End of a Preaching Trip, Acts 20:17-38

This post concerns Paul teaching the Ephesian Elders at the end of a preaching trip.

End of a Preaching Trip discusses a pause in Paul’s trip to Jerusalem, Acts 20:17. “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.”

First, Paul reviewed his history with them, Acts 20:20-21. “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything… profitable and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Next, he explained that the Holy Spirit had warned that prison and hardship awaited him in Jerusalem. Paul did not worry about his personal life, Acts 20:24. “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Paul explained further that they would not see him again. But he felt blameless about his work among them, Acts 20:26-27. “…I testify to you this day that I… innocent of the blood of all…I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

Then, he began instructing the elders, Acts 20:28. “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

Further, from outside the church, fierce people would try to draw away disciples from the church. Likewise, some elders from among them would do the same. Paul had taught them for three years to avoid such.

Finally, he commended them to God and asked them to remember what Jesus had said, Acts 20:35. “…remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

We too should remember the words of Jesus and desire to give rather than receive.

So, what did we learn?

1.Paul rehearsed his life among them and remembered preaching everything they needed to know.

2.The Holy Spirit warned of imprisonment for Paul.

3.Paul warned the elders of a possible falling away.

4.We should remember Jesus’ teaching of the blessedness of giving.

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