After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. Acts 20:1-3

Upon departing from Ephesus, Paul headed for Macedonia (the Balkans southward to Greece). While in Macedonia, Paul found believers and sought to encourage them. He probably spent a prolonged while doing this, as evidenced by the fact that the NIV states, “he finally came to Greece” (emphasis added).

With what did Paul encourage these people? He “encouraged them with many words.” In other words, Paul preached the Word of God!

We may not all be preachers, but may we be encouragers. When we come to church, may we not only come to pray, worship in song, and hear the Bible preached. May we also come intending to speak encouraging words to one another. Who can’t use some encouraging words?

And let us see that our words of encouragement are informed by, if not laced with, the Word of God!