Paul and the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:13-38)

Paul was on his last journey to Jerusalem. And he was aware that he would not be in Ephesus again. So he asked the elders of the Ephesian church to meet him in Miletus, a port a short distance from Ephesus. He knew that spiritual dangers would come, even in that congregation, and the elders would have to deal with them.

Paul reminded them of the manner of his service in Ephesus. He had done all he did there while tentmaking at the same time. He had ensured that he did his tasks humbly despite the opposition he had received from the Jews. He had taught what was profitable whether in the hall of Tyrannus or in house groups. He had the same message for Jews and Gentiles. His dedication was such that he knew he was free of the blood of all men. He had left them an example of service. He highlighted the importance of caring for the weak.

The apostle knows that he is going to be arrested In Jerusalem. Since this information had come from the Spirit, Paul knew that his arrest was inevitable. But he had no desire to avoid it if that was how his ministry was going to finish.  All he wanted was to be faithful to his calling from the Lord.

What did he want the elders to do? He wanted them to be alert to the wolves that would come to try and destroy the sheep in Ephesus. He even said that some of the elders would start leading the believers astray through wrong teaching. Therefore, he wanted the elders to ensure that what they said and did was always right. The Holy Spirit had given them that role. They had to remember that the church was not theirs, but that it belonged to Jesus who had purchased his people on the cross. 

Paul also quoted a saying of Jesus that is not found in the Gospels: ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’ The elders, as with all other Christians, had received a lot from God. As with all other Christians, they were expected to give of their time and talents to the service of their Master.

 

Then Paul prayed for them, and he and the elders had a very emotional parting. They would never see one another again until they met in heaven. The love of the elders for Paul was obvious as they kissed and embraced him.

What emphases come from his words? They are a reminder that the Christian life is primarily a call to faithfulness, that spiritual danger is constant, that the church needs protection, and that church life is serious.