April 3, 2022
Acts 20:13-38
“A Race Well Run”
Service Overview: Paul, not knowing what his journey to Jerusalem had in store, had one singular focus; to finish his race well, and complete the task Jesus gave him.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Background Information:
- (v.35) These words of Jesus— “It is more blessed to give than to receive”—are not recorded in the Gospels. Obviously, since not all of Jesus’ words were written down (see John 21:25), this saying must have been passed on orally through the apostles. Certainly the theology of this statement is found abundantly in Christ’s teachings. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 352)
- Luke does not tell us why Paul chose this route He sent his companions by ship around a point that jutted into the sea, a voyage of about forty miles. Meanwhile, he cut across the neck of the peninsula, a hike of about twenty-five miles. He walked alone, perhaps because he wanted to think and pray, much as the Lord Jesus would sometimes draw aside for private times with the Father. (Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts, 267)
- (v.21) In the Greek the words repentance and faith are joined together by one article. This may imply that these two words stress two aspects of trust in Christ (cf. 2:38). When a person places his faith in Christ, he is then turning from (repenting of) his former unbelief. This is the same message for both Jews and Greeks (i.e., Gentiles; cf. 19:10; Gal. 3:28). (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, 413)
- Paul wished to give the Ephesian leaders such encouragement as they needed. The speech which follows is not only his farewell speech to them (and to the church which they represented) but (so far as the perspective of Acts is concerned) his last will and testament to the churches which he had planted both east and west of the Aegean (F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Acts, 406)
- Paul then told the elders that he was going to Jerusalem not of his own will but “compelled by the Spirit.” That is, the Spirit had made it clear to Paul that divine necessity was still upon him to go to Jerusalem. He did not know what he would encounter there, except that the Holy Spirit in city after city gave solemn warning (undoubtedly through the gift of prophecy) that “prison” (chains) and “hardships” awaited him (see also Rom. 15:31). Further warnings would be given at Tyre and at Caesarea (21:4, 11). In this way, the Holy Spirit was preparing Paul for the persecution and distress God purposed for him. (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location 7727)
The question to answer…
What’s Paul’s objective in this farewell address to the Ephesian elders?
Answer…
To prepare and pass the baton of leadership in light of both present and future realities.
What about Paul’s address should especially stand out?
- Paul’s life and ministry; a passionate pursuit of Jesus above all else.
(vv. 17-21 | Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 6:21, 33; 1 Corinthians 9:24-25; Hebrews 12:1)
Paul was ready to surrender his liberty and, if need be, his life itself for the sake of Christ and his service. Self-preservation was not a motive which he esteemed highly: his main concern was to fulfil the course which Christ had marked for him to run, preaching in the Spirit’s power the good news of God’s free grace in Christ. Life or death was not the issue that mattered: what mattered most was, as he told another church, that Christ should be magnified in his body, “whether by life or by death” (Phil. 1:20). (F.F. Bruce, Acts, 408)
[Paul] considered himself to be expendable for the sake of Christ. This was not recklessness. It was not that he did not care about life or care about himself, but rather that he cared more about his commission, his ministry, the gospel, and the approval of his Lord. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 238)
- Paul’s aim; to follow and finish well.
(vv. 22-27 | Phil. 1:20-24; 2:17; 3:8; 1 Thes. 2: 8-9; 2 Cor. 12:10; 2 Timothy 4:7)
On no account did [Paul] consider his life valuable when compared with finishing his race, accomplishing the task (the ministry) he had been assigned by the Lord Jesus: giving serious testimony to the good news of the grace of God. … To the end of his life he kept before him the purpose of finishing his race. Then he wrote “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4: 7). He had indeed followed God’s plan for his life and ministry. (Horton, Acts, Location 7736)
- Paul’s charge; watch out!
(vv. 28-31 | Matthew 7:15; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1)
The greatest threat to the nation of Israel was not the Philistines or the Syrians or the Babylonians but the false prophets in the midst of the people who took the truth of God and twisted it and distorted it and carried away the people to idolatry. Jesus’ greatest enemies were the clergy of his day, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Church history bears witness to the fact that those who bring unbelief into the church are not the secular professors; they are the seminary professors who deny the resurrection and the cross and train ministers of a new generation to deny the very essence of biblical truth. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 312)
- Paul’s challenge; go therefore and do likewise.
(vv. 32-35 | Psalm 82:3-4; Luke 10:25-37; Romans 15:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-16)
Like Paul, all believers can build strong relationships with other believers by sharing, caring, sorrowing, rejoicing, and praying with them. And – like Paul – the best way to gather others around is by giving oneself away to them and to the gospel. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 353)
Conclusion… How should Paul’s life and this farewell address serve to inspire and challenge our faith?
A. Strive to finish well. Regardless the circumstance, in Christ, you win.
(Is. 40:31; Mat. 10:29-31; Luke 12:7; Rom. 8:28; 1 Cor. 9:24-25; 2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1)
Only by desertion can we be defeated. With Christ and for Christ victory is certain. We can lose the victory by flight but not by death. (Bernard of Clairvaux)
The Lord’s will is that we become all that He intended us to be. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 291)
B. Embrace truth and be on guard.
(Psalm 119:160; John 8:32; 14:6; 16:13; 17:17; Rom. 12:2; Ephesians 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:15)
The infection of the world is never far away. Where truth is, falsehood ever attacks. (William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, 152)
Paul brought his farewell message to a close by warning the leaders of the dangers they had to recognize and deal with if they were to protect and lead the church. Never underestimate the great importance of the church. The church is important to God the Father because His name is on it—“the church of God.” It is important to the Son because He shed His blood for it, and it is important to the Holy Spirit because He is calling and equipping people to minister to the church. It is a serious thing to be a spiritual leader in the church of the living God. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 389)
C. Work hard and help the weak.
(Prov. 10:4; Mark 10:45; Luke 6:35; Col. 3:23; 1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Peter 4:10)
“Hard work that helps others”—this phrase could summarize the ministry that Paul gave to the Ephesians and that he hoped the church leaders would then give to others: (Phillip A. Bence, Acts: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, Kindle Location, 3989)
Only people who keep short accounts of their own failures, sins, and weaknesses have earned the right to assist others with those things in their lives. Vulnerable, humble, transparent individuals make the best confronters. (Charles Swindoll, Simple Faith, 197)
For Grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them. (Augustine, Of the Spirit and the Letter, (5th century)
Gospel Application…
In Christ alone is the hope of eternal purpose and meaning, and the only hope of being in Christ is by turning to, and trusting in, him.
(Proverbs 16:4; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Romans 10:9-13; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 1:9)
Repentance means that you change your mind about your life. You stop thinking, acting, and living the way you have been. Faith means that you place your trust in the Lord and allow Him to live His life through you. The Christian life was meant to be an exciting, compelling adventure. An adventure always entails risk—and risk-taking requires faith. You must have faith that when you risk for God, He will stand with you. In order to begin the adventure of the Christian life, you must repent and have faith. That’s the essence of Paul’s gospel. (Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts, 268)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Read Acts 20:13-38. How would you describe the tone of this passage?
- How did Paul describe himself and his ministry among the Ephesians (20:18-35)?
- How was Paul affected by the warnings of future suffering and death (20:22-24)?
- What instruct does Paul leave the Christian leaders and what do those instructions communicate about the sheep and their value (20:28)?
- Why was Paul not afraid to leave the leaders and the church in their care?
Quotes to note…
Paul did not guard his life. I cannot say that. I guard my life. I do not volunteer to go to Jerusalem in chains to be beheaded. I worry when people get hostile, but not the Apostle. What mattered to him was finishing the race. Paul found joy in doing what the Lord had set before him to do. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 311)
As Paul’s involvement in the near tragedy with Eutychus demonstrates, the ministry is full of opportunities to help the hurting. It doesn’t matter whether you are clergy or laity; being a Christian means helping those who need comfort. We need to be willing to go anywhere—from living rooms to intensive care units and funeral homes—to offer hugs, tears, or prayers for those who are suffering and grieving. Ask God to make you a source of comfort to some anguished soul today. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 344)
The way of the believer is not easy; being a Christian does not solve or remove all problems. Paul served humbly and “with tears,” but he never quit, never gave up. The message of salvation was so important that Paul never missed an opportunity to share it. Although Paul preached his message in different ways to fit different audiences, the message remained the same—turning away from sin and turning to Christ by faith. The Christian life will have its rough times, tears, and sorrows, as well as joys, but we should always be ready to tell others what good things God has done for us. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 345)
The object of every believer should be to give, not just to receive. We should become mature and strong, and work hard so we can give to help the weak (including the physically sick or weak, as well as those who are spiritually weak). Hard work also includes mental effort, teaching, promoting the gospel in order to help others. In doing this they would be remembering the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location 7806)
[Paul] saw himself as a runner who wanted to finish his course in joyful victory (Phil. 3:12–14; 2 Tim. 4:8). The three phrases “my life, my course, the ministry” are the key. Paul realized that his life was God’s gift to him, and that God had a special plan for his life that would be fulfilled in his ministry. Paul was devoted to a great Person (“serving the Lord”) and motivated by a great purpose, the building of the church (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 389)
Paul always set forth the whole counsel of God. He taught publicly in the Jewish synagogues and the pagan marketplaces. He taught privately, in small groups, from house to house. His message always came down to two key concepts: Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. That is the Christian message condensed into two words: repentance and faith. (Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts, 268)
One reason why many of us are not more effective in our Christian lives is that we do not have our priorities in order. Isn’t it true that most of us value our lives far more than our witness? We value the praise of men far more than the approbation of God. (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 348)
R.C. Sproul, Acts,
This discourse occurs in one of those “we” passages found in the book of Acts in which Luke, the author of Acts, includes himself in the narrative. On this occasion Luke had been present, so he was writing directly from what he heard on the shores of Miletus. Also, this is the only one of Paul’s sermons in Acts that was delivered to Christians. All the rest of his sermons were preached to Jews, to Greeks, or to the authorities, but here we have a sermon given specifically to believers. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 308)
It is amazing how many parallels there are between Paul’s message here to the Ephesians and Jesus’ message in the upper room to His disciples when He announced that in just a short while they would see Him no more although His departure would ultimately be to their benefit. In that regard, Paul echoed those words of Christ to His disciples. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 309)
Paul did not go to people simply as a scholar instructing them in theology; his heart was with them. He wept and prayed with them and endured all manner of attacks and suffering from hostile hands for their sakes. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 309)
(vv. 29–31). Harvard, Princeton, Yale—the most prestigious secular universities in America were started as evangelical Christian seminaries, totally committed to the inerrancy of sacred Scripture. Those who hold that view today need safe-conduct passage to walk on those campuses. If a Christian institution lasts fifty years in its commitment to the Scriptures, that is an extraordinary thing. At the request of the session, I have drawn up a list of nonnegotiable qualifications for future pastors of St. Andrew’s, but as tight as I draw that list, it will not be enough to keep ravenous wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing from invading this church and corrupting its mission at some time in the future. It happens again and again. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 311)
(vv. 32–35). These words of the Lord are found nowhere in the Gospels. Paul was aware of one of the logia, a saying of Jesus’ that had been preserved in the early church but not included in the Gospels. The people were obviously aware of these words already since Paul told them to remember. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 312)
Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts,
Traveling south to Miletus, Paul summoned the elders of the Ephesian church in order to bid them farewell. In his charge to them, Paul reviewed his ministry among them, described the Spirit’s leading him to Jerusalem, and challenged them to shepherd the church in their care. This discourse reveals Paul’s pastoral heart (20:18-20, 31, 36-37), reiterates Paul’s preoccupation with preaching the kingdom of God (20:24-25), and records the presence of a well-trained group of disciples who would be able to carry the message of Christ throughout Asia. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 343)
Paul traveled ahead by land to Assos, which was about twenty miles away, a much shorter distance than a ship had to travel. The rest of the party traveled by ship. At Assos, the party was reunited, and Luke faithfully recorded the inland passage trek of their ship—to Mitylene, then past the islands of Kios and Samos, eventually arriving at Miletus. Miletus was situated at the mouth of the Maeander River on the Aegean Sea (in modern-day Turkey). (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 343)
Paul had missed attending the Passover in Jerusalem, so he was especially interested in arriving on time for Pentecost, which is fifty days after Passover. He was carrying gifts for the Jerusalem believers from churches in Asia and Greece (see Romans 15:25-26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15). The Jerusalem church had been experiencing difficult times. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 344)
As wildly successful as Paul’s ministry was—the miracles, decisions, baptisms, and successfully discipled believers and planted churches—he did not boast. Under his ministry there, the word of the Lord had spread widely (19:20). The glory, however, was consistently given back to the one directing it all—it was the Lord’s work, not Paul’s. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 344)
Another characteristic of Paul’s ministry to the Ephesians was the presence of tears. In other words, his work was done with passion and compassion. It was not a coldhearted teaching ministry or a distant discipleship ministry—there was warmth and cooperation, sympathy and empathy (see also Romans 9:2; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 3:18). (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 345)
If an offense comes out of the truth, it is better that the offense come than that the truth be concealed. Jerome (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 345)
A good spiritual leader has the courage to tell the truth no matter what the consequences. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 345)
Paul had one message for all. Both Jews and Greeks alike were included in his mission, and both needed the central message of repentance and faith (see Acts 26:20-23; Romans 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2). (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 346)
The gospel is a blunt package of raw truth (about how people are rebellious, lost sinners separated from a holy God) wrapped with exquisite cords of love (about how God offers forgiveness, acceptance, and eternal life to those who turn from sin to Christ in simple faith). Paul forcefully and passionately spoke that truth to those with whom he came in contact and essentially said: “You have eternal decisions to make. You are responsible for what you do with this information.” As you share the faith, don’t shade the truth or try to soften the hardness of the gospel. Before people will ever see the goodness of the gospel, they must first realize the awfulness of their lost condition. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 346)
Paul’s message to the Ephesians had been simple and single-minded—he had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the need for faith in Christ that follows repenting from sin and turning to God. What a great summary of the gospel: repent from sin, turn to God, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ! (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 346)
Believers must never let the message get lost in the trappings of the ministry (buildings, programs, schedules, calendars) or the ever-present busyness of church activities. The message must not be prejudiced—it’s applicable to Jews and Gentiles alike. It is not optional, and it must not be overly complicated. It is just one message: turn from sin, turn to God, and believe in Jesus Christ. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 346)
The gospel is a message of forgiveness, freedom, and a future. Note that it was not teaching skill or preaching skill nor any other gift or skill to which Paul alluded as his task—just simple testifying. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 348)
There can be no growth in Christ without the transmission of truth. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 349)
Paul worked not in order to become rich but to be free from being dependent on anyone. He supported himself and those who traveled with him (see Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:9). (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 352)
(Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location
Paul often called himself the Lord’s slave (Rom. 1: 1; 12: 11; Gal. 1: 10; Phil. 1: 1; Titus 1: 1). (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location 7709)
He required service of them, not domineering leadership (cf. Mark 9: 35; 10: 42– 45; 1 Pet. 5: 1– 3). (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location 7758)
They were not simply leading and teaching their church but “the church of God,” the Lord’s assembly (Gk. ekklēsia, “assembly,” as in 19: 41), an assembly made His own at a tremendous price, the precious blood of Jesus. (See NRSV; see also Eph. 1: 7; Titus 2: 14; Heb. 9: 12,14; 13: 12– 13.) His blood is the ground of the new covenant (Mark 14: 24; Luke 22: 20), and the shedding of His blood put the new covenant into effect and brings believers into right relationship with God (Rom. 5: 9; Col. 1: 20; Rev. 5: 9). (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location 7765)
Not all of these wolves would come in from the outside (see Matt. 7: 15). “Even from [their] own number,” even from among the elders themselves, some would rise up. By “distorting the truth,” that is, by using half-truths or by twisting the truth, they would seek “to draw away disciples,” a following, for themselves from the members of the local assemblies. (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location 7774)
Paul always did more than warn. He also entrusted them “to God and to the word of his grace,” the gospel, which was able to “build … up and give … an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (made holy, set apart to follow Jesus, treated as a holy people, consecrated saints of God). (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location 7788)
Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts,
[Paul] was bound by his devotion to duty . (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 238)
Pastors cannot teach unless they are first taught. They cannot bring others to God if they are not themselves abiding in Him. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 239)
This beatitude which Paul cites from Jesus, is not found in the Gospels, but it is characteristically beautiful. Those who give in the Lord’s name are twice blessed. They already know the happiness of humbly receiving their own supply from the Lord’s bounty: this is blessedness. But greater still is the joy of being a channel of God’s bounty to others, and discovering that in so doing one’s own supply is being continually refurnished. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 240)
John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament,
20:16-17. Paul avoided a stop in Ephesus because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. He knew it would take far too long to say good-bye to his many friends in Ephesus. (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, 413)
20:23. Already Paul had been warned by the Holy Spirit-that is, evidently by people with the Spirit-given gift of prophecy-that prison and hardships awaited him in Jerusalem. He anticipated troubles in Jerusalem when he wrote Romans 15:30-31. Yet he was determined to go there (cf. Acts 19:21; 20:i6). (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, 413)
Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts,
14-15 Assos (modern Bahram Koi) was twenty miles south of Troas, on the Gulf of Adramyttium. It was on the Roman coastal road and faced south toward the island of Lesbos (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 510)
16 Paul had to miss the Passover at Jerusalem (cf. comments on vv.3, 5-6). But he wanted, if at all possible, to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost on the fiftieth day after Passover (cf. comments on 2:1). This was the second of the great pilgrim festivals of Judaism. (Sukkoth or Tabernacles, some four months after Pentecost, was the third.) (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 510)
It is significant that, in a situation similar to those he faced in many of his letters, this farewell to the Ephesian elders reads like a miniature letter of his. This becomes all the more significant when we recall that nowhere else in Acts is there any evidence for a close knowledge of Paul’s letters. (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 512)
18-21 Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders begins with an apologia that closely parallels 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. As at Thessalonica, evidently Paul’s Ephesian opponents had been prejudicing his converts against him in his absence; he therefore found it necessary to defend his conduct and teaching by appealing to his hearers’ knowledge of him. (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 512)
22-24 The second section of Paul’s address concerns his plans to go to Jerusalem. Many have claimed a discrepancy between his being “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem (20:22-24) and his being warned by the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem in 21:4, 10 -14, and have questioned Luke’s reporting here in light of their understanding of the situations at Tyre and Caesarea. But Luke opened Panel 6 of Acts with the statement that Paul’s decision to go to Jerusalem was “by the Spirit” (cf. comments on 19:21), and nothing here is incompatible with that programmatic statement. Both compulsion and warning were evidently involved in the Spirit’s direction, with both being impressed upon Paul by the Spirit at various times as he journeyed-probably through Christian prophets he met along the way. So he considered it necessary to complete his ministry of testifying to the grace of God throughout the eastern part of the empire by taking to the Jerusalem believers the money sent by Gentile believers in Galatia, Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia-a contribution he looked on as a tangible symbol of the faith of these Gentiles and the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 512)
28-31 The third section of Paul’s address continues with an exhortation to the Ephesian elders in light of what Paul sees will soon take place in the church. He warns regarding persecution from outside and apostasy within (cf. 1 Tim 1:19-20; 4:1-5; 2 Tim 1:15; 2:17-18; 3:1-9, which tell of a later widespread revolt against Paul’s teaching in Asia, and Rev 2:1-7, which says that the Ephesian church abandoned its first love). So he gives the elders the solemn imperative of v.28. (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 513)
F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Acts,
[Paul] had planted the gospel seed and now it was the business of others to water it. (F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Acts, 409)
29–31 Paul now looks forward to the future, and the prospects for the Ephesian church are not wholly promising. The sheep will have to be guarded with unceasing vigilance, for ferocious wolves will try to force their way among them and ravage them. As in our Lord’s parable of the good shepherd, so here the true pastors of the flock are contrasted with false teachers, described as wolves because of the havoc they cause. (F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Acts, 409)
Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary,
Paul chose to walk from Troas to Assos, a distance of about twenty miles. Why? For one thing, it enabled him to stay longer with the saints in Troas, while he sent Luke and the party on ahead (Acts 20:13). (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 388)
The word elder is presbutos in the Greek (“presbyter”) and refers to a mature person who has been selected to serve in office (Acts 14:23). These same people are called “overseers” in Acts 20:28, which is episkopos or “bishop.” They were chosen to “feed the church” (Acts 20:28), which means “to shepherd.” Paul called the local church “a flock” (Acts 20:28–29), so these men were also pastors. (The word pastor means “shepherd.”) Thus in the New Testament churches, the three titles elder, bishop, and pastor were synonymous. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 388)
Paul was referring to false teachers, the counterfeits who exploit the church for personal gain (Matt. 7:15–23; 10:16; Luke 10:3; 2 Peter 2:1–3). How important it is that believers know the Word of God and be able to detect and defeat these religious racketeers. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 389)
We cannot build the church unless God is building our lives daily. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 389)
Paul earned his own way as a tentmaker, even though he could have used his apostolic authority to demand support and thereby have an easier life. It is not wrong for Christian workers to receive salaries, for “the laborer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7; 1 Tim. 5:18). But they should be certain that they are really earning those salaries! (Read Prov. 24:30–34.) (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 390)
Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts,
It is significant that “the word of His grace” is noted as the secret of sanctification. The unmerited, unchanging, forgiving love of the Lord enables us to own the failures of the past, disown them in the Lord’s tender mercy, and move on to the next step of growing up in the full stature of Christ. That’s what Paul wanted for the Ephesian elders and what we long for for ourselves and our listeners. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 292)
William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles,
It is not possible to make a neat analysis of a farewell speech so charged with emotion as this. But certain notes sound out. First of all Paul makes certain claims for himself,
(i) He had spoken fearlessly. He had told them all God’s will and pandered neither to the fear nor the favour of men
(ii) He had lived independently. His own hands had supplied his needs; and his work had been not only for his own sake but for the sake of others who were less fortunate than himself,
(iii) He had faced the future gallantly. He was the captive of the Holy Spirit; and in that confidence he was able to brave everything the future might hold. (William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, 152)
Paul also urges certain claims upon his friends,
(i) He reminded them of their duty. They were overseers of the flock of God. That was not a duty they had chosen but a duty for which they had been chosen. The servants of the Good Shepherd must also be shepherds of the sheep,
(ii) He reminded them of their danger. The infection of the world is never far away. Where truth is, falsehood ever attacks. (William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, 152) There was a constant warfare ahead to keep the faith intact and the Church pure. (William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, 152)
Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts,
Paul was trying to keep a schedule. He had originally planned to reach Jerusalem in time for the Passover. When he was unable to do so, he tried to arrive in time for the day of Pentecost. He not only wanted to celebrate the anniversary of the coming of the Holy Spirit, but he wanted to celebrate the Hebrew feast of Pentecost as well. He maintained a deep love for the Jewish people and traditions. He longed to reach his people with the good news that their Messiah had come. (Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts, 267)
James Montgomery Boice, Acts,
It is interesting he should mention humility, because when he writes about the qualifications of an elder as he does later in 1 Timothy and Titus, two of the pastoral epistles, although he touches on subjects that relate to humility, he does not mention humility. Moreover, he never says, except here, that he was humble himself. (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 344)
Episkopos is composed of two parts: shapes, which is from the verb shopio (meaning “to look”) and 31h (meaning “over”). So an episkoposis literally “one who looks over” or “keeps watch over” someone else. Paul is saying, If you are overseers, people who have been elected to this responsible position in the church, then make sure you do the job for which you’ve been elected. He spells it out. (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 349)
The image of a flock and its shepherd is not frequent in Paul’s writings, but it is a strong image in the Old Testament, since it was written to people whose lives were mostly pastoral. It was also important in the teaching of Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke about himself as the Shepherd, saying, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). So although the image is not frequent in Paul, when he does use it, as here, he is telling the leaders of the church to imitate Jesus. Their task was to take care of the sheep—not to let them wander away, but to watch out for their health, defend them from enemies, and such things. The reason they were to do this is that the flock was not their flock but God’s. It is a flock Jesus purchased with his blood. The elders were to be overseers so that no one without and no one within would damage the flock for which Jesus died. (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 349)
April 3, 2022
Acts 20:13-38
“A Race Well Run”
Pastor David Turner
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