Session 10
Acts 20:18-32
Memory Verse: Acts 20:24
The book of Acts is rooted in the Holy Spirit’s work to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Paul’s missionary journeys in Acts 13-20 are important pieces of that ministry. Paul-along with partners like Barnabas, Silas, Luke, and Timothy-had seen so much over the years. They had experienced both acceptance and rejection, community and persecution.
By Acts 20, Paul’s third and final missionary journey was winding down. God was opening a new door for him; but, while some things might change, Paul’s absolute commitment to Jesus and the gospel would not.
As you study this session, spend time praying about your level of faithfulness and commitment to Jesus. Answer this question: What would make you quit on Jesus? Pray about your response and be open to sharing what you learn with the adults in your group this week.
People who serve in the military know devotion to duty may mean going into harm’s way. Serving requires bravery and commitment, especially during periods of warfare. Similarly, believers serve the Lord in the midst of ongoing spiritual warfare. Sometimes the enemy uses human opponents or life situations to attack followers of Christ. Behind all opposition lies the schemes of Satan. Being Jesus’s disciples requires commitment and faith. (PSG, p. 91)
The riot in Ephesus was an astonishing event. Once the city officials restored peace, Paul began making his way back home-but not before stopping at Troas.
On a Sunday, Paul joined the local Christians in Troas for worship, the first reference in the Bible of worship on a Sunday. During this worship, a young man died when he fell from a three-story window where he had been sleeping. Paul went into action, bringing the boy back to life.
From there, Paul stopped in Miletus, where he gave a farewell speech to the leaders from nearby Ephesus. The Miletus speech was not an effort to reach people for the gospel or a discourse on how Paul planned to defend himself in the courts. In his remarks, Paul demonstrated his affection for the people and urged the elders at Ephesus to imitate his example.
Paul’s final command for the Ephesian elders was to observe his sacrifice and generosity. The minister’s role is that of a servant, one who gives to others without holding back. Paul began his speech by naming his characteristics for ministry and concluded with this final characteristic.
Paul proclaimed a severe warning before departing by boat to Cos. He warned Christians that he would face danger in Jerusalem. The caution here is a sequel to that of Acts 20:22.
While in Cos, the Tyrians pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem because he would encounter difficulty and suffering there. Paul was aware of the possible suffering in Jerusalem, but he still believed the Spirit was urging him to go.
Paul was sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leadership, which meant his final destination for this journey would be Jerusalem and the persecution that awaited him there. Still, even in the face of hostile opposition, Paul remained faithful. God had a purpose for Paul’s trip to Jerusalem, and the apostle refused to run in a different direction.
A prophet named Agabus prophesied about the impending arrest of Paul in Jerusalem. He had first appeared in Acts when Luke noted his earlier prophecy about a famine coming to Palestine (Acts 11:27-30). This time, Agabus physically illustrated his prophecy by binding himself with Paul’s belt. The owner of the belt, he noted, would be bound and arrested in Jerusalem (21:10-14).
Paul acknowledged Agabus’s prediction, but he also emphasized his commitment to Christ. He was willing to go wherever Jesus led him and was content to leave his life in God’s hands. Eventually, his friends agreed.
As you read Acts 20:18-32, highlight words and phrases that indicate Paul’s commitment. (PSG, p. 92)
EXPLORE THE TEXT
18 When they came to him, he said to them, “You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and during the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. 20 You know that I did not hesitate to proclaim anything to you that was profitable and to teach you publicly and from house to house. 21 I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.”
(v. 18) They came to him: Paul wanted to speak to the elders in Ephesus before leaving the region. So, he sent messengers to bring them to a meeting at Miletus. After they arrived, the apostle reminded the elders of his past ministry among them, which they had seen with their own eyes. He had been with them the whole time. Nothing was done in secret. Paul’s use of the term you know referred to their knowledge of his actions in the past and the truth of his words now.
Paul’s example
Some have suggested that Paul’s message to the Ephesian elders was defensive or self-justifying. In reality, Paul was providing a model that God’s people could replicate. He outlined a repeatable ministry model rooted in God’s truth and demonstrated by his words, attitudes, and action.
(v. 19) Serving the Lord: Paul’s service was not primarily directed toward the elders, though they and the other members of the Ephesian congregation benefited greatly. First and foremost, Paul served Jesus.
In addition, his service was marked by humility, tears, and trials. In his work, Paul demonstrated the servant attitude that all Christians must display. He had stood by them, cried with them (and for them), and suffered persecution among them. Yet, nothing moved Paul off his course.
(v. 20) Proclaim: As part of his service to Christ, Paul didn’t hesitate to proclaim the gospel of Christ to the Ephesians. Paul shared the message he had been given with total honesty, holding nothing back. He wanted them to grow in their faith and to be prepared well for the challenges they would face.
Paul covered every topic that would be profitable to the Ephesians. The wording here means something that’s beneficial or advantageous. It also suggests actions that bring people together.
(v. 20) Publicly . . . house to house: In Ephesus, Paul would use every opportunity to encourage believers and share Christ with unbelievers. Luke verified that Paul preached publicly in places like the synagogue and the hall of Tyrannus. But he also ministered in private homes. The house to house teaching likely took place once the congregation was firmly established. The house church model was common practice in the first century.
(v. 21) Jews and Greeks: Paul shared with any audience. Sometimes, that involved Jews. Other times, he preached to Greeks. Because the church in Ephesus was likely a blend of Jews and Greeks, it is possible that these Ephesian elders were examples of this multiethnic collection.
Regardless of his audience, the apostle’s essential message did not waver. He always pointed people to Jesus as Savior. Luke’s emphasis here reminds readers of both the openness of the gospel and the church’s mission to take the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
(v. 21) Repentance . . . faith: Paul emphasized the importance of repentance toward God both in his messages in Ephesus and in this charge to the Ephesian elders. Through repentance, individuals turn from their sin and turn toward God. It is a vital part of the salvation process because it places God on the throne of our lives and removes the false gods that hold us back.
Faith in our Lord Jesus is another key element in salvation. We must trust His sacrifice on our behalf. Later, Paul reminded the Ephesians that salvation is only available by accepting God’s gift of grace by faith (Eph. 2:8-9).
EXPLORE THE TEXT
22 “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there,23 except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. 24 But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. 25 And now I know that none of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will ever see me again. 26 Therefore I declare to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, 27 because I did not avoid declaring to you the whole plan of God.”
(v. 22) To Jerusalem: During his time in Ephesus, Paul had determined that God wanted him in Jerusalem (see Acts 19:21). Luke noted that Paul wanted to reach the city by Pentecost, possibly to celebrate the festival there (20:16).
But he also had a practical reason for going. He had been collecting an offering for struggling church members in Judea. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-6 (both written during the third missionary journey), Paul referred to offerings being collected among Gentile churches for Jerusalem. This was his opportunity to deliver those gifts.
Compelled
Paul had a strong sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence and voice. In this case, he insisted that the Spirit compelled him to go to Jerusalem. The Greek word used here (deo) suggests being held or fastened. Jesus used the same word to describe binding the strong man in Matthew 12:29, and John used it to describe Lazarus’s graveclothes once he left the tomb in John 11:44. In some cases, it referred to a prisoner in chains. So, Paul felt irresistibly tied to the Spirit’s direction. He could not avoid going to Jerusalem if he had wanted to do so.
(v. 23) The Holy Spirit warns me: The Spirit not only obliged Paul to go to Jerusalem, but He also warned the apostle about the trials, persecution, and imprisonment his arrival would initiate. Some forewarnings came from God-fearing Christians receiving messages from the Holy Spirit. Paul noted that he wasn’t completely sure what awaited him, but he knew it involved suffering.
(v. 23) Chains and afflictions: As noted, Paul had been warned that he would face intense persecution. This included chains and afflictions. The punishments would be severe and painful, but the warnings came with the assurance that God would be with him at every turn.
With the Lord’s help, Paul would “finish my course” (v. 24). He did not fear what Jerusalem held because he was satisfied that he had completed God’s plan for his life and ministry and he was prepared to die for Christ (Phil. 1:21; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).
(v. 24) Testify to the gospel: Paul explained his life in terms of service and service in terms of witnessing. Paul had shared the gospel faithfully. His focus had been on “preaching the kingdom” (v. 25) and sharing “the whole plan of God” (v. 27).
(v. 26) I am innocent: Paul believed he was sharing his final words with the leaders of Ephesus. He was convinced that he would never see any of them again in this life. But he also knew he had been faithful in every respect-both to them and to God. As a result, he knew that he was innocent of any person’s blood.
The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel had written about how unfaithful witnesses would be held accountable for the blood of those they failed to warn (Ezek. 33:1-6). In contrast, those who were rejected despite their faithful efforts were freed from such accountability. Paul affirmed that he could never be called to account for any person’s blood, including anyone in Ephesus.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Men will rise up even from your own number and distort the truth to lure the disciples into following them. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I never stopped warning each one of you with tears. 32 And now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.”
(v. 28) Be on guard: After reminding the elders of his example, Paul essentially passed the spiritual baton to them. In his absence, they were now the God-ordained caretakers of the Ephesian congregation. In that role, they were charged with vigilance against false teachers who might disturb the church. The Greek wording indicates giving something one’s full attention and devotion.
(v. 28) Flock . . . shepherd: A common biblical image for leaders and their people is a shepherd and his flock of sheep. Just as a shepherd was expected to nurture his animals and protect them from harm, the elders were responsible for caring for the believers in Ephesus.
However, it is important to notice that Paul did not limit their duties to the Christians in their church. They also had a responsibility to watch over their own lives. Leaders are only as effective as their character allows. They could not point others toward Jesus if they were dabbling in sin themselves. Like the warning on an airplane flight, they had to secure their own faith before they could help anyone else.
(v. 28) Appointed you: Acts 20:28 signifies the passage’s practical and theological center. On the practical side, Paul simply charged the elders to do the work of ministry in Ephesus. However, they could not forget that the Holy Spirit was behind their service. He was the One who appointed them overseers of the flock. The word for “overseers” seems equivalent to the office and function of elder in the first-century church. It related to their role as shepherds.
Paul’s wording emphasized that each member of the Trinity played a role in establishing and guiding God’s church. Believers belong to God and are purchased through the blood of Jesus. Then, the Holy Spirit provided the human leaders to encourage and strengthen congregations.
(v. 29) Savage wolves: Before long, deadly wolves would arise both inside and outside the church. Since Paul had compared the believers to sheep, the striking image of a bloodthirsty wolf seems appropriate for false teachers who would try to tear the flock apart. The term was also a familiar metaphor for false prophets and teachers in ancient literature. Jesus referred to wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15).
(v. 30) Distort the truth: The warning to be vigilant was critical, as false teachers would create division by distorting God’s Word. The Greek wording suggests thoroughly misinterpreting and corrupting the message.
Even more disturbing, much of this heresy will come from within the congregation. Members from their own number would attack the message Paul shared and obscure the truth to gain a following. Because of this, Paul repeated his challenge to “be on the alert” (v. 31).
(v. 32) Commit you to God: Paul had served the Ephesians well, and the time had come for him to leave them in God’s hands and God’s Word. The apostle’s benediction was similar to what he often stated in his epistles, including a reference to the hope of eternal life (inheritance), even as they focused on living as God’s holy ones here on earth (sanctified).
Reinforce the session by texting or emailing the group during the week. Encourage them to be on guard against false teaching and to commit to a life of faithfulness. Remind them to meditate on the memory verse this week (Acts 20:24) and to review the content on Pack Item 13 (Handout: Watch Out for Wolves).
The Scriptures
The Bible is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. (See Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Psalm 119:140.)
Use a commentary and other tools to compare the use of an illustration across biblical passages.
The book of Acts includes the comparison of ministry to a footrace. There are passages in Acts and Paul’s epistles using this comparison. Locate three references to the footrace using a Bible commentary. Briefly explain how living the Christian life compares to a footrace.