Faithful on Fridays Blog

As a seasoned believer Paul stayed vitally connected to the Holy Spirit in order to fulfill his ministry and destiny. Acts 19:21 uses the phrase ‘resolved in the Spirit’ to show us his firm decision, without any doubt, to follow the leading of the Spirit traveling to Jerusalem and finally to Rome where he was executed. Even in the midst of rioting and social unrest (sound familiar?) he powerfully turned people from idol worship determined to obey God.

Paul also loved the church and through the Spirit described positions that would help her maintain faith in God and love for others; elders are one group of crucial overseers in our churches (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1-2) that have serious responsibilities. Paul called for the elders in Ephesus to come to him in order to encourage them for the last time.

Acts 20:17-38 gives us insight into the love relationship Paul had with these elders and his passion for the health of the church. Let’s look at his final thoughts and bring them home to our churches today.

First of all, Paul reminded them that he served the church with humility even when times were tough and never backed off from teaching the benefits of repentance and faith in our Lord. Remember, New Testament faith is divine persuasion and certainty that God will do what He said He’ll do. Do you see the value of reading and studying the Bible? How can you believe God’s promises when you don’t know what they are?

Paul felt compelled or driven by the Spirit to return to Jerusalem even though he knew there’d be persecution and imprisonment awaiting. Paul’s attitude toward his future was reliance on Holy Spirit power to finish the assignment of testifying about God’s grace proclaiming Kingdom Living.

This apostle didn’t stop there, next he gave words of admonition (vs. 28-32) or encouragement with warning for these mature in faith: watch yourself first and then your flock the Holy Spirit has given you. This isn’t a new concept, sheep and shepherds, since the word pastor means shepherd and Jesus taught his 12 apostles the value of good shepherds by modeling it Himself. Paul, following Jesus’ example, encourages us to take a deep, personal interest and care about the people in our churches since they are all bought with the same precious blood of Christ.

That personal care for the flock will be vital since the enemy will reveal himself in various ways in order to draw believers away from God and victorious living; Paul says ‘be alert!’ 

He concluded his time with these believers by speaking words of grace, building them up, and reminding them of their inheritance in God but also encouraged them to work hard and help the weak by remembering the words of Jesus:

“It’s more blessed to give than to receive.”

May we as well take every opportunity to help the weak and be generous givers also modeling our lives after Christ.