Acts 20
Main Highlights
Paul delivers a deeply emotional farewell address to the Ephesian elders, reviewing his faithful ministry, warning of coming false teachers, and urging them to fiercely protect the church purchased by Christ's blood.
Key Verses
But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.— Acts 20:24
For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.— Acts 20:27
Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.— Acts 20:28
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;— Acts 20:29
Scholar Insight
The church is so precious to God that it was bought with the blood of His own Son. Pastors are not executives of a corporation; they are guardians of a blood bought treasure. -John Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals
Questions
What do we learn about God?
We learn that God is the author of salvation and the sovereign over the church. Paul declares his faithfulness in proclaiming "the whole purpose of God" (Acts 20:27) and commends the elders to God and to the "word of His grace" (Acts 20:32).
How is Christ Connected?
Jesus' supreme sacrifice and deity are highlighted as Paul speaks of the church of God, "which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). Furthermore, Jesus is the source of ministry, as Paul seeks to finish the course he "received from the Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:24).
What Theology concept is taught?
The doctrines of Ecclesiology and the Trinity are beautifully woven together. The Father secures the church, the Son provides the atoning blood, and "the Holy Spirit has made you overseers" (Acts 20:28) to shepherd the flock.
Do we see Law or Grace?
Grace is the defining message of Paul's life and the sustaining power for the church. He calls his message "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24) and commends the believers to the word of His grace, which is "able to build you up and to give you the inheritance" (Acts 20:32).
Personal Application
Pastors and elders must vigilantly defend the church against theological error. Leaders are commanded to "be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock" (Acts 20:28) because "savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29).
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