Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 20:3

"And when he had spent three months [there,] and a plot was laid against him by Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia." — Acts 20:3 (ASV)

After spending some time in Macedonia, Paul went to Corinth, where he stayed for three months, probably during the winter of 57–58. While there, and before his final trip to Jerusalem, Paul wrote his letter to the church at Rome (cf. Romans 15:17–33). The Greek world in the eastern part of the empire had been evangelized (cf. Romans 15:19, 23), and he desired to transfer his ministry to the Latin world, as far west as Spain (cf. Romans 15:24). He anticipated using the Roman church as his base of operations, much as he had previously used the church at Antioch in Syria. But first he needed to go to Jerusalem if the collection from the Gentile Christians was to have the meaning he wanted it to have (cf. Romans 15:25– 32). So, instead of going to Rome at this time and in preparation for his future visit—and also to expound the righteousness of God—Paul sent a formal letter to the Christians at Rome (the longest and most systematic of his writings).

At the end of three months in Corinth, Paul sought to sail for Palestine-Syria, doubtless intending to reach Jerusalem in time for the great pilgrim festival of Passover. But a plot to kill him at sea was uncovered, and he decided to travel overland through Macedonia. Robbery was common on the ancient roads, and with Paul carrying a substantial amount of money collected from the Gentile churches, he undoubtedly wanted to get to Jerusalem as quickly and safely as possible. Nevertheless, he felt it best to spend time on the longer land route, preferring its possible dangers to the known perils of the sea voyage; so he began to retrace his steps through Macedonia.