Caleb Walker

Paul’s Parting Words in Acts 20

     Paul is about to depart and make his journey to Jerusalem, and he opens up and conveys his ministerial heart to the Ephesian elders and brothers and sisters in Christ gathered at the harbor to see him off.

Paul’s great desire was to be found faithful to God and to the stewardship of the ministry to which God had called him. He is nearing the final days of his life and the conclusion of his third missionary journey. He is scared, bruised, older, and worn by the years of plodding ministry.

     Paul first commended his example in ministry to the listeners. Good examples are so important. We have examples from Christian biographies, examples in our local churches, and men and women who are heroes of the faith we can look to. Most of all, we have the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul lived for the audience of Jesus Christ. Aul lived with an attitude of humility. Out of all the characteristics he could have given, humility was the one that rose to the surface. This should sit with us for a while as we examine our humility in serving God. Paul wasn’t just talk; he was action. He lived it out.

     Paul faithfully proclaimed the Word. What characterizes your life and the way you minister to those around you? Would you say “the word” characterizes your ministry? Are you sharing the word with your coworkers, kids, and relatives? Does the word inform your decision-making? Is it your goal to share the gospel with lost friends? How much does the word influence your everyday life? We can never apply the word too much to our daily lives.

     Then Paul presents realistic expectations for all of those who would be found faithful in their calling.  Though we have the Holy Spirit living in us and we seek to depend on His leading and guidance in all things and all actions, there will be uncertainty in future things on the path of obedience. Next, there will be hostility. There will be those who diametrically oppose you for being faithful to God in your witness, work, parenting, home life, and your commitment to the local church. Be ready for criticism and varying degrees of opposition.

   Paul’s ministry was evaluated by two things. How sacrificial he lived and how dependable he was to what ministry assignments God had given him. Know this: whatever you have to sacrifice to serve God and faithfully honor him is infinitely less than His worthiness and reward. That leads us to the second thing that Paul evaluated his ministry by, eternal accountability. He was accountable for how he stewarded the souls entrusted to his care, and he took this very seriously. Therefore, like Paul, we must be fully engaged and focused in our high calling to serve and support those God has placed in our lives. We need to take care of our own souls. We need to keep an eye out for the sheep in God’s flock so that they are protected from the encroaching wolves who try to sneak in. And by God’s grace, we will remain and be found faithful.

How to Pray:

• Thank God for His faithfulness.
• Ask for sensitivity to His Holy Spirit who places the desire for faithfulness in us and matures it.
• Ask God to remove selfishness.
• Ask God to give you His perspective from Acts 20 on present hardships with a greater view to His worthiness and your eternal reward