Acts Chapter 20
Paul had spent a long time at Ephesus. The people had become very dear to him, but he felt it best to move on since a dangerous riot had almost occurred. Most would have given up by now with even just one instance of resistance, but Paul was determined to “finish (his) course and the ministry that (he) received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God;” even with the knowledge from the Holy Spirit that he would face imprisonment and afflictions wherever he went. He knew that it might cost him his very life.
Paul speaking to the leadership of the church at Ephesus had a lot of things to say that would be considered admonishment, words of encouragement, to keep on keeping on in the faith despite opposition. He knew that he would not have another opportunity to see them again and so his farewell words were held in great esteem.
Let's Reflect
1. After leaving Ephesus where will Paul travel to next?
2. In verse 6 the pronoun “we” is used again to indicate that Luke (the author of Acts) has joined Paul again. They were at Troas and Paul preached a very long sermon. How late was it when the incident of a young man falling asleep fell 3 stories? None of you have ever fallen asleep in church, right?
3. It would seem that Paul performed a miracle for this young man, because he was said to be dead from the fall. What was the reaction to the young man being able to get up and walk and join them for the rest of the service?
4. Paul walked to the town of Assos while the rest of his team sailed, but they picked him up and sailed to Mitylene and other towns. Paul could have stopped at Ephesus since they went by there, but he knew the stop would take a great deal of time and he was trying to get to Jerusalem on time. What was happening in Jerusalem?
5. The rest of the chapter is a recording of a meeting Paul had with the church elders of Ephesus as they came to him to get his last farewell instructions. What type of relationship did he describe having with the believers?
6. Paul had shared the gospel in the synagogues, the marketplaces and what other locations?
7. Paul said he was constrained by the Spirit, meaning prompted to go quickly to Jerusalem even though he didn’t know what would happen to him there. He said that he did not value his own life as precious, but what did he value?
8. Paul felt his conscious was clear, he said that he was “innocent of the blood of all.” What do you think he meant by this?
9. What did he warn the church elders would happen in the church?
10. What did he tell them they should do when the church was attacked?
11. Paul admonished them that they would have to work hard to keep the ministry going. He had been an example of working hard by providing for himself (probably with his tent making skills) and not leaning on their financial help. What is the blessing a believer can receive from working hard?
12. What type of “send-off” did Paul receive from the Ephesian church elders?
Devotionals
