The Heart of a Shepherd

Acts 20: 1-17

Introduction:

One Sunday, the young pastor decided to use the 23rd Psalm for his children’s sermon. He began to tell the children about sheep—that they aren’t smart and need lots of guidance and that a shepherd’s job is to stay close to the sheep, protect them from wild animals and keep them from wandering away.

He pointed to the little children in the room and said they were the sheep and needed lots of guidance. Then the pastor put his hands out to the side, palms up in a dramatic gesture, and with raised eyebrows said to the children, “If you are the sheep, then who is the shepherd?” He was pretty obviously indicating himself.

A few seconds of silence followed, then one little boy said, “Jesus is the shepherd.”

The young pastor, obviously caught by surprise, said to the boy, “Well, then, who am I?”

The boy thought for a moment and then said with a shrug, “I guess you must be a sheep dog.”

1 - POINT #1Be an Encourager (Acts 20:1-2)

EXPLANATION

Paul's first shepherdly act post-riot is to gather his flock for encouragement—not escape. In a culture where Roman roads like the Via Egnatia facilitated quick travel but also spread rumors of unrest (historical fact: this imperial highway connected Macedonia to Greece, enabling Paul's swift ministry), Paul pauses to "parakaleo" (exhort/encourage), strengthening weary saints against spiritual predators. As Horatio B. Hackett observes in A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles Paul's exhortations were "not mere platitudes, but gospel truths that fortified believers in God's unchangeable decree of election" (cf. Eph. 1:4-5). Derek Thomas, in the Reformed Expository Commentary: Acts, adds that this encouragement flows from Paul's awareness of human frailty under total depravity—yet God's irresistible grace sustains the flock.

Prioritize gospel reminders over flattery.-God's sovereignty turns trials into triumphs (Romans 8:28 “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” ,

Speak Truth in Love: Shepherds know their sheep's bleats; sit with the hurting, then guide. Illustration: A modern pastor visits a discouraged member post-job loss, not with quick fixes, but by reading Psalm 34:18 (CSB: "The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit"), reminding them of Christ's electing love.

Listen Before Leading: Paul's post-riot calm encourages by example. Subpoint: In church conflicts, respond with prayerful exhortation, echoing Hebrews 10:24-25 (CSB: "And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together").

Illustration: Consider Charles Spurgeon, the "Prince of Preachers" who battled depression yet encouraged thousands by preaching on God's perseverance of the saints. In one sermon, he likened encouragers to lighthouses in fog—unmoved by waves, beaming grace. Just as Paul traversed Macedonia's diverse geography (rolling plains to coastal ports like Philippi), we encourage across divides, binding the flock in covenant unity.

APPLICATION This week, text or call one "disciple" in your life—spouse, small group member, or neighbor—with a gospel-centered word. Remember, encouragement isn't optional; it's the shepherd's rod, driving away despair (Ps. 23:4).

2 - POINT #2Point 2: Be a Bringer (Acts 20:3-4)

EXPLANATION

Paul doesn't journey alone; he's a "bringer" of fellow laborers, modeling the shepherd who gathers strays into the fold. Geographically, this detour via Macedonia avoids Jewish assassins in Corinth's bustling ports (historical fact: Greece's Achaia province was a hotbed of anti-Christian plots, with Roman oversight lax under procurators like Gallio, Acts 18:12-17). Culturally, these companions represent the gospel's border-crossing power—from Berean scholars (Acts 17:11) to Thessalonian converts amid persecution. Calvin, in his Commentary on Acts (20:4), contrasts their unity under God's electing call against the world's divisions: "Paul brings not only Jews and Gentiles but diverse callings, all knit by sovereign grace." Hackett notes the "beautiful harmony" in their roles,.

1. Bring People to Christ (Evangelism as Shepherding the Lost)

He brought Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, etc., —most were converts he had won on earlier journeys.Paul’s Pattern:into the fold

How to Do It:

.Personal Witness Share the gospel one-on-one (coffee, carpool, neighborhood walk). Use a simple outline: (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10):God—Man—Christ—Response

Hospitality Evangelism: Host a backyard BBQ or game-night and invite unchurched neighbors; let natural gospel conversations arise (1 Peter 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another without complaining.” ; Romans 12:13 “Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.” ).

Tract & Text: Keep gospel tracts in your car; send a clear gospel video/text to a coworker who asks, “Why are you always so calm?”

Charles Spurgeon kept a “soul-winning notebook” listing names he prayed for daily; he brought dozens to faith this way.

2. Bring People to Church (Corporate Worship & Discipleship)

He didn’t travel solo; he the team to Troas for Lord’s Day worship (v. 7).Paul’s Pattern:brought

How to Do It:

Offer Rides: Pick up the single mom, college student, or elderly widow every Sunday.

Text Saturday night: Then greet them warmly Sunday.

Invite + Follow-Up:“Seat saved for you—Row 5, left side!”

“The local church is the ordinary means of grace; bringing bodies to the assembly brings souls under the preached Word.”Baptist Distinctive (Hackett):

3. Bring People into Ministry (Equipping the Saints)

Paul’s Pattern: Timothy (mentee), Tychicus (letter-carrier), Trophimus (missionary companion)—each had a role.

How to Do It:

Identify Gifts: Notice the quiet guy who’s great with kids → invite him to teach Sunday School.

Apprenticeship Take a younger believer with you on hospital visits, prison ministry, or street evangelism.

4. Bring Resources to the Needy (Mercy Ministry as Covenant Care)

Paul’s Pattern: The companions likely carried the Jerusalem collection (Romans 15:25–26 “Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints, because Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.” ; 2 Cor. 8–9).

How to Do It:

Support missions through Faith Promise

Partner with a local agency; your family “brings” furniture, language help, and the gospel.

5. Bring Reconciliation to the Divided (Peacemaking in the Flock)

Paul’s Pattern:togetherJews (Aristarchus?) and Gentiles (Secundus, Trophimus) traveled —unity in diversity.

How to Do It:

Mediate Conflict:- Ephesians 4:1–3 “Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” together.

Intentionally sit with the Spanish-speaking family; learn their names, pray in their language.Cross-Cultural Fellowship:

Write the apology letter you’ve delayed— peace.Forgiveness Initiative:bring

“The church is a hospital for sinners, not a hotel for saints. Bring the wounded in.”Spurgeon Quote:

APPLICATION: Identify your "companions"—mentor a Timothy, support an Aristarchus in trials. In your church, "bring" diverse gifts to missions, remembering God's irresistible grace draws us together (John 6:44).

3 - POINT Be Determined, Not Drowsy (Acts 20:7-16)

EXPLANATION

Paul's urgency in Troas—a strategic Aegean port (geographical fact: Troas's harbor facilitated trade but exposed believers to pagan cults like Artemis worship)—contrasts drowsy bodies with alert hearts. Culturally, midnight gatherings dodged Roman curfews and Jewish Sabbath observance. R.C. Sproul, in Acts (St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary)—highlights Paul's determination as "divine compulsion," pressing toward Pentecost to witness God's harvest (Acts 2:41). Thomas echoes: "In a drowsy age of easy-believism, Paul's vigilance guards against spiritual slumber."

a. The Dedicated: The First Day of the Week to Worship—Explain Why This Was DoneEarly Christians shifted from Sabbath (Saturday) to Lord's Day (Sunday) to commemorate Christ's resurrection (1 Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.” ,

Historical fact: By AD 57 (Paul's third journey), this practice distinguished believers from synagogue-bound Jews, fulfilling Christ's lordship over time

b. Sleeping Bodies Are Better Than Sleeping HeartsEutychus's fall from the third-story window (v. 9)—common in Troas's multi-level homes for ventilation—symbolizes physical exhaustion yielding to gospel zeal; Paul revives him (v. 10), but warns against heart-drowsiness (cf. Romans 13:11 “Besides this, since you know the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, because now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” , . Calvin warns: "Bodily sleep is forgivable; spiritual torpor damns, for it rejects God's electing call." Contrast: Eutychus sleeps amid truth (better than ignoring it); yet Paul's all-night talk (v. 11) models wakefulness.

1. Deplorable ignorance. The sleeper knows nothing. So, talk to the sinner of Divine doctrines and they are a riddle; of sublime experiences, and they seem to be enthusiastic fancies. They know nothing of joys and are oblivious of evils to come. 2. Insensibility. Rob or destroy his property, and yet he sleeps as though guarded by the angel of the Lord. How few there are that feel spiritually; although they feel acutely any injury to their person or estate. 3. Defencelessness. How helpless was sleeping Sisera. So the refuse of mankind have no power to resist temptation. 4. Inactivity. The sleeping farmer cannot plough, the sailor direct his ship, the tradesman attend to his shop. And how many there are who rise up early to toil for themselves do nothing for the glory of God or the good of men. Some say they have no time, others frankly that they have no will. 5. Unwatchfulness. -Spurgeon -Awake,Awake

Illustration-

City Suffering under the plague- Doctor asleep with the cure

Ship in storm about to be wrecked- Captian asleep

Prisoner about to be sentenced to death=man with letter of pardon asleep- Spurgeon -Awak, Awake

Life Application: Guard your heart with daily Scripture (Psalm 119:11 “I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.” ); in worship, trade drowsiness for devotion. Pastors: Preach till dawn if souls hang in the balance.

Conclusion: Follow the Chief Shepherd Home

Paul's journey—from Ephesus's turmoil to Jerusalem's shadow—mirrors the shepherd who lays down his life (John 10:11). In God's sovereign plan, he brings encouragement, companions, and determination, all for the flock's good. As 1 Peter 5:2-4 (CSB) charges elders: "Shepherd God's flock among you... not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." Brothers and sisters, whether elder or sheep, cultivate this heart: Encourage amid storms, bring others into the fold, stay determined against drowsiness. The Chief Shepherd who plucked Eutychus from death calls you to vigilant faith—awake to His grace!