Acts 20.24-27 says, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”

Paul reminded the Ephesian pastors of his message. Paul was not known for his eloquent speech (2 Corinthians 10.10). Paul wanted to be known for the content of his message rather than the style (1 Corinthians 1.23; Philippians 3.9-14). Paul referred to his preaching and its content to encourage the Ephesian pastors to follow his example.

Men, we preach the power of God. We preach the wisdom of God.Continue reading “Purpose #6 — The Proclamation of the Gospel”

Acts 20:22-24 says, “And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul wrote these words knowing that persecution was coming to him. In fact, Acts 20 is Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian church. Paul was going to return to Jerusalem where he knew that nothing but persecution awaited him. Paul was more concerned about the Gospel than he was about anything else. Nothing was going to move or deter him in the ministry. He was going to be joyous about the ministry just as he had always been.

I’m not saying anything surprising when I say that we live in perilous times.Continue reading “Purpose #5 — The Preparation for Persecution”

Acts 20.21 says, “solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul was the first of Christ’s men who actively and aggressively sought to evangelize the Gentiles. Reaching non-Hebrews with the Gospel was not a new concept. Isaiah and other prophets foretold of the Gospel spreading to Gentiles. Christ Himself ministered to Gentiles, such as the woman at the well and the Roman centurion to name two.

Before this encounter with the Ephesian pastors, Paul had written in his letter to the Ephesian church, “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.” (Eph. 2.14-16)

When Christ died on the Cross, He obliterated the differences between Jews and Gentiles. Continue reading “Purpose #4 — The Cooperation of Ministry”