Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders, Pt2

Acts #50: Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders              Acts 20:17-38

Paul is in a hurry to get back to Jerusalem. He cannot however sail past Ephesus and not make this effort to meet with the elders from the city. From Miletus, which was 30 0r 40 miles away overland, he summons them for this meeting. This simple fact underscores the importance of what he will say. There are things we should be ready to put ourselves out to hear and be instructed in.

The men he summons are elders. The word indicates:

1. Ordinarily, they are older men. Age ought to be no barrier to being taught in the things of God.
2. Specifically, they hold the chief governmental office in the NT church. Though an Apostle, Paul also held this office. Cp 1Pet 5:1. He addresses these words to those charged with ruling the church.

I  THE EXAMPLE SET BY PAUL IN HIS OWN MINISTRY.

Cp v17-27, 33-35.

How important it is to be able to reference our own actions when urging others to serve God. Example lends credibility to our words! Paul’s instruction meant something because he had lived it before them. Cp James 1:22.

1. Consistency, v18, 22. The entire period of his service of God among them was marked by adherence to the will of God.
2. Humble determined service, v19. He never forgot he was the servant of God. Cp Gal 1:10. High opinions of ourselves leads to unfaithfulness in the work of God. He was ‘lowly’ in all his thinking. This humility caused him to submit to constant hardships that came as a consequence of his work. There was no thought of protest at his working conditions.
3. A gospel teaching ministry, v20-21, 25, 27. Note the 4-fold description of his preaching.

Nothing that was profitable kept back. All scripture…is profitable...

Testifying repentance. He preached against sin, as an offence against God that had to be turned from, that only Christ could save men from.

Preaching the kingdom. This terminology is full of meaning. His view of Christ the King, his regard for the law of God that administers that kingdom; the rights and responsibilities of those in the kingdom.

All the counsel of God. The revealed will of God was communicated to them in its entirety. This can be a frightening aspect of duty but Paul had not drawn back in fear or cowardice.

He had been faithful in the discharge of these gospel duties so as to be able to make the statement of v26. Cp Ezek 3:18ff.

4. Unwavering determination to finish the course, v22-24. Despite the trouble that the Spirit had taught him through long experience, lay ahead, he would go on.
5. Self-sacrificing labour without covetous desire. Materialism is such an enemy of the servants of God. Paul was not motivated by material prosperity.

II  HIS EXAMPLE WAS TO BE THE PATTERN OF THEIR OWN DUTY.

Cp v28 therefore…

1. The standard by which they must shepherd the flock. They were feed/rule the flock as Paul had given example. The reason for such a standard being applied to their work is given:
2. The call of the Holy Ghost. These men had been placed in charge of the church by the Holy Spirit. Theirs was a solemn and holy calling and it was not left to themselves to determine how such work was to be done. The Apostolic model must prevail in the life and ministry of the elder. Such a standard of service is clearly the mind of the Spirit Who had put them into this work. The call of God does not warrant any man doing as he pleases! It brings him under the discipline of Divine direction.
3. The value of the flock. They had been bought with the blood of God! What a charge had been given them.
4. The standard by which they must evaluate threats against the work of God. The simple meaning of Paul’s words is that his service sets a benchmark by which those claiming to be shepherds could be evaluated and proved not to be wolves! Those who do not measure up to this standard pose the threat of a wolf to God’s sheep. They must be on their guard even against themselves. Paul’s example is cited v31. How anxious he was and how alert to danger. The danger is so great that such unceasing zeal is necessary in raising the alarm. They must keep this level of alertness up.

III   MORE THAN JUST A GOOD EXAMPLE IS NEEDED.

While it is vital to have a good pattern to follow in the service of God, more than a pattern is required, v32.

1. The work of God. The Lord Himself must enable these men to do the work they were called to.
2. The word of His grace. The vital role of Scripture in shaping the ministry of God’s servants and the church they shepherd is seen here. The word is not only the source of instruction in the work but it is a means of the grace that is needed to do that work.
3. The need for being built up. Paul impresses the need for growth in grace upon these men. They must not neglect their own spiritual development and progress.
4. In this way their place in the holy cause of God is established.
5. Paul’s prayer for them. In commending them to God he indicates the prayerful desire of his heart. Such men are to be prayed for! The ministers/elders of the church are to be borne up before God in prayer.