Acts 20:17-21

Context:

Paul is meeting with the elders from the church in Ephesus. He knows he may never see them again, so he’s sharing his heart and reminding them of how he lived and what he taught. This passage is a window into authentic Christian leadership and discipleship.

Point 1: Real Faith Is Lived Out in Everyday Life (v.18)

Text: “You know... how I was with you the whole time...”

Exegesis:

Paul’s words, “You know how I was with you the whole time,” emphasize his consistent, transparent presence among the believers. The Greek phrase implies ongoing, daily interaction—not just formal teaching but life-on-life discipleship. Paul’s ministry wasn’t distant or detached; he was accessible, involved, and vulnerable.

Why It Matters:

Christianity is not a Sunday event or a set of rituals. Paul’s example shows that faith is woven into the fabric of daily life—at work, at home, in joys and struggles. The people saw his real-life faith, not just his preaching.

How You Can Live It:

Be present: Invite others into your life. Share meals, struggles, and joys.

Be authentic: Don’t pretend to have it all together. Let people see your journey with Jesus, including your questions and growth.

Take initiative: Ask someone to read Scripture or pray with you during the week.

Example:

Think of someone who walked alongside you during a tough season—not just offering advice, but being there. That’s the kind of community Paul modeled, and it’s what the church is called to be.

Point 2: Following Jesus Means Being Humble and Caring Deeply (v.19)

Text: “...serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and during the trials...”

Exegesis:

Paul describes his ministry as one marked by humility (“all humility”), deep emotional investment (“with tears”), and perseverance through suffering (“during the trials”). In the original language, “humility” here means a lowliness of mind a willingness to put others first and admit weakness. “Tears” shows genuine love and empathy, not just duty. The “trials” refer to real opposition and hardship, especially from those who rejected his message.

Why It Matters:

True faith isn’t about looking strong or having easy answers. Paul’s tears and humility show that following Jesus means being real about pain and loving others deeply, even when it costs us.

How You Can Live It:

Embrace humility: Admit when you need help. Ask God to help you care more about people than being right.

Share your struggles: Don’t hide your pain. Let others see how Jesus meets you in hard times.

Persevere: When life is tough, don’t give up. Trust that Jesus is with you in every trial.

Example:

Think of someone who kept showing up and loving others, even when they were hurting. That’s the heart of Jesus shining through.

Point 3: The Bible Helps Us Grow Even When It’s Hard to Hear (v.20)

Text: “I did not avoid proclaiming... anything that was profitable... teaching you publicly and from house to house.”

Exegesis:

Paul says he didn’t “shrink from declaring” anything that would help them grow. The Greek word for “avoid” or “shrink back” suggests holding back out of fear or discomfort. Paul taught both in large gatherings (“publicly”) and in intimate settings (“house to house”). He gave them the whole truth even the tough parts because he knew it was for their good.

Why It Matters:

God’s Word isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always good. Sometimes Scripture challenges us, but it’s meant to heal, strengthen, and guide us.

How You Can Live It:

Read the Bible regularly: Even a few verses a day can make a difference.

Be open to correction: Let God’s Word challenge your assumptions and habits.

Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to wrestle with hard passages. Growth often comes through struggle.

Example:

Like a doctor who tells you the truth so you can get better, God’s Word sometimes stings, but it always heals.

Point 4: The Gospel Is for Everyone and It Starts with Turning and Trusting (v.21)

Text: “...testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.”

Exegesis:

Paul’s message was universal “Jews and Greeks” means everyone, no matter their background. The heart of his message was “repentance toward God” (turning away from sin and self) and “faith in our Lord Jesus” (trusting Jesus as Savior and King). Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin: turning from the old and turning to Jesus.

Why It Matters:

No one is excluded from the offer of grace. The gospel calls each of us to a new start: to leave behind what’s broken and trust Jesus for forgiveness and new life.

How You Can Live It:

Reflect: Have you turned to God? Are you trusting Jesus today?

Respond: Don’t wait for perfect understanding. Start where you are Jesus meets you there.

Share: The good news is for everyone. Tell someone what Jesus has done for you.

Example:

Imagine you’re in a sinking boat. Repentance is letting go of what’s dragging you down; faith is grabbing hold of the life preserver Jesus.

Conclusion

Paul’s life and words in Acts 20:17-21 give us a blueprint for real Christianity:

It’s lived out daily, not just on Sundays.

It’s marked by humility and deep care.

It’s rooted in God’s truth, even when it’s hard.

It’s centered on Jesus, open to all who will turn and trust Him.

Whether you’re just starting or still exploring, this is the invitation: Take one step closer to Jesus today. Let’s walk this journey together.

Next Steps

Are you living out your faith, or just visiting it on Sundays?

Have you made the decision to turn from sin and trust Jesus?

Let’s take one step closer to Jesus today together as a community.