Turning the World Upside Down: Paul's Farewell Address: Acts 20:16-38

I. Paul Reminisces on His Past Ministry vs. 16-21

A. Paul was trying to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost so he takes a more direct route. However, the layover allows him to see the Ephesian elders one last time.

B. Paul came to them, not trying to get their money, but humbly trying to witness to anybody who would listen in spite of the trials that he was enduring from the Jews.

C. Paul’s purpose in this, is to show how ministry should be!

II. Paul Reports on His Present Ministry vs. 22-25

A. Paul knows he’s going to be arrested there, but other than that he doesn’t know.

B. He’s okay if that’s the end. Phil. 1:20-21

Philippians 1:20–21 NASB95

according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

C. What he does know, is that he won’t see them, this side of Heaven again.

III. Paul Reproves on Future Ministry Dangers vs. 26-38

A. Paul didn’t hold back in shepherding Jesus’ church. It’s not my church, not your church, but Jesus’ church.

B. Yet there will be those who try to make it their own, and pervert the teaching of the gospel.

C. Paul worked so they couldn’t accuse him of being greedy or lazy.

D. Paul embodied Jesus’ words, that he gave instead of receiving.

E. They naturally grieved with one another, since they knew this was the last time they’d ever see him again.