Acts. Acts 20:17-27 A Steadfast Heart

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1 Acts Acts 20:17-27 A Steadfast Heart P aul s concern was the spreading of the gospel. And that is to be ours as well. It is fascinating how technology is advancing the spreading of the Gospel. Considering the availability of the Bible. I watched a webinar on Friday put on by YouVersion the Bible app organization. This app. is on smartphones and other mobile devices around the world. It is on eleven different platforms including Android, IOS, Windows, Blueberry, etc.. There are forty-one translations in twenty-two languages. In fact the most rapidly growing language other than English is Korean. It also provides audio Bibles in a number of translations. Even more importantly, at least for now, in China people are able to download the Bible to their mobile devices. And yes, some of us may be uncomfortable with less people carrying Bibles, but in actuality more are. Because these Bibles are provided by the latest technology, young people who would never open a traditional Bible may read one by app. Six months ago there were ten million Bible downloads. Now the number is up to twenty million. And the next goal of YouVersion is to reach a half billion. And the cost to the user is zero. This is provided free around the world thanks to the support of LifeChurch.tv a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church and many Bible publishers. I m not marketing this app, though I have it on my droid. My point is to note that we have access to technology which allows us to spread God s word in ways never before available. Every time technology improves, no matter how it is used, it is also used for the disseminating of the Gospel, and we need to take advantage of whatever opportunities available to us. Remember the goal is to get out God s truth into all the world. And to the Uttermost Parts of the Earth IV Paul and the Gospel to the Gentiles Chapters 12:25-28:31 A. Paul s Missionary Journeys Chapters 12:25-21:16 4. Third Missionary Journey 18:23-21:16 I. Paul s Testimony Verses Introduction: We have been considering Paul as an example of an individual demonstrating a servants heart. Here his comments, both his testimony and his counsel are a reflection of his concern for the wellbeing of these young believers. Note: I ve broken up the passage so we could consider Paul s testimony and his counsel to these young believers separately. This week we ll look at Paul s testimony.

2 Verse 17-18a: Remember that Paul is on his way to Jerusalem. He was at Miletus and, because he didn t know what was coming, he sent for the elders of the church at Ephesus. This would have been about a 30 mile trip by land. MILETUM (Mˆä leœ tu m) (KJV) or MILETUS (Mˆä leœ tu s) Ancient city on the west coast of Asia Minor. Miletus had four natural harbors and was a major port for the Minoan and Mycenean cultures. After 700 B.C. the Ionians developed it into an even greater center of commerce. It served as the port for Ephesus. It featured a major school of philosophy; many artisans practiced there; and it was among the first cities to mint coins. This culture flourished until 494 B.C. when the Persians sacked the city in answer to a revolt by the Ionians. Alexander captured Miletus on his way eastward in 334 B.C., and the city saw a revival of the arts under his Hellenistic regime. In particular the architectural beauty of the city increased. Rome s influence increased the pace of economic development. Paul encountered a robust city when he sailed to Miletus. The people probably were open to the gospel he preached. He chose to meet with the elders of the church at Ephesus in Miletus (Acts 20:15-17). A second visit may have been made by the apostle a few years later (2 Tim. 4:20). The harbor began to silt up by A.D.100, bringing a gradual halt to the city s usefulness and prominence. Today the ruins are over five miles inland. 1 The elders or (Gk. presbyteroi) are the overseers of the church in Ephesus. This was one of the most important churches in the area and Paul was concerned the church remain firm in its ministry after Paul was no longer available to them. Consequently, he reminds the leadership of his struggles and encourages them in their walk before the Lord. I. Paul s Testimony: Verses 18b-19: Paul shows that a steadfast heart leads to a steadfast walk. He persevered in his ministry and there was a cost to him. This perseverance was lived out in the sight of the men of Ephesus. He identified two ways this was demonstrated. First Paul carried out his ministry with humility. He was uniquely called by God. He was a special apostle. But he never lifted himself up. He served rather than demanding being served. He preached without arrogance. This is humility and he lived what he taught. Paul described this in Romans when he said Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight (Romans 12:16). Second, though God sent him on these journeys this didn t mean they were easy. Instead often they were filled with tears and trials. They were tears of compassion, compassion for the lost, compassion for struggling believers, and even for the enemies of the Gospel because For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16). Paul expressed his concerns for all three groups throughout his writings. Consider serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to 1 Brand, Chad, gen. ed., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN, ) 334 (

3 cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ (Acts 20:19, 31; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 3:18). Compassion flowed from both Paul s love and humility. On the other hand, the trials came as a consequence of the work itself. In His letter to the Philippians Paul teaches something about the response to trials. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4 7). In what way should this be a comfort to us? We don t have to rejoice because we have trials. We rejoice but not in the trials themselves. Instead, we rejoice in the growth they can bring; in the opportunity to share to a small degree in the suffering Christ accepted for our sakes; and in the opportunity for a deeper relationship with and dependency on the Father. Each of us will have our own sources of trials. For Paul, his primary trials were a product of the actions of the Jews who had followed him from place to place, trying to stop his ministry in any way possible including attempted murder. But since he persevered in the face of these trials, he can also call on others to do so. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching (1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Timothy 4:2). Verses 20-21: The cause of the persecution was Paul s obedience to Christ s calling to evangelize the world. There where three aspects to Paul s ministry, evangelism, exhortation, and teaching, but it was primarily the first that was the source of his trials. Paul makes it clear that his concern was presenting the gospel wherever and whenever God presented the opportunity. He offered the message of hope to all people, both Jew and Gentile. His concern wasn t the approval of men but only of God. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). How should this serve as an example for us? What opportunities has God provided to you? We may not be evangelists, but we are to evangelize. Yes, I know none of us are Pauls, but maybe our problem is we forget the source of his and our power. And, when I came to you, brothers, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. and my speech and my message were not in ) 335 (

4 plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:1, 4). Verses 22-24: Paul s commitment to the gospel meant his concern wasn t with the consequences of his message. In fact it had become clear to him that his arrival in Jerusalem wasn t going to go well. His expectation was jail and more suffering. However, this was the way the Spirit was leading him. And here the Spirit s leading wasn t just a gentle tug. The word constrained is defined as: de w deoœ; a primary verb; to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively): bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind. 2 If Paul was to be obedient to God s leading then he was under a compulsion to go to Jerusalem. But God s leading outweighed all other concerns. Jesus modeled this to His disciples and Paul models it to us. Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work (John 4:34; 9:4). Keep in mind, we don t desire persecution or trials, but God will provide through His Spirit what we need to accept and get through whatever situation He allows into our lives. So Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? Therefore let those who suffer according to God s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good (1 Peter 4:12 19). So for us, as with Paul our concern is always to be for the advancing the kingdom, the spreading of the Gospel. preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). Verses 25-27: I think sometimes it is easier to present truth to those we don t know than those we do. We are often more concerned about the goodwill of those around us than we are 2 Dennis, Lane T. and Wayne Grudem, eds., English Standard Version (ESV) Study Bible, Crossway Bibles, Wheaton, IL, ) 336 (

5 with those we don t know. Paul is obviously aware of the problem because he makes a point of noting that he was willing to put himself aside, even his own life, so that he could speak all truth to the disciples in Ephesus. But that was all he could do. If truth was rejected, then that wasn t his responsibility, it was the responsibility of the hearer. This is why he was innocent of their blood. Too often we ve been taught that a person is saved or lost by our obedience to the call to witness to them. That isn t the case. If God is calling someone and we fail in our responsibility, He will provide another with His truth. But if we disobey we lose God s blessing. Conclusion: We are to constantly be on the lookout for opportunities to minster to others with the hope of salvation, and for believers, the blessing that comes with that salvation. This is the fulfillment of Christ s commission to all believers. And while most are not called to the overseer s ministry, we are all called to care for one another, to make disciples, to encourage believers, and to present the gospel to all in our path. Can you think of a greater blessing than to be able to go to the lost and with Paul say: Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2). And while trials will come But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but snot forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you (2 Corinthians 4:7-12). At the same time we can rejoice, experiencing God s gift of supernatural peace, for we are so blessed. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me (Psalms 13:5 6). I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD (Psalms 104:33 34). ) 337 (

6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:3 9). Finally, The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24 26). Or as Edward Plumpre put it. Rejoice ye pure in heart Rejoice, give thanks and sing. Your festal banner wave on high The cross of Christ, your King. Rejoice, rejoice, Rejoice, give thanks and sing! With all the angel choirs, With all the saints on earth, Pour out the strains of joy and bliss, True rapture, noblest mirth! Rejoice, rejoice, Rejoice, give thanks and sing! Yes, on thro life s long path, Still chanting as ye go, From youth to age, by night and day, In gladness and in woe, Rejoice, rejoice, Rejoice, give thanks and sing! Praise God who reigns on high, The Lord whom we adore; The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost One God for ever more. Rejoice, rejoice, Rejoice, give thanks and sing! 3 3 Plumpre, Edward, The Celebration Hymnal, Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart, Word/Integrity, USA, 1997, #169. ) 338 (

7 Acts Acts 20:17-27 A Steadfast Heart And to the Uttermost Parts of the Earth IV Paul and the Gospel to the Gentiles Chapters 12:25-28:31 A. Paul s Missionary Journeys Chapters 12:25-21:16 4. Third Missionary Journey 18:23-21:16 I. Paul s Testimony Verses Introduction: Verse 17-18a: MILETUS I. Paul s Testimony: Verses 18b-19: (Romans 12:16; John 3:16; Acts 20:19, 31; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 3:18; Philippians 4:4 7; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Timothy 4:2) Verses 20-21: (Galatians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 2:1, 4)

8 Verses 22-24: (John 4:34; 9:4; 1 Peter 4:12 19) Verses 25-27: Conclusion: (2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, 4:7-12; Psalms 13:5 6, 104:33 34; 1 Peter 1:3 9; Numbers 6:24 26) Personal Application: This week focus on all God s blessings and opportunities as a basis for praise and rejoicing. Prayer for the Week: Lord, may Your Spirit fill me with joy and rejoicing. In Jesus name, amen.