BRUCE C WEARNE continues his examination of Acts with a look at what Paul said to the Ephesian elders in chapter 20…
It was at Miletus that he sent to Ephesus asking the elders of the church to come to him. When they arrived, he said to them:
“You are well aware of how I lived among you all this time, from the first day I set foot in Asia. Serving the Lord with all humility has meant tears and trials that have befallen me from the schemes of the Jews. You know I did not shrink from declaring anything to you that was profitable. I taught you in public and from house to house, and testified both to Jews and Greeks about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, under the Spirit’s constraint, not knowing what is to happen to me there. Except I do know that the Holy Spirit tells to me that in every city, imprisonment and affliction await me. I do not consider my life of value or as precious to myself, and am only set upon accomplishing my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that all of you among whom I have worked preaching the kingdom are to see my face no more. Therefore I tell you solemnly that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God to you. Take heed 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 the blood of his own Son. I know that when I have left fierce wolves will come among you, and they won’t spare the flock; even from among your own company men will arise who will speak perverse things, drawing disciples away after them. Therefore be alert, and remember that for three years I did not cease to admonish every one with tears night or day. Now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up, giving you the same inheritance that is for all those who have been made holy. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You well know that that these hands ministered to my own needs, and for those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that one’s toil must be to help the weak, remembering how the Lord Jesus spoke ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
And having spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they all wept and embraced Paul and kissed him, sorrowful because of the word he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. They then took him to the ship. – Acts 20:17-38/transliteration by Bruce C Wearne
LAST WORDS: The Roman Theatre at Miletus where Paul paused in his journey to Jerusalem to address the Ephesian elders. PICTURE: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0
IN A NUTSHELL
Paul says farewell to the church of Ephesus.
Luke’s account of Paul’s farewell address is a very important historical document, telling us how Paul viewed himself and his ministry. It tells us Paul’s love for the church at Ephesus. We hear his view of the present position and future prospects for that church that began with his lectures in Tyrannus Hall. The way of obedience is never easy.
As well as telling us what Paul thought about his immediate future, it also confirms Paul’s conviction that these churches are not primarily about him at all. That he did or didn’t visit a second or third or fourth time is not the issue. What is at issue is whether these churches are going to continue in faithful service of the Messiah, Jesus.
Yes, he was going to face trials in the weeks and months ahead. He did not know what was going to happen but he accepted the possibility that his freedom would be severely restricted. Paul even indicated that he was willing to die for the Gospel. This task was his calling, given to him by God. It is worthwhile re-reading this address with this in mind.
The collection of money for the poor has always been integral to the Gospel’s proclamation. We hear Paul’s concern for justice, his promotion of a life-style that is generous at base, overflowing with thanks to God in the service of all our neighbours. Paul’s “executive summary” of his “Ephesus project” encouraged believers then, and now, to resist self-service, to grow wise about tendencies in our own conduct that can divide Christ’s flock. By His Spirit, Jesus generously keeps the lives of His disciples open to God’s grace.
OPEN BOOK – HINTS FROM THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS: PAUL’S ADDRESS TO THE EPHESIAN ELDERS
BRUCE C WEARNE continues his examination of Acts with a look at what Paul said to the Ephesian elders in chapter 20…
It was at Miletus that he sent to Ephesus asking the elders of the church to come to him. When they arrived, he said to them:
“You are well aware of how I lived among you all this time, from the first day I set foot in Asia. Serving the Lord with all humility has meant tears and trials that have befallen me from the schemes of the Jews. You know I did not shrink from declaring anything to you that was profitable. I taught you in public and from house to house, and testified both to Jews and Greeks about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, under the Spirit’s constraint, not knowing what is to happen to me there. Except I do know that the Holy Spirit tells to me that in every city, imprisonment and affliction await me. I do not consider my life of value or as precious to myself, and am only set upon accomplishing my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that all of you among whom I have worked preaching the kingdom are to see my face no more. Therefore I tell you solemnly that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God to you. Take heed 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 the blood of his own Son. I know that when I have left fierce wolves will come among you, and they won’t spare the flock; even from among your own company men will arise who will speak perverse things, drawing disciples away after them. Therefore be alert, and remember that for three years I did not cease to admonish every one with tears night or day. Now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up, giving you the same inheritance that is for all those who have been made holy. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You well know that that these hands ministered to my own needs, and for those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that one’s toil must be to help the weak, remembering how the Lord Jesus spoke ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
And having spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they all wept and embraced Paul and kissed him, sorrowful because of the word he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. They then took him to the ship. – Acts 20:17-38/transliteration by Bruce C Wearne
LAST WORDS: The Roman Theatre at Miletus where Paul paused in his journey to Jerusalem to address the Ephesian elders. PICTURE: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0
IN A NUTSHELL
Paul says farewell to the church of Ephesus.
Luke’s account of Paul’s farewell address is a very important historical document, telling us how Paul viewed himself and his ministry. It tells us Paul’s love for the church at Ephesus. We hear his view of the present position and future prospects for that church that began with his lectures in Tyrannus Hall. The way of obedience is never easy.
As well as telling us what Paul thought about his immediate future, it also confirms Paul’s conviction that these churches are not primarily about him at all. That he did or didn’t visit a second or third or fourth time is not the issue. What is at issue is whether these churches are going to continue in faithful service of the Messiah, Jesus.
Yes, he was going to face trials in the weeks and months ahead. He did not know what was going to happen but he accepted the possibility that his freedom would be severely restricted. Paul even indicated that he was willing to die for the Gospel. This task was his calling, given to him by God. It is worthwhile re-reading this address with this in mind.
The collection of money for the poor has always been integral to the Gospel’s proclamation. We hear Paul’s concern for justice, his promotion of a life-style that is generous at base, overflowing with thanks to God in the service of all our neighbours. Paul’s “executive summary” of his “Ephesus project” encouraged believers then, and now, to resist self-service, to grow wise about tendencies in our own conduct that can divide Christ’s flock. By His Spirit, Jesus generously keeps the lives of His disciples open to God’s grace.
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