ACTS 20

PAUL’S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO HIS MISSION

Paul continues in his travels, going through Macedonia towards Greece. He remains there for three months, but the Jewish people plot against him, leading to his return to Macedonia. Accompanying Paul, a group of men travel with him as his students and companions.

Late into the night, Paul stays up speaking to a group of men. One of the men, Eutychus, falls asleep sitting on a windowsill and falls three stories to the ground. Although he was declared dead, Paul proclaims that there was still life in Eutychus, and he lived! Eager to continue his journey, Paul begins walking towards Jerusalem.

While Paul visits with the elders in Ephesus, he recalls his ministry and service to the Ephesians. Paul does not resist sharing anything profitable to the believers in Ephesus, sharing the good news of Jesus with both Jewish and Gentile people. Paul explains that he is headed towards Jerusalem and is not sure what will happen to him there, as many in Jerusalem are angered by his preaching. Paul is aware that both imprisonment and affliction await him in Jerusalem. Despite the challenges ahead, Paul declares his mission is to finish what God has set before him, the task of sharing the gospel.

Paul knows that this will be his last time seeing the Ephesians and encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution. Trusting the words of Jesus, Paul believes that he is more blessed by giving than receiving. The elders of Ephesus pray for Paul and weep for him, mourning the loss of their close relationship, knowing they will not see him again.

Acts 20:28 “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”