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Paul’s Example (Acts 20) In speaking with the elders from Ephesus we learn from the example of Paul of things that should be imitated in our lives. |
Paul’s Example (Acts 20)
- Priority of Preaching (v18, 20-21, 25, 27, 33, 34)
- Preaching was essential, people needed to hear the whole council of God’s word.
- He is truly a man on a mission (Matt. 28:19-20, 2 Cor. 5:20).
- Steadfastness of a Soldier (v19, 22-24, 21:13)
- Paul was pressing on, even if it meant death.
- He was dedicated to the labor given to him (2 Cor. 12:14-15; 2 Tim. 2:3; Eph. 6:12-13).
- Confidence In The Message (v32)
- Paul had confidence in the message he proclaimed to others—it was indeed the word of God and was what they needed to hear (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Thess. 2:13).
- He also knew it was what they needed to be grounded in (Eph. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:1-4).
- Impact That Can Be Had (v29-31)
- One could do great good or harm; Paul had done a great good but such could not be said for all.
- We have to remember the impact we can have on others (Matt. 5:16; 2 Cor. 3:2; 1 Tim. 4:12-16).
- Endurance Beyond The Individual (v25, 28)
- The work was not to cease because Paul would not be there (Phil. 1:27; 2 Tim. 2:2). Their faith should not be in him, but God (1 Cor. 2:2, 5).
- Are we like Paul looking toward the future of the church and building it up, not just a name for ourselves?
