2020-02-23-Acts20:17-38

02-23-2020 Title - The Crown to the Kingdom: Declaring the Whole Counsel of God Text - Acts 20:17-38 Big idea: Paul proclaims a word of innocence, of concern, of warning, and of commitment to the Ephesian elders. Their emotional response is an outpouring of the deep bonds of love fostered between them.  In this text, we see: 1. Paul’s profitable proclaiming the Gospel no matter the cost. Vs 17-21 2. Paul’s Spirit-bound determination in his own spirit that suffering is ahead of him. Vs 22-24 3. Paul’s innocence before the Ephesians for declaring the whole counsel of God to them. Vs 25-27 4. Paul’s concern that the elders must guard themselves as God has appointed them to oversee His sheep and shepherd/pastor them. Vs 28 ◦ Pastors/Shepherds, Elders/Presbyters, and Overseers/Bishops are three biblical terms that all refer to the same, singular office. A pastor is an elder is an overseer. These biblical terms do not refer to three different type hierarchical offices in the church.  5. Paul’s warning that wolves will come. Vs 29-31 6. Paul’s commitment that God provides all our needs through the giving of His people. Vs 32-35 7. The weeping bonds of love between Paul and the Ephesians elders. Vs 36-37