“Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:31-32)
Jude was not the only one concerned about apostasy within the church. Several years before Jude’s epistle, the Apostle Paul expressed his concerns about false teachers to the Ephesian church elders. We take a final opportunity to examine this record from the Book of Acts in order to more completely understand the Epistle of Jude.
Following his directive to the Ephesian church elders to pay careful attention (Acts 20:28), the Apostle Paul now commands them to be alert. To be alert (γρηγορέω; gregoreo) is a present, active imperative verb. It means to always be vigilant, awake and watchful regarding false teachers.
Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “The apostle’s warning concerns false teachers. Like foolish sheep, the believers will give heed to popular newcomers on the Christian scene, itinerant teachers with new and exciting (thought unorthodox) messages. They will be quick to divide in factions as some in their own ranks depart from the truth and seek to pull others along with them.”
Not if, but when, this occurs, and even prior to it occurring, faithful church elders are to constantly be on the alert for false teaching by false teachers. There can be no excuses for letting one’s guard down. The well-being of the church is a stake.
Paul used himself as an example to the church elders. Paul gave his all in admonishing the believers in the truth. Dr. Simon Kistemaker states, “Implicitly, Paul is exhorting the elders to follow his example as they assume the responsibility of caring for the church of God.”
Sometimes when Paul warned and instructed the believers in Ephesus, he did so with great intensity and emotion. He was passionate about God’s truth. Paul could be ruthless when it concerned confronting false teaching and false teachers.
The Church at Antioch commended the Apostle Paul to “the grace of God” when he and Barnabas were set to embark on their first missionary journey (Acts 14:26). Later on, Paul and Barnabas did the same thing to the newly established churches and their elders (Acts 14:23).
As Paul is set to conclude his encouraging words to the Ephesian church elders, he likewise commends them. The word “commend” (παρατίθημι; paratithemai) means to entrust and to show something, or someone, to be true. Paul’s entrusting of the Ephesian church to the elders in question was an ongoing commendation: not only to God but also the word of his grace.
God himself, and the word of his grace, are the instruments to build biblical church leaders. These means God gives to strengthen leaders as they face the difficulties of leading a local church in the midst of a fallen world, sinful temptations and the devil himself.
Not only did Paul say that God would build the elders up and strengthen them, but He would also give them an inheritance. Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Though trust in God is essential, it must be accompanied by obedience to His Word. This will lead to edification (it will build you up) and to an inheritance among all those who are sanctified (cf. 26:18; Eph. 1:18; Col. 1:12; 1 Peter 1:4).
To be sanctified means to be made holy. Like all who live by the Word of God, and as a result grow in holiness, God promises an eternal inheritance. This inheritance is not based on the believer’s personal holiness, but rather the believer’s personal holiness is the evidence of eternal life, God’s inheritance, which the believer has by faith, and will in heaven possess by sight and in its fullness.
God’s Word enables human leaders to be bold watchmen for God on behalf of the church, God’s flock. Take the opportunity today to pray for your church’s elders and pastors. May each of us pray for our church elders and other church leaders. May each of them know the Word of God and possess the strength and courage to defend the truth.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 