MEMORY VERSE

“And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more” (Acts 20:25).

TEXT

Acts 20:1-38

Evangelism can be likened to farming. Farming involves cultivating, sowing and reaping of fruits during harvest (John 4:35-38). Same way, Paul, for about three years in Asia was sowing the seed of the Word and reaping souls into the Kingdom of God. What a challenge! Now, his ministry in Asia was coming to an end. As he concluded, he made short journeys again to some churches and rounded off at Miletus where he determined to sail by Ephesus and “if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost”. As we study the text before us, three things come out clearly.

1. In his visitation to the churches, he gave “much exhortation” to the disciples (verse 2). This was to strengthen, establish and secure them in the faith.
2. He observed the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of the Lord’s death till He comes (verse 7; 1 Corinthians 11:26).
3. He determined to be at Jerusalem during the day of Pentecost (verse 16).

The meeting between Paul and the Ephesian elders shows that he was a true overseer over the church of God. During the meeting, he gave them a solemn charge. The qualities brought out in the charge are transparency, integrity of character and a determination to do what is right which no persuasion could weaken. We also see a heart most tender in his care for the church of God and an anxious thought for the future of the church which he loved so much.

1. PASTORAL COURAGE AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE SAINTS

Acts 20:1-5; Acts 9:15,16; 1 Corinthians 15:8-11; Galatians 1:10,15,16; Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 3:9; Colossians 1:28,29; Romans 12:6-8.

“And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia” (verse 1).

After the uproar and trouble at Ephesus, Paul called for the disciples and encouraged them. In wisdom, he withdrew for safety and that of his companions. However, his withdrawal was not for a recess but to re-fire and re-launch into more fruitful ministry. He continued his labour and embarked on his journeys to other churches in Asia. He visited places like Macedonia, Greece, Philippi, Troas and finally to Miletus.

These unbroken and rapid succession of his labours are truly marvellous and challenging. They point to the profitable use of life. Although our primary duty is to study as students, yet, we must also preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him experientially. It is also our responsibility to establish those who receive Him as Lord and Saviour by faith.

Paul laboured day and night to ensure the spiritual welfare of the churches. In spite of these, his energy and courage never waned.

He followed the steps of his Master Jesus who said:

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4,5).

He went back to Philippi where he had been shamefully treated, stripped, scourged and cast into prison. He also went to other cities of Macedonia where he had been forced to escape secretly at night for fear of violence and hostility of the Jews. Also, he went back to Corinth where he was dragged before the judgment seat of Gallio and where the Jews plotted against his life.

In all these places, his heart desire was to declare the whole counsel of God to the churches. This explains what kept his vision burning. It reveals a proper appreciation of the worth of the soul of man and we need this to do an enduring work in this generation.

Question 1: What was Paul’s main duty while visiting the churches in Asia?

Paul’s main duty was to give them exhortation (teaching) that will help the church in the Christian faith.

Words of exhortation help Christian youths to:

1. Keep away from evils (Acts 2:40)
2. Have confidence in God (Acts 27:22)
3. Please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1)
4. Be awake to dutifulness and hard work
5. Relate and respect their parents, teachers and leaders in the church (1 Timothy 6:2)
6. Know how to be obedient to leaders (Titus 2:9)
7. Continue in the faith (Acts 14:22)
8. Cleave to the Lord till the end (Acts 11:23)

Therefore, believers must learn to exhort one another always (1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:25).

Question 2: In your own words, describe Paul’s co-labourers in this missionary journey?

In this missionary journey, great and wonderful servants of Christ laboured along with Paul as a team. These servants of Christ were:

1. Sopater of Berea – He was a committed Christian who followed Paul from Corinth to Jerusalem (Romans 16:21).
2. Aristarchus of Thessalonica – He was a fellow prisoner with Paul (Acts 19:29; 27:2; Colossians 4:10).
3. Secundus of Thessalonica – He went sacrificially with others to Troas to wait for Paul (Acts 20:4).
4. Gaius of Derbe – He suffered great persecution with Paul and hosted him. He was a committed Christian whom Paul baptised (Acts 19:29; Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14).
5. Timothy of Lystra – He was a faithful, humble and obedient son in the faith (Philippians 2:19-23; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:2,3; 2 Timothy 1:2; 2:1,2).
6. Tychicus of Asia – He was a faithful beloved of Paul (Ephesians 6:21,22).
7. Trophimus of Asia – He was a committed labourer (Acts 21:29; 2 Timothy 4:20).

Just as they had the grace of God in their lives, we too should receive this grace and allow it to work in us. This will enable us to be useful to our full potential. Your commitment should be that you will not frustrate the grace of God in your life (Galatians 2:21).

2. PAUL’S OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Acts 20:6-12; Luke 22:7-20; Acts 2:41,42,46; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Matthew 13:24-30; Isaiah 56:10,11; Proverbs 6:6-11.

In Troas, Paul’s untiring spirit and his inexhaustible love for souls were at work. It was in this city he received the Macedonia call (Acts 16:9). On the eve of a long journey, when many would seek rest, Paul preached his heart out.

His burden was unmistakable, the desire for spiritual grace and growth was unrelenting and the comfort and stability of the church was the goal. He seized every opportunity he had to preach Christ and to the Troas church in particular. He preached the power of Christ that saves from sins; repentance from sins; evangelisation of the world; the authority of Christ to deliver souls from sins, sickness and Satan; commitment and consecration to save souls at all costs; holiness of heart and life till Christ comes (Hebrews 12:14).

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (verse 7).

However, Paul did not only preach, but also practised what he preached. In Troas, he observed the Lord’s Supper with the disciples.

Question 3: Why do Christians observe the Lord’s Supper?

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

The Lord’s Supper is commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ to be observed by all His disciples.

In partaking in the ordinance, we must examine ourselves.

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28).

Also, we observe it in remembrance of His death (1 Corinthians 11:24-26).

“And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead” (verse 9).

As Paul preached till midnight, Eutychus fell asleep and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

With the power of God upon the apostle, he said:

“Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him” (verse 10).

He prayed,

“And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted” (verse 12).

Through this, he demonstrated to the people that He who is the Resurrection and the Life is still alive and that though He is not with them physically, the Lord is in the midst of the church. This must have strengthened their faith and drawn the bonds of love among them.

Eutychus’ restoration also brought consolation to the church. The promise of the Lord is:

“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23).

However, we should sleep at the right time and place to avoid great danger to ourselves or others. There are great dangers in sleeping at the wrong time and place. This kind of sleep can cause physical and spiritual dangers.

An example of the physical danger is the one in our text. Spiritually, Jesus said:

“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way” (Matthew 13:25).

Also, when we approach our studies with a lazy attitude, it is a sign of slumbering. It leads to failure and poverty (Proverbs 6:10,11).

We should not give sleep or slumber to our eyes when we should be preparing for the future.

“Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids” (Proverbs 6:4).

3. PAUL’S DETERMINATION AND PROFITABLE SERVICE

Acts 20:13-38; 1 Timothy 5:17-19; Hebrews 13:7,17; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Acts 18:18-20; 19:1-20; Philippians 2:3-16; Colossians 4:17; Ezekiel 3:17-19

Apostle Paul’s attitude to God’s service was selfless and sacrificial. He served with all humility, might and strength through the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).

He once said:

“…Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 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:” (verses 18,19).

After showing the good example, he challenged us to do the same.

“For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost” (verse 16).

As Paul was about to end his journey, he determined to sail past Ephesus and moved quickly to be at Jerusalem for Pentecost.

“And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church” (verse 17).

Immediately the apostle sent for the elders, they responded without delay. The elders were the leaders of the churches in Ephesus. Through them, the apostle was speaking to the whole members.

The spiritual life of a leader affects the life of the members of the church positively or negatively. The elders have great responsibilities toward the church. These include teaching the word of God, watching over the spiritual life of the members, warning every member against false prophets and teachers and their teachings, etc.

On the other hand, the members also have responsibilities to their ministers. They are to obey and respect their ministers who will give account to God. The greatest respect members can give to gospel ministers is to obey the word of God and live a holy life. This is what will give them rewards in eternity.

In his address, Paul reviewed his service and ministry among the elders. Before now, he had laboured in Ephesus greatly to bring souls into the kingdom of God.

It was there he reasoned with the Jews in the synagogue concerning Christ (Acts 18:19). Also, at Ephesus he challenged the believers to receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 19:1-7). He taught the word, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God and wrought special miracles (Acts 19:7-12). He also faced hard trials and persecutions from the Jews (Acts 19:8-10). He did great work in Ephesus to establish the churches.

“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:” (verse 19).

Whilst still speaking, Paul recalled how he served God with all humility of mind. This is a great principle and quality in serving the Lord. Without humility, our service will be unacceptable and useless.

Question 4a: What is the importance of humility in the service of the Lord?

b) How do we possess this virtue?

In God’s kingdom, pride is not allowed but grace is given to the humble to serve the King in the kingdom.

To possess this great virtue, we must be saved from our sin through repentance and faith in Christ (Matthew 18:3).

In addition, real and quality services to God demand sacrifice (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

The apostle said later, he “fought with beasts at Ephesus” (1 Corinthians 15:32). That was real sacrifice and commitment to serve God.

Apostle Paul, while in Ephesus, preached the gospel and offered profitable and purposeful service both publicly and privately. The love and compassion of God did not allow him keep back anything that was profitable to the people.

He declared the whole gospel especially the two stands on which salvation from sins rest; namely: repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).

He proceeded to tell the Ephesian elders of the predicted suffering he would meet in the course of preaching the gospel. However, the prediction was not strange. It had been revealed at the time of his conversion (Acts 9:15,16).

The challenge to us is the absolute certainty with which he looked toward his “bonds and afflictions”. Yet, the apostle was bent on going to Jerusalem in spite of the several “lying in wait of the Jews” (Acts 20:19).

Question 5: Why was Paul determined to go to Jerusalem in spite of the several predictions of sufferings?

“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19).

Youths may ask why should Paul still set his mind as a flint to reach the Jews?

1. Paul had seen the heavenly vision that appraised the value of the human soul and was prepared to pay any price for its salvation.
2. He had a continuing affection for the Jews (Romans 9:1-3; 10:1).
3. He was to carry gifts from the church of Macedonia to the needy disciples in Jerusalem and minister to the saints (Romans 15:23-26).

As Paul journeyed to Jerusalem, he looked away from bonds and afflictions that awaited him. Instead, his consuming passion was as he said to “finish my course with joy” and “testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Hence, he had fulfilled his ministry in Asia. He confidently said:

“I am pure from the blood of all men” in Asia.

And to the church there,

“I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”

Paul the apostle had faithfully laboured for the salvation of men declaring the fullness of the blessings of the gospel through Christ and the penalties of refusing, rejecting or resisting the gospel of Christ.

Truly, his life and ministry is a great challenge to us today. Let us labour to bring the souls of boys and girls to Christ.

“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” (verse 28).

As a pastor and prophet, Paul spoke prophetically to the Ephesian elders of their duties, responsibilities and warned them of false teachers and preachers that may come after his departure.

Question 6: What are the responsibilities of God’s ministers to His church?

The apostle told the elders in Ephesus that they were responsible for feeding the flock of God which had been purchased at a great price, the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

However, the elders were told to take heed to themselves first. They were to keep their lives spotless, pure and above reproach. Although Paul was thinking about the whole church, he dealt with them through their leaders.

Therefore, if he could awaken in them the deep concern for the souls committed to their charge, he would have done the best that could be done for the flock at large.

The ministers must take care of their spiritual lives before they can successfully watch over others.

“He that is careless about his own salvation will never be careful about the souls of others” (1 Timothy 4:16).

To be strong and spiritually healthy, the church needs effective pastors and teachers of the Word.

Paul, in his exhortation to the elders, warned that wolves would come from both outside and inside the flock to distort the truth and lead believers away from the true gospel.

The greatest danger to the church today comes from those who profess to be Christians but who are perverted in their thinking and doctrines. Their aim is to draw disciples after them to join their heresy.

Question 7: What should Christian youths do in the light of this evil tendency?

“Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (verse 31).

The apostle directed that the elders must cultivate a deep sense of responsibility to watch vigilantly over the flock of God.

Not only the leaders, but every Christian youth must watch and pray (Mark 13:33,37).

In warning them to watch, he brought his own example to bear in their mind and reminded them of how “he ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

Paul’s selfless life, honesty in ministry, self-supporting commitment to spend and be spent for the church are challenging examples before us today.

“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up” (verse 32).

These brethren were commended to God and the word of His grace.

After a youth is saved, he needs to continue in:

• The word of God (John 8:30,31)
• The love of God (John 15:9,10)
• The grace of God (Acts 13:43)
• Faith in God (Acts 14:22,23)
• The church of God (Acts 2:44,46)

It is this continuity that brings steadiness, stability, spiritual growth, strength and service.

The apostle further stressed that the word of God will give the brethren an “inheritance among them which are sanctified” in the Lord. This spiritual experience is vital for all Christian youths.

In verse 35, the apostle exhorted the elders to remember the word of the Lord. As students, we should ensure we remember what we have learnt, especially during various Bible teachings and in preparation for examinations.