And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. (2) And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, (3) And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. (4) And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. (5) These going before tarried for us at Troas. (6) And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
It appears from the preceding Chapter; that Paul had determined upon a visit to Macedon (Acts 19:21-22). Probably however, this uproar prompted him the rather to hasten his departure. However he went not away before that he had called together the people to take an affectionate farewell of them. And it should seem that this was always the Apostle's custom. For wherever he went, it was as with his life in his hand. And when at any time he took leave of the brethren, he knew not whether he should ever see them again. It is very interesting the parting interview of a faithful minister and a beloved congregation. How truly lovely is that of Moses, which is called the blessing wherewith Moses, the man of God, blessed the children of Israel before his death, Deuteronomy 33:1. Such Joshua also, Joshua 23:1 and Joshua 24:1. And, in short, all the servants of Jesus. But, Reader! what a farewell was that of Jesus himself? John 13:1 and John 14:1-31 etc.
The exercise of Paul's ministry through this circuit, we are told, was with much exhortation. And, if we may form a judgment from the specimen given in the close of this Chapter, when addressing the Elders at Miletus; what a lovely part of the Apostle's labors must this have been? They who have been curious to trace the journeys of the Apostle, have formed to view no small tract of land, the Apostle went over during this circuit. But, I can only refer the Reader to the Scriptural statement of it; together with the same account of his companions. See 2 Corinthians 9:1-5; 2 Corinthians 9:1-5; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 16:3-4