Travelers on the Way
September 26, 2021
According to the travelogue in today’s text (Acts 20:1-16), Paul was a traveler and had many fellow travelers. After three years of ministry in Ephesus, by the Spirit, he came up with a basic itinerary to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem and “I must also see Rome” (19:21). Those plans were interrupted by a great disturbance concerning the Way. Paul was the chief object of their threats. When that uproar ceased, Paul began his trip with many long farewells (20:1-2, 7), especially the one in the second half of our text (20:17-38).
What is this Way? We talk about the church in Ephesus (20:17) but Luke’s primary designation is the Way, used a total of six times in Acts. Its first use involved this same traveler, Saul, who was on a trip from Jerusalem to Damascus to arrest any man or woman belonging to the Way and bring them bound to Jerusalem (9:2). After the two uses of the Ephesian believers (19:9, 23), and when Paul had made it to Jerusalem, we find him bound and on trial for his life. He testifies that while he once persecuted the Way (22:4), he now confesses that according to the Way he worships God (22:14). Felix, his judge, is well acquainted with the Way (24:27) and has several talks with Paul about it but leaves him in prison.
In Acts, the Way is Luke’s primary designation for the early Christian movement. Shall we identify with it and be travelers on the Way today? I speculated about our signs. Should we change it to Fellow Travelers? That sounds communistic. What about simply Travelers? Sounds like we’re selling insurance. So, we are down to The Way on both signs. I also remembered some famous Ways/roads I have travelled, including Cumberland Gap 70 years ago and Route 66, 65 years ago.
Luke has a much more serious journey in mind. Look back to his Gospel. Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem (Lk. 9:51) and sent some messengers ahead of him. Paul does the same thing as he begins his journey to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21-22). A coincidence? There are so many parallels between the two journeys, I think not. That brings me to two lines in Paul’s farewell speech to the elders of the Ephesian church: from the first day (20:18) and, if only I may finish my course (20: 24). Both for individuals and for congregations there are “first days” and “finishing the course.” In between there are tears and trials and adversaries. Throughout there is the word of God’s grace and a lot of praying and hugging.
—Tom Yoakum
