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^33 “I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. ³⁴ You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. ³⁵ In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:33–35)

One of the telltale signs of a pastor’s and elder’s integrity is the handling of their personal, and church, finances. How an individual handles money, especially if one is in the ministry, speaks volumes.

How well I remember the PTL scandal of 1987. Not only was the personal, immoral behavior of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker called into question, but also the mismanagement and frivolous way the ministry’s finances were handled. I personally knew people who supported the PTL Club and Heritage USA. They were devastated by the deceit from Christian leaders they trusted. How tragic and how sad.

It is interesting that the Apostle Paul stressed how he handled money with the utmost care. He did not covet other people’s wealth or their resplendent clothing. Paul indicated how he worked hard for his personal necessities. Paul was not afraid of working hard. He also indicated how he financially helped those who were his colleagues.

Paul’s reason for this transparency with the Ephesian church elders was so that his motives in preaching the Gospel would never be called into question. How often have we noticed those in full-time Christian service, especially televangelists, who place great emphasis on people giving to their ministry so that they can live a lavish lifestyle?

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “In short, he had not exploited anyone, for his was a ministry of giving. In this, too, the elders should consider him an example for their own conduct. His activities should instruct them to care for the weak, poor, destitute, and sick who are often cast aside in the world of this time. And they should see how his conduct fits with the proverb Paul attributed to Jesus, though it is recorded nowhere in the gospels: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

I encourage you to be discerning when giving finances to a particular ministry, or church. Are the finances conducted in a transparent and ethical manner? The church of which I am a member is particularly excellent in this matter. I have the utmost confidence that the tithes and offerings which I give, along with others, are handled in a way which glorifies the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

^“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 20:32)

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 was set to conclude his encouraging words to the Ephesian church elders, he likewise commended 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 are the 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 presently by faith, will be possessed by sight and in its fullness in heaven

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.

Soli deo Gloria!

^“Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.” (Acts 20:31)

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.

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!

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter One: The Holy Scriptures. Part 6.

9. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.^a

a. Acts 15:15; 2 Pet 1:20-21.

10. The Supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.

a. Mat 22:29, 31; Eph 2:20 with Acts 28:25.

Soli deo Gloria!

^29 “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; ³⁰ and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:29–30)

Paul, like us today, could not be certain of everything that could happen in his life, and the life of the church. However, he did not know this for certain. After he would leave the Ephesian church, fierce wolves would come into the church and settle among the believers.

The adjective fierce (βαρύς; barys) means vicious and cruel. In other words, savage. The noun wolves (λύκος; lykos) is used here figuratively referring to unbelieving individuals who are also false teachers. These fierce, false teachers will not remain outside of the church but rather come in among the congregation.

The intention is to destroy the flock of God. The wolves will personally and consistently make trouble in the church. They will be the cause of all types of difficulty.

Additionally, Paul said that there would arise from within the congregation men who would speak twisted things (διαστρέφω; diastrepho). This means to lead astray, to pervert, and to turn people away from the truth. The intended victims are those who are true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, ¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 7:15–19)

2 Peter 2:1-2 says, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. ² And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.”

1 John 4:1–2 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.”

Jude 3–4 says, “³ Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. ⁴ For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

It is conspicuous that the New Testament teaches that false teachers will attempt to infiltrate the church. We must be on our guard today as believers were to be so in the past. We must be vigilant and diligent. We cannot let our guard down. To do so would be disastrous. Therefore, let us resolve to do our duty.

Soli deo Gloria!

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28)

Today’s text brings us to the key message the Apostle Paul endeavored to communicate to the Ephesian church elders. This is his charge. These are his final thoughts about their pastoral responsibilities.

He commands and instructs them to pay careful attention. This is a present active imperative. It is a command by which the Ephesian elders are to pattern their lives and ministry each and every day. To pay attention is to be on the lookout or to carefully consider.

What the apostle wants the elders to pay attention to, to be on the lookout for, and to carefully consider is not only their own lives, but also the lives of their church flock. The reason for this careful consideration is because the Holy Spirit has set them apart as overseers for the church in Ephesus. An overseer (ἐπίσκοπος; episkopos) is a guardian or church leader.

This guardianship involves caring for the church which ultimately belongs to God. It is not their church but rather God’s. He created it, He owns it and He will sustain it. However, He has chosen these elders to care for it as faithful stewards of God’s grace (I Corinthians 4:1-2).

The church is so important to God because it was obtained by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The believers are valuable. All believes in Christ are valuable.

One commentator writes, “The picture here is of loving leaders manifesting a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the people under their care. They are to be closely involved in the lives of Christians and able to teach, counsel, instruct and guide.”

Take the opportunity today to encourage your pastor and church elders. Let them know that you are thankful for them as they protect the church flock. Let them know that you praying for them as they serve.

Soli deo Gloria!

^25 “And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. ²⁶ Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, ²⁷ for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” (Acts 20:25–27)

Final words. If you knew you were saying goodbye to someone and would probably never see them again, this side of heaven, what would be your final words to them? Perhaps it might be, “Take care of yourself,”  “be well and be safe,” “until we meet again,” or as Rick Blaine said to Ilsa Lund at the Casablanca airport, “Here’s looking at you kid.”

More than likely, if we had any affection for the individual in question, we would say “I love you.” We can be quite certain the Apostle Paul possessed deep affection for the Ephesian believers in general, and the Ephesian church elders in particular.

As today’s text indicated, Paul was sure that he would never see these elders again. One commentator writes, “He (Paul) isn’t necessarily expecting to die soon, he knows he will pass through Jerusalem alive an eventually visit Rome. But he cannot guess how long these events might take, and there are other fields beyond that he wishes to visit, especially Spain (Romans 15:23-29).”

What Paul does tell them is that he had done his duty. He has declared to them, and to the church at large, the whole counsel of God. Therefore, the duty to watch and warn people, respectively the converted along with the unconverted, is now theirs.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “A grave responsibility is placed upon the Ephesian elders. But modern elders bear the same responsibility – to watch over the souls of their people. Do all that you can to encourage your elders. Invite them to your home for a meal, praise them and thank them frequently, and pray fervently for them. Seek to make their service a joy.”  

Amen! Have a blessed day and may each of us be a blessing to our church elders.

Soli deo Gloria!

^22 “And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, ²³ except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. ²⁴ But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22–24)

Paul was speaking to the Ephesian church elders and charged them to take on the full measure of leadership of the congregation. In yesterday’s passage (Acts 20:17-21), he referred to himself as a worthy example, having selflessly served the Lord as a bond slave.

What is a legacy? Some assign it the meaning of a financial inheritance. A legacy is what the deceased left in his/her will and bequeathed to those who are living relatives and friends.

However, a legacy is more than money. It is a heritage. It is what an individual is known for and for what he/she will be remembered. What accomplishments did they achieve? What was their character? What was their reputation?

What was the Apostle Paul’s legacy? He states what it was in today’s text. It was the foremost characteristic for which he wished to be known. Paul’s legacy was “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul shared with the Ephesian church elders that he was going to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit was compelling him, even though he did not know exactly what would happen upon his arrival. However, Paul did know that imprisonment and afflictions were waiting for him.

But it did not matter to Paul. He said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.”  What was the course and the ministry for which Paul sought to finish? It was “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul wished to not only leave, but to live to the fullest, the legacy the Lord gave him.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Nevertheless, even the gloomy prospect of imprisonment and abuse cannot sway him (Paul) from obedience. In fact, he is ready to suffer much more if God so commands, even the loss of his life. His only goal is to know the joy of being a faithful bondservant, a trusty slave of Christ, to the end of his days. He wants to carry out the mission given to him by Christ: to be a witness to the Gospel of grace (Acts 9:15).”

What is the legacy you are leaving behind to your family, friends and acquaintances? What will they remember about you? What will you be known for after you have died and gone home to be with the Lord? May each of us mirror the words of the apostle in being a witness to the gospel of the grace of God. This is not only a legacy to leave, but to live.

Soli deo Gloria!     

^17 “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. ¹⁸ And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, ¹⁹ serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; ²⁰ how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, ²¹ testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:17–21)

Acts 20:17 begins a wonderful passage of Scripture depicting the heart of a pastor for the health and wellbeing of a congregation and its elders. The pastor in question is the Apostle Paul. The elders and congregation is the church at Ephesus. The time and culture could be our very own for opposition to the Gospel, and attacks from within and from outside the church, remains a clear and present danger.

Paul avoided stopping in Ephesus as he journeyed to Jerusalem. However, while in Miletus he sent for the Ephesian church elders to come and join him. The elders were the ordained representatives of the Ephesian congregation. God called them to be overseers and shepherds of the church of God (20:28; I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

Paul had some important things to say, which the elders needed to hear. The elders complied with Paul’s request and soon joined him at Miletus.

Paul began his pastoral counsel and encouragement to the Ephesian church elders by reviewing his two-three year ministry with them at Ephesus (Acts 19:10; 20:31). He shared that he had lived among them, and not detached from them. In other words, Paul knew what kind of church they were and they knew what kind of pastor he was.

He explained that he served the Lord there with humility, tears and trials because of the adversarial plots by the unbelieving Jews in Ephesus. However, even during those difficult days Paul never shirked from his God ordained responsibility of declaring to the elders, and the congregation, the profitable Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). He taught them both in public settings, and also in private visits at people’s homes.

Finally, he related the Gospel of God, which included repentance of sin towards God and also faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even today, both Jews and Gentiles must solely come to God in repentance of sin (Acts 26:20) and trust in, commitment to, dependence upon and worship of Jesus Christ.

If you are a pastor, continue to be faithful in your God ordained responsibilities (2 Timothy 4:1-5). If you are a member of a local congregation, take time today to encourage your pastor(s) for the work God does through them.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹³ “But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. ¹⁴ And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. ¹⁵ And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and^[a] the day after that we went to Miletus. ¹⁶ For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.” (Acts 20:13-16)

Luke often summarizes Paul’s journeys in the Acts of the Apostles. Today’s text is one such summary. Paul was on his journey to Jerusalem in order to deliver an offering from Gentile churches to the believers in Judea and Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-27; I Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9).

Paul’s journey involved having his companions set sail from Troas for Assos, while he traveled to Assos by land. Assos was a seaport of Mysia in the Roman province of Asia (Minor) and off the coast of the Agean Sea… The Roman writer Pliny identified the town as having been founded by the kings of Pergamum and called Apollonia. Assos was located on the top and terraced sides of an inactive volcanic cone 770 feet (234.6 meters) in height. The Greek philosopher Aristotle lived there for several years. It was also the birthplace of Cleanthes, a Stoic poet quoted by Paul (Acts 17:28). Today Assos is known as Behram Kevi.

When Paul met Luke and the others with him at Assos, they sailed to Mitylene. Mitylene was the main city on the island of Lesbos in the Aegean Sea near the northwestern coast of Asia Minor. Mitylene was a seaport with two harbors. Originally it had been built on a small island separate from Lesbos. In NT times it was connected with the main island by a raised roadway across a narrow stretch of water.

Sailing from Mitylene, the travelers arrived the next day at Chios. Chios remains a rocky, mountainous island in the east-central area of the Aegean Sea. Though not particularly fertile, Chios (Kios) was nevertheless noted for its wine, figs, and gum mastic. It is separated from the mainland by a five-mile (8-kilometer) strait. In Paul’s day its principal city, Kios (modern Scio), was a free city in the Roman province of Asia.

The next day, Paul and his companions arrived by ship to Samos. Samos is a small Greek island located off the coast of Asia Minor in the Aegean Sea near the promontory of Trogyllium. This Ionian island was positioned southwest of Ephesus and northwest of Miletus. In Paul’s day, it was a prosperous commercial center and considered autonomous by Rome. In his wish to bypass Ephesus, Paul anchored near Samos on his journey to Jerusalem at the close of his third missionary journey.

Leaving Samos, the next day Paul arrived in Miletus. Miletus was an Important Greek city located at the mouth of the Meander River. It was settled by Crete as early as 1339–1288 bc. Miletus had contact with the Hittite Empire. Her king, in fact, was claimed as a vassal by the Hittite ruler. Excavations indicate that Miletus, once destroyed by fire, was later surrounded by a defensive wall (13th century bc). Miletus became an important city in the ancient world. Her traders carried the furniture and woolens for which she was known to many foreign ports.

Paul and his companions conducted this so-called island hopping journey in order to bypass staying in Ephesus. Tensions may have still been running high in the aftermath of the riot (Acts 19:21-41). Also, Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost and a visit to Ephesus might have required him to stay for some time.

My reason for taking the time to survey these various cities is the same as Luke’s. It is to demonstrate that Paul was a historical person who visited historical cities and ports existing in the ancient world. Paul’s life and ministry can be historically verified. The apostle was not a myth and neither was, is, the Gospel he preached.

Soli deo Gloria!