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Luke travels with the team by ship. Paul has decided to walk to Assos (about twenty miles
south of Troas). Apparently Paul wants to be alone to pray for direction. He sends the disciples
ahead and will meet them later.

During that time of solitude, the Lord will instruct Paul to have a pastors’ conference for all the
“shepherds” of Ephesus. Paul is also making up his mind to go to Jerusalem and preach to
believers who have become legalistic. He had seen the condition of the church there (18:22)
and has desired to return for some time. He had visited previously and was a blessing to the
believers. He will go again, but this time it will be against the will of God.

Verses 14-15 describe Paul’s voyage down the coast of Miletus. Paul will spend some time
relaxing at some of the most famous resort spots of the Mediterranean.

Act 20:14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.

Mitylene is the capital of the island of Lesbos, which is a short distance from Assos. Lesbos is a
famous Roman resort island. The English word “lesbian” is derived from the name of this
island.

Act 20:15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we
arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus.
At this time, Chios is famous for wine, and Samos is located in the Aegean region further down
from Chios. It is also a famous resort for the Romans, especially the military. It is close to
Ephesus and a free state under Rome. It is also the location of the temple of Hera, and the
worship of this goddess is similar to that of Diana.

Paul and his team stay at Trogyllium, a major city on Samos. Paul and his men rest at each of
these cities. They do not preach, witness, or evangelize. These cities have great need, but Paul
and his team know they need the rest to complete what God has called them to do.

They finally arrive in Miletus, the place where God instructed them to hold a conference for the
pastors of Ephesus. This will be Paul’s first contact with the ministers since the disassembling
of the rioting mob at Ephesus and Paul’s departure.

Act 20:16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in
Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

Paul is trying to “fit in” the will of God by speaking in Ephesus before departing for Jerusalem.
Miletus is in the will of God, and Jerusalem is out of God’s will. Paul has determined he will be
in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost and will squeeze Miletus in as quickly as he can. He has
reasoned that if he did go to Ephesus, he would have to remain longer than he wants to.
Miletus will make it easier for Paul to leave quickly. Paul is in a hurry. This is always an
indication you are not on solid ground. When you feel pressured by time, this is Satan’s trap;
“Act now or you will miss God’s will.” Until this moment, Paul has been thinking about going to
Jerusalem and has been casually traveling from city to city and relaxing. Now he is in a hurry.