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Verse 16 is an extreme contrast to the preceding verses. At Miletus, Paul is in a hurry because
he has now determined to go to Jerusalem.

PAUL’S PASTORS CONFERENCE (17-31)

From Miletus, Paul invites the elders from the church at Ephesus to Miletus where he makes a
deposit into their lives. He holds his first “pastors conference.” While the elders are with Paul,
he expresses his determination to travel to Jerusalem and assures them he has not kept back
anything from them concerning the gospel.

In verses 17-30, Paul calls the pastors from Ephesus to join him thirty miles away at the seaside
town of Miletus. The pastors are called elders. This particular word is frequently used when
referring to the office of the pastor.

GREEK WORDS REFERRING TO THE OFFICE OF THE PASTOR

1. Presbuteros: elder, the one or ones in authority.
2. Episcopov: bishop, overseer, superintendent.
3. Diakonov: minister.
4. Poimhn: pastor, shepherd.

Act 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders (presbuteros: elder; the one or ones
in authority) of the church .

Paul calls for the elders (plural) because there is more than one local church in Ephesus. There
are many churches meeting in homes throughout the city. The word “elder” here refers to the
pastors of those churches.

The Greek word presbuteros, shows the authority of the pastor. His authority lies in his
teaching ministry. He does not rule lives, he rules the teaching of “the whole counsel of God.”
A minister cannot teach without authority. The authority is not given by men, but by the Holy
Spirit (verse 28).

The Greek word episkopov emphasizes the work of the minister. He is an overseer, a bishop.
He observes and watches over God’s heritage, the congregation.

The Greek word for pastor, poimhn is his title, shepherd. There are functions within a local
church of administration called diakonov, or deacons. They are taken from the congregation
and carry out authority in their own realm of service to the people.
PAUL’S MESSAGE

Act 20:18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that
I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,