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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