Location
Overview
Miletus was an ancient Ionian seaport south of Ephesus. There Paul, hurrying toward Jerusalem, paused for one of the most tender scenes in Acts.
The farewell to the elders
"From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church" (Acts 20:17). He recounted his ministry "with all humility of mind, and with many tears," and charged them, "take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers" (Acts 20:28).
"More blessed to give"
He reminded them of the Lord's words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35) — a saying preserved nowhere else.
A sorrowful parting
"They all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all... that they should see his face no more" (Acts 20:37–38), and they accompanied him to the ship.
Events Here
Paul gives his farewell to the Ephesian elders at Miletus
Scripture References
3 versesActs2 verses
Acts 20:15
And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
Acts 20:17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
2 Timothy1 verse
2 Timothy 4:20
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Archaeology & History
Miletus was once a great maritime power, but its harbour gradually silted up (its ruins now lie inland near Balat). In Paul's day it still served as a port, a convenient meeting point just south of Ephesus where he could summon the Ephesian elders without entering the city itself.
Frequently asked about Miletus
Where is Miletus today?
Today, Miletus corresponds to Balat / Milet, Turkey.
What happened at Miletus in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Miletus include paul gives his farewell to the ephesian elders at miletus.
Where is Miletus first mentioned in the Bible?
Miletus is first mentioned in Acts 20:15.
How often is Miletus mentioned in the Bible?
Miletus is mentioned in 3 verses across 2 books: Acts, 2 Timothy.
What happened at Miletus?
Paul summoned the elders of the Ephesian church there and gave them a deeply emotional farewell, charging them to shepherd the flock and quoting Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Where is Miletus?
On the western coast of Asia Minor (Turkey), south of Ephesus; its silted-up ruins now lie inland near Balat.