ETB Acts 20:18-32

Session 10 p.91 Commit

Introduce: Read the following oath of enlistment taken by those entering the military:

“I, ______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

For those who have taken this oath in the past what did it mean to you when you took it? What does it mean to you now, even those you have been released from service?

Sometimes we make a commitment for shorter, specified time, but then when end up holding ourselves to it for the rest of our lives.

Paul’s commitment to those whom he had ministered to and started churches with was like that, brief and yet life long.

Understand the Context

Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, which we looked at last week, eventually started to effect the sale of idols and the tradesmen caused a riot attempting to have Paul imprisoned or worse. Although it did not work legally, Paul understood his effectiveness in the area was complete and began his journey back to Antioch using both land and sea routes. Even though he went through a lot of towns, he intentionally avoided going through Ephesus. He did, however, want to encourage those whom he had ministered to for 2+ years. His ship stopped in a port very close.

Acts 20:17 “17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.”

Our lesson text picks up after they arrived.

Explore the Text

Acts 20:18–21 ESV

18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

humility and with tears and with trials

Humility towards God and His people, Tears over believers, lost, or fallen, and trials from non-believers and fellow Jews by the Enemy. Yet through them all Paul “stayed the course.” Later in his letters and other accounts, Paul describes in detail all of these things.

Philippians 3:18 “18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.”

Humility keeps us right before God’s throne, tears reveal where we have failed our fellow man in guiding them to Christ, trials reveal where we are not as Spirit-filled as we think and humble us before God.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 20

Humility of mind means not finding fault with a brother or sister, but finding fruit—approving those things that are excellent within them. Humility of mind means realizing it’s the grace of God, not our own merit, that allows us to know Him and walk with Him.

did not hold back anything that was profitable

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Nineteen: A Minister’s Farewell (Acts 20)

A group of servicemen asked their new chaplain if he believed in a real hell for lost sinners, and he smiled and told them that he did not. “Then you are wasting your time,” the men replied. “If there is no hell, we don’t need you; and if there is a hell, you are leading us astray. Either way, we’re better off without you!”

The easy and the hard parts of God’s truth were given by Paul. Later he uses the same phrase again about not holding back “the whole counsel of God.” This then is Paul’s way of reminding us that all of God’s word is profitable, if we are willing to listen to it. We do no have to like it or understand it completely for it to be of benefit to us.

Later in his second letter to Timothy he would reiterate how all of God’s Word works for our benefit

2 Timothy 3:16–17 “16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

In public . . . house to house

In Ephesus, Paul would use every opportunity to encourage believers and share Christ with unbelievers. Luke verified that Paul preached in public in places like the synagogue and the hall of Tyrannus. But he also ministered in private homes. The house to house teaching likely took place once the congregation was firmly established. The house church model was common practice in the first century.[LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

testifying both to Jews and to Greeks

Look back through all the active verbs Paul used in describing what he has been doing.

Serving the Lord, Declaring His Word, Teaching His believers, Testifying to the masses.

We are not Paul, so how these actions get accomplished through us by God will look different, but we are all call to faithfully serve, declare, teach, and testify as He directs us in the areas of influence that God has placed us.

Prayerfully consider asking God to reveal to you in which of these areas you need to improve and look for ways to obey His leading in that particular area this week.

Spiritual disciples are much like exercising the body. The more you work the muscles the stronger they become, the less they are worked the weaker they grow. Prayer, Bible reading, Bible study are similar, the more you do them the more you get out of them and the stronger your faith becomes, the less you do them the further away from the things of God we drift.

Everyone eventually misses the mark, but God allows us to come to Him in repentance.

Repentance toward God

Paul emphasized the importance of repentance toward God both in his messages in Ephesus and in this charge to the Ephesian elders. Through repentance, individuals turn from their sin and turn toward God. It is a vital part of the salvation process because it places God on the throne of our lives and removes the false gods that hold us back. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

God the Father is the first part of the Trinity Paul mentions in this passage and how He works in and through the church. Paul’s messages always included repentance, turning away from what we think is right for us and agreeing with Him in what He says about us and our sin toward Him. Once that is realized, then we can see our need for a Savior, and the second part of the Trinity comes into view.

faith in our Lord Jesus Christ

Without faith, Jesus cannot save us from our sin. With it, He is the only one that can. Jew or Greek, free or slave, man or woman, all must repent and accept in faith Christ’s atoning sacrifice on our behalf. He did the work; we must accept it as presented by the Father.

What would a summary of God’s work in your life sound like? Would you include both the good and bad parts?

Paul had reviewed how God had worked in the past, now he moves to what he believes God has revealed is coming.

Acts 20:22–27 ESV

22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But 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. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

constrained by the Spirit

Constrained, compelled, or bound all speak of the restraint put in place by another. Sometimes the Greek word is used to describe the marriage “bond” be, which like this instance is placed by God. All throughout our study of Paul in Acts we have seen how his service to God is marked by restraint and release. Not to go to Asia but to go to Macedonia. Stop speaking with the Jews, start speaking with the Gentiles. Do not go to Ephesus, press on to Jerusalem. His obedience to stop and start at God’s command is reminiscent of Hebrew wanderings in the wilderness going as the Spirit of God in the form of a cloud directed.

May we strive to be equally submissive to God’s changes to our plans.

not knowing

Here is a phrase I struggled with and did not find a satisfactory answer to this week.

He says he does not “know” (that’s the cognitive type of knowledge, not experiential) what will happen. Later, he uses the term 2 more times as he “knows” what will happen to the church in Ephesus and the elders after he leaves. This knowledge is later confirmed in history and Scripture.

But in the next verse he say that God, in the form of the Spirit, “testifies” of “imprisonment and afflictions” coming.

The word used for “testify” is the same he just used of himself “bearing witness.”

God cannot bear a “false” witness about Paul’s future.

He believes and conveys the “knowledge” about the future of the Ephesians. Does he not “believe” what God is telling him about his own life?

Do you have a way to reconcile these two statements?

Maybe he is only acknowledging that the “length of imprisonment” is unknown to him and the “types of afflictions” are still a mystery.

I’ll put this one on my ever-growing list of “Questions for Heaven.”

I do not account my life of any value

It is interesting that the Greek word translated here as “value” is the same word the John uses at the beginning of His gospel when he writes “In the beginning was the Word”- logos. Paul did not think his life was worth “wasting words” over. That’s humility of a level I have yet to obtain.

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 20

We often feel that life is a failure unless we’re getting a lot out of it: recognition, fun, money, success. But Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God’s work. What he put into life was far more important than what he got out.

if only I may finish my course

In other places Paul uses these athletic metaphors too. Here he wants to “finish the race” that God presented to Him.

I think sometimes we get so focused on trying the “run the race” well, we forget to pay attention to where we are going and get “off course” from God’s directives. We disqualify ourselves by focusing on our feet and not looking where we are going. I think that is part of God’s restraining and releasing that we miss as He trying to guide us through His race that He set before us.

Ask: How would you define “finishing your course”? (p. 87) What should that look like for us? What kind of legacy can we leave?

I know

“I know” you will not see me again, and some, if not all, of them probably do not. After being imprisoned for 2 years in Rome, he may have come back through, but it is not recorded in Scripture.

Have you ever been “that sure” of something coming from God in the future?

I think there is a peace and contentment from that kind of knowledge that cannot be explained but gives the possessor an assurance that even if no one believes, they still believe God. I believe this is that kind of “prophetic knowledge” that allowed the Old Testament prophets to speaking so boldly and steadfastly, “Thus sayeth the Lord.” They “knew” it was God’s truth revealed to them.

innocent of the blood of all,

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 20

The language borrows from 1 Sam 12:2–5, where Samuel declares his innocence and holds the audience accountable.

After talking about how he has fulfilled God’s call upon his life in regard to these Ephesian believers, he now shifts to instruct them in things God is calling them to do.

Acts 20:28–32 ESV

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. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Before we discuss the charge to be watchful let’s finish out the way the Trinity is mentioned by Paul.

Holy Spirit has made you overseers

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 20

When you’re reading through the New Testament, keep in mind that “elder,” “pastor,” and “bishop” are all interchangeable terms describing the same position. The Greek word translated “elder” doesn’t speak of chronological years, but of spiritual maturity. Thus, “elder” describes the man. The Greek word translated “bishop” means “overseer.” Thus “bishop” describes the ministry. The Greek word translated “pastor” means “feeder” or “shepherd.” Thus, “pastor” describes the method. Although certain denominations teach that elders are subordinate to pastors, who are subordinate to bishops, in New Testament terminology, there’s no hint of such a hierarchy.

Paul identifies the third part of the Trinity and His activity upon and through the Church. He still calls men to His work and those that obey His calling, His way, and great men of God. The Spirit, however, does not just call “vocational” leaders, but laity as well; that’s us. Please consider how God may be calling you to severe Him in His church if you are not already doing so. There have also been times in my life when God has prompted me to stop doing things so as to focus more intently on His work in another area.

Now back to the beginning of 28. This the first of the two commands or imperatives in the passage and both have the same meaning and intent of being on guard or watching for something.

Pay careful attention to yourselves

Take care of yourselves, so can care effectively for the flock. Another way saying be sure you do not disqualify yourself in the race. We cannot lead others in spiritual paths if we are not walking on them ourselves.

1 Corinthians 9:26–27 “26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Hebrews 12:15 “15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;”

What are some ways that you protect or guard yourself in spiritual matters?

Paul also charged them to be watchful over the church members too.

Are there ways we can assist our pastors in the spiritual guardianship of this congregation?

Paul gave these warnings because the Spirit had told him what was going to happen. One of the major dangers of shepherding sheep in this region was wolves. The apostle uses that imagery to help the elders understand the coming danger. Wolves are bold hunters relying on creating panic or disorienting their prey. It was the shepherds’ job to look out for this invader.

This image of the wolf is repeated throughout Scripture as the symbol for a false prophet and the oppressive nature of the world.

Matthew 7:15 “15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

1 Timothy 4:1–3 “1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”

2 Peter 2:1 “1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”

How do you spot a “spiritual” wolf?

One of the leader pack handouts had a good synopsis:

1. WOLVES DISTORT THE TRUTH. Genuine shepherds share the truth of God’s Word, even when it is difficult. Meanwhile, wolves prefer to build a following by appealing to what feels good or seems “fair.” Often, they accomplish this by watering down the truth of the gospel.

2. WOLVES SERVE THEMSELVES. The Bible describes true shepherds as leaders who are not swayed by prestige or personal gain. They serve because God has placed a call on their lives, and they are willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others. But wolves are “me-first” creatures whose primary concern is enriching themselves—usually at the expense of the sheep.

3. WOLVES ARE DISRUPTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE. Wolves don’t tend sheep—they eat sheep. Jesus once noted that Satan’s main purpose is “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). So, it should come as no surprise that His agents—the wolves of the world—follow his example. Wolves are spiritual carnivores and consumers, not humble servants or ministers.

4. WOLVES RELY ON MANIPULATION AND DOMINATION. Sheep ranchers say that wolves will often “play” with sheep over time. In a sense, the wolf appears harmless, and the sheep drop their guard. Eventually, the wolf will attack. Spiritual wolves will use manipulation to win favor. In the end, though, the goal is to dominate the sheep. Both are warning signs.

Explore the Bible Adult Leader Pack, Fall 2024 • © Copyright 2024 Lifeway Christian Resources

After the final warning to be alert for these wolves, Paul knows he has said all he could and begins his goodbye by offering these elders up to God once more in their presence.

I commend you to God

The apostle’s benediction was similar to what he often stated in his epistles, including a reference to the hope of eternal life (inheritance), even as they focused on living as God’s holy ones here on earth (sanctified). [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

I entrust you to God’s care. He could think of no safer place to put them. Not just into God’s “hands” but His grace, His promised inheritance, and His sanctifying work.

Apply the Text

Paul had built a legacy of service to God and building His kingdom, now the apostle “passes the baton” the elders in Ephesus. These are the examples that we can follow. They are the same patterns that Paul saw in Christ’s ministry as well. It is never too late to build a legacy on Christ and to contribute to the next generation’s spiritual stability.

Pray:

Embolden us to proclaim the truth of Jesus in our communities.

Strengthen us to serve God faithfully for the remainder of our lives.

Give us discernment and wisdom to see and reject false teachings that do not align with Scripture.

Guide us to those who we can “pass the torch” to and encourage in their lifetime commitments to Jesus.