Chapter Outline: Chapter 20 focuses on 2 speeches St. Paul gives to two groups of believers in two different cities. In each case, he gave one final m

Transcription

1 HG H.G. BishopYoussef Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern US

2 Chapter Outline: Chapter 20 focuses on 2 speeches St. Paul gives to two groups of believers in two different cities. In each case, he gave one final message, assuming he would never see them again Chapter 20 wraps up St. Paul's 3rd missionary journey St. Luke rejoins St. Paul's group of disciples in this chapter

3 After the mob that was led by Demetrius in Ephesus St. Paul decided to leave Ephesus St. Paul Farewell to the Ephesians Brethren He encouraged the newly appointed leaders of the churches of Ephesus, and was now traveling to Macedonia The province of "Macedonia" meant the city of Philippi Why did he go to "Macedonia" (Acts 20:1) and "Greece" (Acts 20:2)?

4 To visit and encourage the churches there, as well as to round up those who will be carrying the financial gift from these churches to the church in Jerusalem St. Paul was probably revisiting churches and locations he has already established. This included Athens, Berea and Corinth. St. Paul's 2nd letter to the Corinthians and the Book of Romans were probably written during this time period

5 St. Paul made his journey to Greece where he stayed for three months It is probable that while in Greece he wrote the Epistle to the Romans He learned that the Jews were waiting for him No further details was provided, but it was, no doubt, a murderous plot

6 The Jews may have intended to attack the ship in which he was about to sail, or to arrest him on shipboard He changed his plans and returned through Macedonia St. Paul had several of the disciples go with him on this journey including Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychius, and Trophimus Notice that every man listed here is from a different city

7 Perhaps St. Paul was trying to show unity in the church by having representatives from different churches come with him to bring the financial gift from their respective churches to the church in Jerusalem The seven traveled on to Troas, while St. Paul went to Philippi Through the use of "us" and "we," it is noted that Luke joined St. Paul in Philippi St. Paul and St. Luke joined the others at Troas, five days later

8 Here is the first mention of "the first day of the week" as a gathering day for Christians Sunday is considered the first day of the week The disciples assembled to celebrate the Eucharist St. Paul planned to depart on the next day probably never to see them more, all were anxious to hear the great apostle, and he had much to say St. Paul preached until midnight; he was greatly empowered

9 The upper room was most probably packed with people and many lamps had been lit so that everyone could see St. Paul as he spoke. Light represents God s presence The young man, Eutychus, was sitting in the window He was overcome by sleep and fell from the third floor window The smoke, issuing from the many lamps in this upper chamber, might have been the cause of Eutychus falling asleep

10 The language implies that he was killed by the fall, St. Luke was a physician, and restored by the Divine power, exercised through St. Paul The event interrupted the apostle's preaching; but was made to confirm his preaching. Eutychus was brought to life again Probably St. Paul stretched himself on him as Elisha did on the Shunammite's son, 2 Kings 4: It was an act of tenderness and compassion, evincing a strong desire to restore him to life.

11 St. Paul broke bread; celebrated the Eucharist He continued talking with them until daybreak This shows that St. Paul was a powerful speaker Anybody who can hold your attention all night is impressive. It also shows the power of the message itself People are so hungry to hear about Jesus, they fight off sleep to hear the message They were also comforted - Eutychus was alive

12 St. Paul traveled from Troas to Assos by foot Assos was a small port about 25 miles south of Troas We can only speculate the reasons why he traveled by foot He probably wanted to spend some time alone in prayer, as Jesus often did: Luke 5:15-16) 16) His companions sailed by ship St. Paul joined them aboard ship at Assos

13 Over some four days, they traveled to/near: 1. Mitylene: Is the capital of Lesbos, a large island that faces Assos 2. Chios: Is another large island that is to the south of Lesbos 3. Samos: Is yet another island that is to the southwest of Chios (all three islands are close to the coast of Turkey) 4. Miletus: Is a rocky extremity of Turkey that almost touches Samos and just next to which is a place for ships to anchor

14 St. Paul decided to sail past Ephesus He desired to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost: a) as a suitable season for giving in the great collection from all the western churches b) for keeping the feast, and clearing his apostolic position with the Church c) then represented in large number at Jerusalem

15 In this passage, St. Paul models how to say goodbye It is a pastoral address, worthy of the closest study by all clergy of the church In some ways, this is the most important part of the Chapter It teaches us that if St. Paul just wants us to remember a few things, here are the most important Instead of stopping at Ephesus, St. Paul sent for the elders to visit him at Miletus

16 Who could be "elders of the church? Those who meet the criteria that St. Paul indicated to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:1-7) and to Titus (Titus 1:4-9) These elders were also called bishops at that time The apostle calls attention to his own example Every elder ought to be an example St. Paul reviewed his labors while he was in Ephesus One of the most important aspects of being a Christian is actually living what we profess

17 St. Paul opened his speech not as a reminder, but as a defense He is saying in effect: "I didn't just preach it, I practice it as well! I served the Lord. In the ministries God calls us, we serve God (by serving others) The key is to focus one s efforts on that fact that one is serving God, not people His service had been done with all humility of mind, with many tears, and many temptations had come his way

18 With all humility : a) Self-exaltation exaltation was unknown to him b) Without arrogance, pride, or a spirit of dictation c) Everyone knew very well the modesty and humility of this holy man, he did not need to fear incurring suspicion of vain boasting especially when it was necessary for him to speak of his faithfulness and diligence in order that others should follow his example

19 With many tears : a) From anxieties about the converts from whom he "travailed in birth, b) It shows the tenderness of his heart, of his regard for the souls of people, p and of his deep solicitude for the salvation of sinners, Acts 20:31 Philippians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 2:4 c) From concerns of the Jews, whose bitter hostility was perpetually plotting against him, preventing the progress and the triumph of the gospel and endangering his life

20 St. Paul was a true man of God He tells them how that he had held back nothing that was profitable to them Whatever St. Paul judged would promote their salvation either of doctrine, of admonition, or of labor, he faithfully and fearlessly delivered When a preacher picks specific verses and refuses to preach others, he is showing favor to men

21 When God wrote the words of the Bible, they were all to be preached and taught Publicly: Three months in the synagogue at Ephesus teaching the Jews (Ac 19:8), two years in the school of Tyrannus (Ac 19:9,10) teaching the Greeks, besides his teaching in the church assemblies He urged the necessity of repentance and faith in all As all had sinned against God, so all should humble themselves before Him in repentance

22 But humiliation is no atonement for sin; therefore repentance is insufficient, unless faith in our Lord Jesus Christ accompany it This internal pressure, unattended with any knowledge of "what was to befall him there," was the result of that higher guidance which shaped all his movements He was compelled by the Spirit even though he did not know what would happen to him there Now that is a test of one's faith; where one feels lead by God do something that is physically painful

23 In light of these things, St. Paul focused on his work to continue proclaiming the Gospel He wanted to finish his race "with joy St. Paul s number one purpose in life was to finish his course with faithfulness St. Paul says he is not interested in fulfilling his own desires, but only what God desires for his life It is a noble expression of absolute dedication to the service of Christ and preparedness for the worst that could happen to him

24 St. Paul was making this announcement to point out his sorrow for leaving Why was St. Paul innocent from the blood of all men? He is blameless, because he has fully shown to Jews and Greeks the way to escape from every evil He had fulfilled his "ministry" (Acts 20:24) He had sounded the trumpet (Ezekiel 33:2-6)

25 St. Paul now shifts his talk to warnings about false teachers He exhorted and warned them as elders; they were to follow his example He is telling them to be true shepherds who lay down their lives to defend the flock instead of fleeing against wolves, as Jesus declared (John 10:11-12) 12) St. Paul uses this verse as a reminder of how important all members of the church are to God They were purchased with blood

26 St. Paul warned against outsiders and insiders coming into the church to teach false doctrines They were to feed the church God holds us accountable to teach the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth St. Paul warns of how that some would rise up speaking perverse things and drawing away those who are weak in their knowledge of God

27 He is asking them to be on their guard; observe the approach of danger, and set themselves against it St. Paul had been faithful to preach and teach for 3 ½ years Apparently, warning against false teachers and false religions was a strong gp point in his ministry He had prayed for the churches with great compassion and tears If they would draw to God s word, St. Paul tell them that it would build them up

28 The word will be a guide in all their difficulties and is able to build them up and give them an inheritance among the sanctified If it is followed, they cannot stray Nothing strengthens us like reading the Bible and drawing close to the Lord All Christians are spoken of as sanctified (1Co 1:2 6:9-11) 911)

29 St. Paul reminded them of his example of providing for himself and those with him; laboring in this way, enabled them to provide for the weak As a traveling missionary, never took a collection from the people p he was trying to convert St. Paul did it this way as to keep his reputation clear that he wasn't doing it for the money

30 Again, St. Paul is not bragging, but pointing out as an example to others to "walk the walk and talk the talk No motives of self-interest could induce him to labor in the work to which he was called He also warns Timothy to flee from the love of money as hurtful, an admonition that should never be forgotten (1 Ti 6:10)

31 St. Paul taught them how to support the weak and reminded them of the words of the Lord when He said it is more blessed to give than to receive This quote is not found anywhere in the Gospels St. Paul closes his message in prayer Kneeling is the proper posture of a supplicant It argues at once both humility and submission And he who prays to God should endeavor to feel the utmost measures of both

32 They were in great sorrow over the fact that they would not see St. Paul again This is a great indication of a loved man It reflects the rare ministerial fidelity and affection on the apostle's part, and of warm admiration and attachment on the part of these Ephesian elders

33 Why did St. Paul go to Macedonia and Greece? How long did he stay in Greece? Why did St. Paul change his plans and return through Macedonia? Why did he have several of the disciples go with him on this journey? Upon which day of the week and for what purpose had they gathered together?

34 Why did St. Paul decide to sail past Ephesus? List St. Paul's history with the Ephesians that he reviewed with them Why was St. Paul innocent from the blood of all men? What did he warn them from? Why do you feel it was important for St. Paul to mention he had served with humility? What one word or name helps you remember this chapter