Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Acts Bible Study Notes- Chapter 20


Acts 20

 

-After the debacle in Ephesus, Paul exhorts the brethren there and takes leave to Macedonia through those districts giving much exhortation all the way southward into Greece.

-He returned through Macedonia because of a plot by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria.

-Back in Asia in Troas he teaches for a week during Unleavened Bread days. This is where Eutychus falls from the 3rd floor after falling asleep during Paul’s midnight message. *Application* Don’t fall asleep in church, bad things can happen J. However, Paul falls upon him and the young man’s life returns to him (a miracle). Paul goes back up and preaches until daybreak and then goes by land to Assos. *Application* This gives us a glimpse into the hard core nature of the early church. There were no watch watchers in Paul’s audience. He would go all night! These disciples of Christ were fervent!

-The disciples go from Mitylene to Chios to Samos to Miletus. In Miletus Paul called to him the elders of the church in Ephesus and gave his farewell message to them. These are the things he did while laboring over them in the Name of Jesus Christ: He was humble, shed tears, suffered in trials, did not shrink back from declaring the word of God and anything that was profitable and according to the whole purpose of God, went from house to house, taught repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ, did not covet, and worked hard to help the weak remembering the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).”

-Paul prophesies what awaited him in Jerusalem. He relates that his life was meaningless in comparison of finishing his course for God in His strength. He tells the elders to beware and be alert for the savage wolves that would come in (Revelation 2:1-7).

-The tearful goodbye with embracing and affectionate brotherly kisses ends Paul’s time with the elders as he moves on toward the Promised Land. *Application* What a picture perfect way to say so long. Paul had no regrets in his labor over this body of believers he had diligently poured into. He is beloved and the brethren knew this would be it. Remember to say good-bye appropriately and passionately when the time comes to leave any particular situation. Remember too that we as believers will all be reunited in the eschaton when we are resurrected in Christ.

 

Verses to Memorize: Acts 20:18-24, 27-28, 35

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