of your souls” in 1 Peter 2:25 and “the great Shepherd of the sheep” in Hebrews 13:20. Jesus called himself “the good Shepherd” in John 10:11. The church of God The correct text, not “the church of the Lord” or “the church of the Lord and God” (Robertson, Introduction to Textual Criticism of the N.T., p. 189). He purchased (περιποιεω periepoiēsato). First aorist middle of περιποιησιν peripoieō old verb to reserve, to preserve (for or by oneself, in the middle). In the N.T. only in Luke Luke 17:33; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:13. The substantive δια του αιματος του ιδιου peripoiēsin (preservation, possession) occurs in 1 Peter 2:9 (“a peculiar people” = a people for a possession) and in Ephesians 1:14. With his own blood Through the agency of (του τεου dia) his own blood. Whose blood? If tou theou (Aleph B Vulg.) is correct, as it is, then Jesus is here called “God” who shed his own blood for the flock. It will not do to say that Paul did not call Jesus God, for we have Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Titus 2:13 where he does that very thing, besides 1713599079_3; Philemon 2:5-11. [source]
The same men termed elders in Acts 20:17 which see. To shepherd (ποιμαινειν poimainein). Present active infinitive of purpose of ποιμαινω poimainō old verb to feed or tend the flock (ποιμνη ποιμνιον poimnēποιμην poimnion), to act as shepherd (βοσκε poimēn). These ministers are thus in Paul‘s speech called elders (Acts 20:17), bishops (Acts 20:28), and shepherds (Acts 20:28). Jesus had used this very word to Peter (John 21:16, twice την εκκλησιαν του τεου boske feed, Acts 21:15, Acts 21:17) and Peter will use it in addressing fellow-elders (1 Peter 5:2) with memories, no doubt of the words of Jesus to him. The “elders” were to watch over as “bishops” and “tend and feed as shepherds” the flock. Jesus is termed “the shepherd and bishop of your souls” in 1 Peter 2:25 and “the great Shepherd of the sheep” in Hebrews 13:20. Jesus called himself “the good Shepherd” in John 10:11. The church of God The correct text, not “the church of the Lord” or “the church of the Lord and God” (Robertson, Introduction to Textual Criticism of the N.T., p. 189). He purchased (περιποιεω periepoiēsato). First aorist middle of περιποιησιν peripoieō old verb to reserve, to preserve (for or by oneself, in the middle). In the N.T. only in Luke Luke 17:33; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:13. The substantive δια του αιματος του ιδιου peripoiēsin (preservation, possession) occurs in 1 Peter 2:9 (“a peculiar people” = a people for a possession) and in Ephesians 1:14. With his own blood Through the agency of (του τεου dia) his own blood. Whose blood? If tou theou (Aleph B Vulg.) is correct, as it is, then Jesus is here called “God” who shed his own blood for the flock. It will not do to say that Paul did not call Jesus God, for we have Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Titus 2:13 where he does that very thing, besides Colossians 1:15-20; Philemon 2:5-11. [source]
Present active infinitive of purpose of ποιμαινω poimainō old verb to feed or tend the flock These ministers are thus in Paul‘s speech called elders (Acts 20:17), bishops (Acts 20:28), and shepherds (Acts 20:28). Jesus had used this very word to Peter (John 21:16, twice την εκκλησιαν του τεου boske feed, Acts 21:15, Acts 21:17) and Peter will use it in addressing fellow-elders (1 Peter 5:2) with memories, no doubt of the words of Jesus to him. The “elders” were to watch over as “bishops” and “tend and feed as shepherds” the flock. Jesus is termed “the shepherd and bishop of your souls” in 1 Peter 2:25 and “the great Shepherd of the sheep” in Hebrews 13:20. Jesus called himself “the good Shepherd” in John 10:11. [source]
In no sense the author, but associated with Paul because with him here in Rome as in Corinth when I and II Thessalonians written and in Ephesus when I Corinthians sent and in Macedonia when II Corinthians written. Timothy was with Paul when the Philippian church was founded (Acts 16:1, Acts 16:13; Acts 17:14). He had been there twice since (Acts 19:22; 1 Timothy 3:8-13,.). To all the saints (πασι τοις αγιοις pāsi tois hagiois). The word saint (αγιος hagios) here is used for the professing Christians as in 1 Corinthians 1:2 which see as well as Romans 1:7 for the origin of the word. The word “all” (πασι pāsi) means that all individual believers are included. Paul employs this word frequently in Philippians. In Christ Jesus The centre for all Christian relations and activities for Paul and for us. In Philippi (εν Πιλιπποις en Philippois). See note on Acts 16:12 for discussion of this name. With the bishops “Together with bishops,” thus singled out from “all the saints.” See note on Acts 20:17 and note on Acts 20:28 for the use of this most interesting word as equivalent to presbuteros (elder). It is an old word from συν επισκοποις episkeptomai to look upon or after, to inspect, so the overseer or superintendent. In the second century πρεσβυτερος episcopos (Ignatius) came to mean one superior to elders, but not so in the N.T. The two New Testament church officers are here mentioned (bishops or elders and deacons). The plural is here employed because there was usually one church in a city with several pastors (bishops, elders). And deacons (επισκεπτομαι kai diakonois). Technical sense here of the other church officers as in Acts 20:3 not the general use as in Matthew 22:13. The origin of the office is probably seen in Acts 6:1-6. The term is often applied to preachers (1 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:6). The etymology (επισχοπος diaκαι διακονοις konis) suggests raising a dust by hastening. [source]
The centre for all Christian relations and activities for Paul and for us. In Philippi (εν Πιλιπποις en Philippois). See note on Acts 16:12 for discussion of this name. With the bishops “Together with bishops,” thus singled out from “all the saints.” See note on Acts 20:17 and note on Acts 20:28 for the use of this most interesting word as equivalent to presbuteros (elder). It is an old word from συν επισκοποις episkeptomai to look upon or after, to inspect, so the overseer or superintendent. In the second century πρεσβυτερος episcopos (Ignatius) came to mean one superior to elders, but not so in the N.T. The two New Testament church officers are here mentioned (bishops or elders and deacons). The plural is here employed because there was usually one church in a city with several pastors (bishops, elders). And deacons (επισκεπτομαι kai diakonois). Technical sense here of the other church officers as in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, not the general use as in Matthew 22:13. The origin of the office is probably seen in Acts 6:1-6. The term is often applied to preachers (1 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:6). The etymology (επισχοπος diaκαι διακονοις konis) suggests raising a dust by hastening. [source]
“Together with bishops,” thus singled out from “all the saints.” See note on Acts 20:17 and note on Acts 20:28 for the use of this most interesting word as equivalent to presbuteros (elder). It is an old word from συν επισκοποις episkeptomai to look upon or after, to inspect, so the overseer or superintendent. In the second century πρεσβυτερος episcopos (Ignatius) came to mean one superior to elders, but not so in the N.T. The two New Testament church officers are here mentioned (bishops or elders and deacons). The plural is here employed because there was usually one church in a city with several pastors (bishops, elders). And deacons (επισκεπτομαι kai diakonois). Technical sense here of the other church officers as in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, not the general use as in Matthew 22:13. The origin of the office is probably seen in Acts 6:1-6. The term is often applied to preachers (1 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:6). The etymology (επισχοπος diaκαι διακονοις konis) suggests raising a dust by hastening. [source]
The overseer. Old word, in lxx, and inscriptions and papyri. Deissmann (Bible Studies, pp. 230f.) has shown it is applied to communal officials in Rhodes. See note on Acts 20:28 for its use for the elders (presbyters) in Acts 20:17. So also in Titus 1:5, Titus 1:7. See note on Philemon 1:1. The word does not in the N.T. have the monarchical sense found in Ignatius of a bishop over elders. [source]
See 1 Timothy 5:1 for ordinary sense of πρεσβυτερος presbuteros for “older man.” But here of position in same sense as επισκοπος episkopos (1 Timothy 3:2) as in Titus 1:5 = επισκοπος episkopos in 1 Timothy 5:7. Cf. Luke‘s use of πρεσβυτερος presbuteros (Acts 20:17) = Paul‘s επισκοπους episkopous (Acts 20:28). Προεστωτες Proestōtes is second perfect active participle of προιστημι proistēmi (intransitive use) for which see note on 1 Timothy 3:4. [source]
Late word of result from χαριζομαι charizomai in papyri (Preisigke), a regular Pauline word in N.T. (1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Romans 1:11; etc.). Here it is God‘s gift to Timothy as in 2 Timothy 1:6. By prophecy (δια προπητειας dia prophēteias). Accompanied by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18), not bestowed by prophecy. With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]
In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]
The verb, μιμνήσκεσθαι in Paul, only 1 Corinthians 11:2. In Pastorals only here. The words give the reason for the longing to see Timothy. The allusion is probably to the tears shed by Timothy at his parting from Paul. One is naturally reminded of the parting of Paul with the Ephesians elders at Miletus (Acts 20:17ff., see especially Acts 20:37). Holtzmann remarks that Paul's discourse on that occasion is related to this passage as program to performance. Bonds await the apostle (Acts 20:23), and Paul appears as a prisoner (2 Timothy 1:8). He must fulfill his course Acts 20:24); here he has fulfilled it (2 Timothy 4:7). He bids the overseers take heed to the flock, for false teachers will arise in the bosom of the church (Acts 20:29, Acts 20:30); these letters contain directions for the guidance of the flock, and denunciations of heretical teachers. [source]
First aorist (ingressive) middle imperative of προσκαλεω proskaleō Note change of tense (aorist) and middle (indirect) voice. Care for the sick is urged in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (“help the sick”). Note the plural here, “elders of the church,” as in Acts 20:17; Acts 15:6, Acts 15:22; Acts 21:18; Philemon 1:1 (bishops).Let them pray over him (προσευχαστωσαν επ αυτον proseuxasthōsan ep' auton). First aorist middle imperative of προσευχομαι proseuchomai Prayer for the sick is clearly enjoined.Anointing him with oil First aorist active participle of αλειπω aleiphō old verb, to anoint, and the instrumental case of ελαιον elaion (oil). The aorist participle can be either simultaneous or antecedent with προσευχαστωσαν proseuxasthōsan (pray). See the same use of αλειπω ελαιωι aleiphō elaiōi in Mark 6:13. The use of olive oil was one of the best remedial agencies known to the ancients. They used it internally and externally. Some physicians prescribe it today. It is clear both in Mark 6:13 and here that medicinal value is attached to the use of the oil and emphasis is placed on the worth of prayer. There is nothing here of the pagan magic or of the later practice of “extreme unction” (after the eighth century). It is by no means certain that αλειπω aleiphō here and in Mark 6:13 means “anoint” in a ceremonial fashion rather than “rub” as it commonly does in medical treatises. Trench (N.T. Synonyms) says: “Αλειπειν Aleiphein is the mundane and profane, χριειν chriein the sacred and religious, word.” At bottom in James we have God and medicine, God and the doctor, and that is precisely where we are today. The best physicians believe in God and want the help of prayer. [source]
Earliest use of this compound in an inscription of b.c. 120 for fellow-elders (alderman) in a town, here only in N.T., in eccles. writers. For the word πρεσβυτερος presbuteros in the technical sense of officers in a Christian church (like elder in the local synagogues of the Jews) see Acts 11:30; Acts 20:17. It is noteworthy that here Peter the Apostle (1 Peter 1:1) calls himself an elder along with (συν sun) the other “elders.” [source]
The exact meaning of the term here is uncertain. The following are the principal interpretations: 1. The officials known as angels or messengers of the synagogue, transferred to the Christian Church. These were mere clerks or readers; so that their position does not answer to that of the angels presiding over the churches. There is, besides, no trace of the transfer of that office to the Christian Church. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 2. Angels proper Heavenly guardians of the churches. This is urged on the ground that the word is constantly used in Revelation of a heavenly being; by reference to the angels of the little ones (Matthew 18:10), and to Peter's angel (Acts 12:15). It is urged that, if an individual may have a guardian angel, so may a Church. Reference is also made to the tutelar national angels of Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- But why should the seer be instructed to write to heavenly messengers, with exhortations to repentance and fidelity, and describing them as “rich,” “poor,” “lukewarm,” etc. (Revelation 2:4; Revelation 3:1, Revelation 3:16)?-DIVIDER- 3. The angels are a personification of the churches themselves: the Church being spoken of as if concentrated in its angel or messenger. But in Revelation 1:20, they are explicitly distinguished from the golden candlesticks, the churches. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 4. The rulers ard teachers of the congregation. These are compared by Daniel (Daniel 12:3) to stars. See Malachi 2:7, where the priest is called the messenger (angel) of the Lord; and Malachi 3:1, where the same word is used of the prophet. See also Haggai 1:13. Under this interpretation two views are possible. (a) The angels are Bishops; the word ἄγγελος sometimes occurring in that sense (as in Jerome and Socrates). This raises the question of the existence of episcopacy towards the close of the first century. (b) The word is used of the ministry collectively; the whole board of officers, including both presbyters and deacons, who represented and were responsible for the moral condition of the churches. See Acts 20:17, Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Dr. Schaff says: “This phraseology of the Apocalypse already looks towards the idea of episcopacy in its primitive form, that is, to a monarchical concentration of governmental form in one person, bearing a patriarchal relation to the congregation, and responsible in an eminent sense for the spiritual condition of the whole … . But even in this case we must insist on an important distinction between the 'angels' of the Book of Revelation and the later diocesan Bishops. For aside from the very limited extent of their charges, as compared with the large territory of most Greek, Roman Catholic, and Anglican Bishops, these angels stood below the Apostles and their legates, and were not yet invested with the great power (particularly the right to confirm and ordain) which fell to the later Bishops after the death of the Apostles … . The angels, accordingly, if we are to understand by them single individuals, must be considered as forming the transition from the presbyters of the apostolic age to the Bishops of the second century” (“History of the Apostolic Church”). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- [source]