A Profligate Prodigal Life Saves You-Acts 20

Acts of the Apostles, New Testament, Sermons

“You know how I lived the whole time I was with you…” (Ac 20:18). “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is…” (Ac 20:24). “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock…Be shepherds of the church of God…” (Ac 20:28). “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace…” (Ac 20:32). “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Ac 20:35).

Questions:
  1. Where did Paul travel to after leaving Ephesus (Ac 20:1-3, 5-6)? Why did representatives from various churches join him (Ac 20:4; 11:28; Rom 15:25-26, 31; 1 Cor 16:1-3)? What does “we” reveal (Ac 20:6-7, 13-15)? What did Paul do in Troas on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7)?
  2. What did Eutychus do while Paul was preaching (Ac 20:8-9)? What does Paul and Jesus say about being asleep (1 Th 5:6-7; Eph 5:14; Mt 26:40-41; Mk 14:37-38; Lk 22:45-46)? What did Paul do when he saw that Eutychus was dead (Ac 20:10; 1 Ki 17:21)?
  3. Who did Paul do in Miletus (Ac 20:17)?
    • How did he live (Ac 20:18)? Serve God (Ac 20:19; 2 Cor 12:10)?
    • How did he preach and teach (Ac 20:20-21, 27)?
    • What drives him (Ac 20:22)? Informs him (Ac 20:23)? Is this prediction a prohibition (Ac 21:4, 10-12)? A preparation for what to expect (Ac 21:13)? What is God’s will (Ac 21:14)?
    • How did Paul regard his own life (Ac 20:24; Gal 2:20)?
    • Why did he say he would not see them again (Ac 20:25, 22; 19:21; Rom 15:20, 23-24)?
    • How was he innocent of their blood (Ac 20:26; 18:6)?
    • What did he explicitly command the Ephesian elders (Ac 20:28)? Warn them about (Ac 20:29-31)?
    • What did he commit them to why (Ac 20:32)?
    • How did he live practically (Ac 20:33-34)? Why (Ac 20:35)? Did Jesus say that (Lk 16:19; Mt 10:8; Jn 21:25)?
  4. What was the response of the Ephesian elders to Paul’s message (Ac 20:36-38)?
  • What does Acts 20 teach us about the importance of preaching and teaching, the reality of spiritual opposition, and the need to care for the church?
18:24-20:38 [the last missionary efforts] focuses almost entirely on Ephesus and its immediate environs. It is also Paul’s last major place of new mission work as a free man. Ephesus, after Corinth, is undoubtedly the most important city Paul sought to evangelize, for it was the hub of all culture and commerce in western Asia, and from Ephesus the church could and did spread out into the interior, following the Roman roads [7 churches in Revelation 2-3 in the order one would reach them following the main road from Ephesus, and Colossians and Philemon]. [Working Hard to Help the Weak/Giving Saves You. Attributes of effective ministry.]
 
Paul‘s Life as a Mature Christian [Attributes of effective ministry]:
  1. How he lived (Ac 20:18). An open transparent life [HOT]. A life of character. The way he lived. He invites scrutiny of his life. People watch the preacher > hear a sermon preached (Ac 19:9-10).
  2. How he served God (Ac 20:19). His method.
    • With humility (Ac 20:19a). Success makes people big-headed rather than big-hearted (3 Jn 1:9).
    • With hardships … from people(Ac 20:19b)! No one can effectively serve God without experiencing difficulty (Heb 12:7, 11; Jn 15:2; 2 Cor 12:10).
  3. How and what he preached (Ac 20:20-21, 27). His message.
    • With balance in ministry: preached/taught; publicly/house to house; Jews/Greeks; repentance/faith.
    • The whole will/plan/purpose/council of God (Ac 20:27).
  4. How he views his future. With sensitivity and submission to the Holy Spirit (Ac 20:22-23; 19:21; Phil 1:12). A prediction by the Holy Spirit is not necessarily a prohibition but a preparation for what to expect. When you become a Christian, you have no more control over your life because you abdicate it and relinquish it to God.
  5. How he considered his own life (Ac 20:24). His resolute determination to go to Jerusalem (Ac 21:13; Rom 9:1-3; 10:1; Exo 32:32). His life was not dear to him but disposable for Christ–3 characteristics:
    1. A disposable life despises itself (Lk 14:25; Jn 12:24), not preserve it.
    2. A disposable life delights in sacrifice, not avoid suffering (Ac 20:23).
    3. A disposable life testifies to the gospel of the grace of God—the only time gospel is used with the word grace. “Gospel” is used 74 x in Paul’s writings, mostly associated with God/Christ/reference to the divine. Only a few times out of 74 is a different word used with the gospel for a specific reason: “gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13); “gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15); “the light of the gospel” (2 Cor 4:4).
  6. What he declared about himself (Ac 20:25-26, 33).
  7. Why they should watch over themselves and the church (Ac 20:28-31; Ps 23:4). [Oversight, protection.]
  8. What he commits his disciples to and why (Ac 20:32).
  9. How he lived practically and why (Ac 20:33-35).

[Acts 20 teaches us that preaching and teaching the gospel is essential to building up the church, that spiritual opposition and persecution are a reality for believers, and that caring for the church is a solemn responsibility that requires diligence and sacrifice. It also reminds us of the importance of giving to those in need and the blessings that come from generosity.] Paul uses 3 words for leaders interchangeably in his message: elders (presbuteros–from the Jewish community), overseers [bishop] (episkopos from the Greek community), shepherd [pastor] (poimonas from the rural community of shepherds watching sheep). In Acts this is the only message given to a Christian audience. specially to church leaders. This message would be attributes for effective methods church ministry.

  1. Paul’s Final Tour of Duty (20:1-16). Round the coast and out of the window (1-12).
    1. Paul travels through Macedonia and Achaia to Troas (20:1-6). Paul in northern and southern Greece.
    2. Eutychus falls from a window at Troas (20:7-12). A week in Troas.
    3. A coastal voyage to Miletus (20:13-16).
  2. Paul Farewell Address (20:17-38). To the elders from Ephesus.
    1. The message of Paul’s speech.
      1. His ministry in Ephesus (20:18-21).
      2. His future sufferings (20:22-27).
      3. His exhortation to the elders (20:28-35).
    2. The farewell (20:36-38).
  3. On to Jerusalem (21:1-17).
    1. From Miletus to Tyre (21:1-6).
    2. From Tyre to Jerusalem (21:7-17).
  1. AD 47-50: 1st missionary journey (Acts 13–14)
  2. AD 50-53: 2nd missionary journey (Acts 15:36–18:22)
  3. AD 53-57: 3rd missionary journey (Acts 18:23–21:15
  4. AD 57-62: Imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome (Acts 21:16–28:31)
  5. AD 62-65: Through second Roman imprisonment
References:
  1. Osborne, Grant. Acts. Verse by Verse. 2019. Mission in Ephesus (18:23-20:1).
  2. Witherington III, Ben. The Acts of the Apostles. A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. 1998. Congregating at Corinth (18:1-23).
  3. Stott, John. The Message of Acts. 1990. Through the Bible through the year, Daily reflections from Genesis to Revelation. 2006. The Apostle to the Gentiles (13:1-21:17). Corinth and Ephesus (18:1-19:41). More about Ephesus (20:1-21:17).
  4. Peterson, David G. The Acts of the Apostles. The Pillar NT commentary. 2009. The world in Ephesus: The climax of Paul’s mission as a free man (18:23-20:38). Provoking the idolaters (19:21-40).
  5. Marshall, I. Howard. Acts. Tyndale NT commentaries (TNTC). 1980. Paul’s missionary campaign in Asia (18:18-20:38).
  6. Wright, N.T. Acts for Everyone, Part 2. Chapters 13-28. 2008.

Quotes on Salvation:

  1. “Salvation is not merely about receiving forgiveness of sins, but it is a transformational process where God’s Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith and be witnesses for Christ.” – J.I. Packer
  2. “Acts reveals that salvation is not just about individual salvation, but it is about the restoration and renewal of the entire creation through the work of the resurrected Christ.” – Stanley Hauerwas
  3. “The book of Acts shows us that salvation is not a private matter, but it is meant to be shared with others as we testify to the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ.” – Eugene Peterson
  4. “Acts shows us that salvation is not just about personal redemption, but it is also about participating in God’s mission to reconcile all things to Himself.” – N.T. Wright
  5. “Salvation is not a reward for the righteous, but a gift for the repentant.” – F.F. Bruce
  6. “In the book of Acts, we see the powerful work of God’s grace as the message of salvation spreads from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.” – John Stott
  7. “The book of Acts demonstrates that salvation is not achieved through human effort or religious rituals, but it is received by faith in Jesus Christ alone.” – Timothy Keller
  8. “In the book of Acts, we see the proclamation of salvation through Jesus Christ spreading like wildfire, transforming lives and communities.” – John Stott
  9. “The book of Acts teaches us that salvation is not just an individual experience, but a communal one. It is about being part of the body of Christ and participating in the life of the Church.” – N.T. Wright
  10. “In the book of Acts, we see the radical inclusivity of God’s salvation. It is offered to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status.” – Timothy Keller
  11. “Salvation in the book of Acts is not just about the forgiveness of sins, but also about the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for a life of witness and service.” – J.I. Packer
  12. “The book of Acts reminds us that salvation is not just about getting into heaven, but about living out the Kingdom of God here on earth.” – Craig S. Keener
  13. “Acts presents salvation as a journey, a process of transformation, rather than a one-time event. It is about continually turning to God and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” – Darrell L. Bock
  14. “The book of Acts shows us that salvation is not just about personal piety, but also about social justice and the restoration of God’s shalom in the world.” – Scot McKnight
  15. “Acts demonstrates that salvation is not a private affair, but a public witness. It is about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to all nations and peoples.” – Michael F. Bird
  16. “In Acts, salvation is not limited to a particular group or culture but is extended to all who believe in Jesus Christ. It is a universal invitation to receive God’s grace.” – Andreas J. Köstenberger
  17. “Acts reminds us that salvation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing relationship with God, as we continue to grow in faith and obedience.” – John Piper
  18. “The message of salvation in the book of Acts is a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, leading to a life transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – D.A. Carson
  19. “In the book of Acts, we see the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the salvation of souls. It is through the preaching of the Gospel and the conviction of the Spirit that hearts are turned to God. J.I. Packer said, ‘The Spirit’s work in salvation is primary and vital. Without Him, there would be no salvation.'”
  20. “The book of Acts highlights the transformative power of salvation. John Stott wrote, ‘Salvation means far more than forgiveness; it means the inauguration of a new relationship with God and the implanting of a new principle of life within us.'”
  21. “Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven, but a restoration of our broken relationship with God. In Acts 2:38, Peter exhorts the people, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ The theologian Karl Barth emphasized the personal encounter with Christ in salvation, stating, ‘To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.'”
  22. “The book of Acts showcases the inclusivity of salvation. N.T. Wright wrote, ‘The early Christian message was that the Creator of the world had brought the world’s sin and misery upon himself, in the person of his own Son, and had thereby opened the floodgates of forgiveness and new life to all humanity.'”
  23. “Salvation in the book of Acts is not a one-time event, but a journey of faith. The theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer encouraged believers to embrace this ongoing process, stating, ‘Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you everything.'”

Quotes on Serving:

  • “To serve God is to serve His creation. Every act of kindness and compassion is an act of worship.” – Desmond Tutu.
  • “In serving others, we find true fulfillment and purpose. When we serve God, we serve humanity.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
  • “Serving God means serving others with humility and compassion, just as Jesus did.” – Charles Stanley
  • “The best way to serve God is to serve His people with a joyful heart and a willing spirit.” – Billy Graham
  • “Service to God is the highest calling and the noblest endeavor.” – Unknown
  • “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
  • “True greatness, true leadership, is achieved not by reducing men to one’s service, but in giving oneself in selfless service to them.” – John F. Kennedy
  • “God does not need our work; our neighbors do.” – Martin Luther
  • “The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.” – Billy Graham
  • “We are not saved to sit and soak but to serve and sacrifice.” – Rick Warren
  • “The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration but its donation.” – Corrie ten Boom
  • “Service is the rent we pay for living on this earth.” – Marian Wright Edelman
  • “Service is not an option, it is an obligation.” – T.D. Jakes
  • “Our calling is not to be successful, but to be faithful.” – Mother Teresa
  • “The best way to serve God is by serving others.” – Charles Stanley
  • “The world asks, ‘What does a man own?’ Christ asks, ‘How does he use it?'” – Andrew Murray
  • “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” – Charles Dickens
  • “The highest form of worship is to serve others.” – Warren W. Wiersbe

Being a shepherd:

  1. “You don’t have to use your position or title to knock people into submission. A shepherd leader leads from the heart and is concerned about the well being of his followers.” Mensa Otabil, Ghana theologian, entrepreneur.
  2. “A true shepherd always puts the needs of the sheep before his own. He is willing to lay down his life for the sake of the flock.” – Timothy Keller
  3. “A shepherd is not just someone who tends to a flock, but someone who knows the sheep individually, understands their unique needs, and gently leads them in the right direction.” – Charles Spurgeon
  4. “To be a shepherd is to embrace the responsibility of nourishing the souls, comforting the brokenhearted, and guiding the lost towards the path of righteousness.” – Eugene Peterson
  5. “The role of a shepherd is not merely to gather the sheep, but to cultivate an environment where they can thrive and grow in their relationship with God.” – Max Lucado
  6. “A shepherd’s task is to bring healing to the wounded, restoration to the broken, and reconciliation to the estranged.” – Henri Nouwen
  7. “Being a shepherd means to be present in the lives of the sheep, to listen to their concerns, and to offer them God’s grace and love.” – Philip Yancey
  8. “The shepherd’s voice should be a source of comfort, guidance, and assurance to the sheep, leading them away from danger and towards green pastures.” – A.W. Tozer
  9. “A true shepherd leads by example, modeling humility, integrity, and compassion, and pointing others to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.” – John Piper
  10. “The mark of a good shepherd is not the size of his flock, but the depth of his love and commitment to each individual sheep under his care.” – Dallas Willard
  11. “The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their best interests lie in staying together.” – Eugene H. Peterson
  12. “The pastoral task is not a professional task. It is not a task for which one needs academic preparation. It is a human task, a personal task, and a task that springs from love.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen
  13. “The shepherd’s work is to care for, guide, and protect the sheep. It is a responsibility that requires love, dedication, and self-sacrifice.” – Timothy Keller
  14. “The shepherd leads the way, showing the path to follow, and walking alongside the sheep through both green pastures and dark valleys.” – John Ortberg
  15. “The shepherd knows the sheep intimately, recognizing their unique characteristics and providing for their specific needs.” – Max Lucado
  16. “A shepherd knows that his own fulfillment is tied to the well-being of his flock. He finds joy in the flourishing of those under his care.” – John Piper
  17. “Being a shepherd means being willing to lay down your life for the sake of the sheep. It is a calling that requires humility and sacrifice.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  18. “The shepherd’s role is not just to feed the sheep but to lead them to the Shepherd of their souls, Jesus Christ.” – Charles Spurgeon
  19. “A good shepherd knows that his task is not to control the sheep but to create an environment where they can thrive and find true freedom.” – Philip Yancey
  20. “The shepherd seeks out the lost sheep, binds up their wounds, and carries them back to the fold. This is the heart of compassion and grace.” – Brennan Manning
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