Scripture Reading: Acts 20 | Sabbath: December 28, 2024
Memory Verse: Acts 20:37, 38
Acts 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
Weekly Proverb: Proverbs 19:20
Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Introduction: When a student graduates from college, he is given final words of exhortation. Paul had taught the churches for years. They were his students. They were not leaving their teacher: their teacher was leaving them. What did he say to his graduates?

1. Paul had traveled many days, from city to city, and church to church. While on his journeys, he came to what city? Acts 20:15.
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.
2. While in Miletus, whom did he call from Ephesus? v 17.
Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
3. Did he remind the elders of his many building projects, large audiences, and dialogues with dignitaries? v 18-20.
Acts 20:18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

Note: Paul is speaking of what is important to him. He says that he is speaking of what is profitable to the Ephesians, and he is not speaking of corruptible materials and corruptible prestige.

4. Paul was a well-educated man, capable of a scholarly and eloquent sermon. But, how basic was his message to the churches? v 21, 25.
Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
5. He had specific churches to visit, and elders to encourage; surely he must have had a well-planned itinerary. Or did he? v 22, 23.
Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Acts 20:23 Save that the Holy Spirit witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
6. Was security important to him? Or was security contrary to his mission? How important was the life of the second most important figure of the New Testament? How important was the life of the first most important figure? v 24.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Note: Jesus sacrificed his life for our sins. Paul sacrificed his life so that we would know of that sacrifice. This is the elders’ mission.

7. What sad news did he have for the elders of Ephesus? v 25.
Acts 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
8. A man who once persecuted the church, threw the brethren into prison, watched Stephen being stoned, says what? Why? v 26, 27.
Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
9. Why has Paul used his life as an example? v 28.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
10. Why was this exhortation so important? v 29-31.
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
11. How are the elders blessed? v 32.
Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Answer: Paul blesses them by letting them know that there is a future inheritance for them; an inheritance that is awarded by God’s grace.
12. He is talking to elders. He is exhorting elders. The following words are for elders. What does he say that is so commendable about his hands? Should today’s elders follow his example? v 33-35.
Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
Acts 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
13. He persecuted them, joined them, taught them, prayed for them, and now he was leaving them. They knew he was their spiritual father. How emotional was his farewell? v 36-38.
Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
Acts 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

Conclusion: Paul used his life as an example to the elders of Ephesus. He did not have words of success for his students. Success died with Saul the Pharisee. He did have words of sacrifice and duty.