Committed to Christian Growth

MEMORY SELECTION: “I commend you to God, and to the Word of his grace.” —Acts 20:32

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Acts 20:17-21, 25-28, 32-38

IN LAST week’s lesson we noted the sudden manner in which a selfish and unruly mob gathered to protest Paul’s preaching activity in the city of Ephesus. Although he had been engaged in the ministry in that city for over two years and had already made his plans to press on in his journey to other ecclesias along the way, he did, nevertheless, have to cut short his visit in Ephesus.

Having fled Ephesus, Paul proceeded to tour the various churches he had established on one of his two previous journeys. The context of our present lesson places the time and location of the apostle’s visit at the port city of Miletus after his extended tour of those several ecclesias. His further intentions were to go on to Jerusalem, and, as he thought it wise to avoid Ephesus at this time, he sent for the elders to come to Miletus, about fifty miles distant.

It was a special occasion, because the apostle realized that he would not see the Ephesian brethren again during his lifetime. He took the opportunity to remind them that during the long time in which he had served them they had come to know him well. He spoke of his devotion and service to the truth and the brethren. “And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Acts 20:18-21

The apostle’s reference to his faithful service, humility, and trials was not spoken in a spirit of boastfulness or conceit but was given with the intention of quickening the hearts and minds of his brethren and to impress upon them the need for faithfulness in their own lives. He was merely reminding them that he had tried to set a good example for them and that he had never had the intention of lording it over the members of the body of Christ.

Those who heard the apostle’s words could well testify to his faithful service and to the fact that he had served them privately and taught the people publicly as circumstances and opportunity had permitted. Furthermore, they knew that he had spoken the truth to Jews and Greeks alike and that he had sought to teach them all of the wonderful message of the Gospel of Christ.

But there were new and unknown experiences in store for the apostle, and in his departing message he said: “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit] witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.” (vss. 22,23) Paul evidently felt in his heart a special need to go to Jerusalem, even though he knew that he would meet with adversity if he went there.

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.” (vs. 24) Paul had dedicated his life to the service of the truth, and his main concern was that he complete his earthly course. He was not afraid of death but welcomed it in view of the great hope that he had before him.

It must have been a sad occasion, with Paul knowing that he would never see these brethren again during his lifetime. He had appreciated the privileges of service that God had given him, and he had attempted to carry out the will of God throughout his ministry. And no doubt there were tears shed by those who had gathered together at Miletus to hear the apostle tell them for the last time (vs. 25), “And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.”

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