It comes to us recovered, as it were, from the great mass of his unrecorded sayings; rescued from that oblivion to which it was hastening if left to mere tradition, and placed in permanent form in the sacred writings by the act of an apostle who had never seen the Saviour before his crucifixion. Acts 20:2 says that when he had gone through those parts he came to Greece. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that are going to befall me there: except that the Holy Spirit is witnessing in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions are waiting for me ( Acts 20:22-23 ). ", I am well aware that persons of respectability have not been wanting who have tried to make out that the Greek word means that the apostles chose them by taking the sense of the assembly. When any of us part with our friends, we may say, and should say, "We know not that ever we shall see one another again: our friends may be removed, or we ourselves may." "And the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter. Watch thou in all things (2 Timothy 4:5), watch against every thing that will be hurtful to the flock, and watch to every thing that will be advantageous to it; improve every opportunity of doing it a kindness. They were in care what would become of them, how they should go on in their work, break through their difficulties, and what provision would be made for them and their families. And after the uproar ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed to Macedonia ( Acts 20:1 ). Or whom have I defrauded? Give me some men who are stouthearted men who will fight for the right they adore. (1.) He knows not, he would not know, what the day before him shall bring forth. (1.) In consideration of this, therefore, feed the church of God, because it is purchased at so dear a rate. He is the most miserable who has never known the luxury of doing good, but who lives to gain all he can, and to hoard all he gains. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" ( Matthew 5:3 ). 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And we are here to give to you in the name of Jesus Christ. And in questions of authority it must be evident that imitation is just as foolish as where it is a question of power. Daniel, as he talked about his vision and all, he said "Then my beauty was turned into corruption" ( Daniel 10:8 ). That by our believing in Him we can be forgiven from whatever sins we may have ever committed. Showing you, demonstrating by my life, the lifestyle that I lived among you, as well as teaching you. Paul first came to Ephesus on his way home from his second missionary journey and spoke in the synagogue for only one Sabbath (Acts 18:19-21). And so God has made provision to free a person from that power of sin, by sending Jesus Christ, His son, who took our sins and died in our place. We give away music albums. ACTS 20:35 MEANING - King James Bible Online Heaven is an inheritance which gives an indefeasible right to all the heirs; it is an inheritance like that of the Israelites in Canaan, which was by promise and yet by lot, but was sure to all the seed. In Acts 20:5 the narrative turns from the third to the first person again. Disgust had grown up in the Gentile mind. He did not confine himself to a corner when he had opportunity of preaching in the great congregation; nor did he confine himself to the congregation when there was occasion for private and personal instruction. "Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent." Just at the same time another remarkable feature appears here. So he had then dismissed that crowd of people that had gathered in that town square.So chapter 20. Now notice Paul said, "I was showing you and teaching you." 8:4-5,40; 11:19). He therefore leaves the blood of those that perish upon their own heads, because they had fair warning given them, but they would not take it. We must not take it that Paul spoke on and on; there would be talk and discussion. And, on the other hand, though he was called to be the apostle of the Gentiles, and the Jews had an implacable enmity against him upon that score, had done him many an ill turn, and here at Ephesus were continually plotting against him, yet he did not therefore abandon them as reprobates, but continued to deal with them for their good. And, especially, they should help persons to apply the truth to themselves and their own case. (2.) Isaiah said, "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord high and lifted up, sitting on the throne. Acts 20:35 - Bible Gateway We have already seen how Paul had set his heart on making a collection from all his churches for the church of Jerusalem. Therefore, everything that I do, I must do to the glory of God. Very likely what happened was this. Dying is the end of our race, when we come off either with honour or shame. Bible Book List. What a place is this! Compare Acts 10:41, 2 Corinthians 8:19. So Paul said one man esteems one day above another, another man esteems every day alike. There is, perhaps, no feature more noticeable and instructive than the fact, that nothing turns away the heart of Paul from the poor Jews. Such a charge is altogether distinct from ministry: it is only confusion to suppose that they are the same thing, or inseparable. It is not merely that the bishops were styled presbyters (the higher dignity including the lower), but the presbyters Paul calls bishops, which could only be because they are both descriptive of the same men and office. And hey, nothing was going to detour him or deter him from finishing that course with joy.So, "Well, it's probably the last time I'll see you, but it doesn't bother me. Acts 20 From Macedonia and Greece to Jerusalem (Acts 20:1-21:16) To Macedonia (Acts 20:1-2) A short time after the tumult caused by Demetrius was over, Paul met with the disciples to encourage them. That is, the giver is more happy than the receiver. There is no gospel of grace in nature. These befel him by the lying in wait of the Jews, who still were plotting some mischief or other against him. It could not but be that Paul and Barnabas should oppose those that set aside their doctrines; but the question for the Judaisers was, What about the twelve? * It may be observed here that those whom the inspired historian calls "the elders of the church" ( i.e., in Ephesus) the apostle designates overseers, or bishops ( ). And so that was the feast of the Passover was now over because that was the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Thus he puts the sage down with the savage, because God is brought in as the judge of all. Here we find the Gentile church gathering together on Sunday, the first day of the week, to break bread. As there are cases where man is the channel of conveying both a gift and authority, we can see how artfulness or ignorance can readily enough embroil the entire subject, and thus prepare the way for the building up of the clerical system. God loves the sinner. Start me with ten who are stouthearted men and I'll soon give you ten thousand more. After sailing past Ephesus, because he was in a hurry to get on with his journey (Acts 20:16), Paul apparently found himself delayed a few days at Miletus. And so that faithful minister. Thus we have two distinct steps: verse 33 affirms that God had fulfilled the promise in raising up the Messiah in the earth for His people; verse 34 adds that, besides this, He raised Him up from the dead. 20:1-6 After the disturbance had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples. He entrusted them with it, and from him they received their charge; for him they do their work, in his name, in his strength; and to him they must give up their account. You will hear them declare that worshipping on Sunday did not begin until Constantine and he was the one who introduced Sunday worship to the church. To draw men after themselves. It doesn't make any difference. "They that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him." Because wolves are going to come in. Strange to say that the poets, however fanciful, are wiser than the philosophers. ", The man who has received a true vision of the Lord is a man who has humility of mind. What is notable, I think, especially for all those engaged in the work of the Lord, is the variety in the character of the apostolic addresses. Verse-. And then God help us, unfortunately we have those who are seeking to fleece the flock of God. And one day, as we are translated by the spirit into His presence, we will be freed from even the presence of sin. Thus Paul had begun the good work at Ephesus, thus free had he been of his pains; and why then should they be sparing of their pains in carrying it on? But there came a time in Nero's life where he had almost a total personality change. "Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, having chosen to send men from among them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren.". . 3. Called for the elders at Ephesus. But in the church there was neither bond nor free, you know, they were all one in Christ. God is now enjoining on all everywhere to repent. He commanded them to mind the work to which they were called. I didn't covet your silver or gold or apparel. Thus having brought in the Messiah, we are shown how He had been announced by the Baptist. (See Ezra 10:1-44) Now Timothy being the fruit of such a marriage, there could be no claim, even if there was license, to circumcise him; and (just because there was no such claim, he being on the one side sprung of a Greek, though his mother was a Jewess, because it could not be commanded) Paul condescends out of grace to those who were on a lower ground, and stops their mouths most effectually. "Wherefore my sentence is (or, I judge), that we trouble not them which from among the Gentiles are turning to God: but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from the thing strangled, and from blood." He was constant in giving warning; he warned night and day; his time was filled up with his work. On this occasion they met with the deputy of the island, Sergius Paulus, who was besieged by the efforts of a certain sorcerer that sought to exercise and retain influence over the mind of the great man. There is no ground for it in scripture. "And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. The Book of Acts is a fast-moving historical account of the first three decades of the church. "After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit of Jesus (for such should be the text) suffered them not. You cannot stand in the consciousness of the true and the living God and still maintain that prideful state. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Study Guide for Acts 20 by David Guzik - Blue Letter Bible (Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44). He does not say more than this; he does not mean that such was their fulfilment; nor is any special application set before us. This is what is referred to. [1.] I have shewed you all things: There is no better teacher than a good example. Thus the evil of their own hearts was brought out among the Jews, and the more in proportion as the might of the grace of God proved itself in attracting souls to the Lord. For their edification: "It is able (the Spirit of grace working with it and by it) to build you up, and you may depend upon this, while you keep close to it, and are deriving daily from it. Pauls address to the Ephesian elders 20:17-35. 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. 1. "And Paul beckoning. "I have shown you the right way to happiness, and taught you to go in it." You have to go around the cape there. Get the music out, get the word out. But the people that were there were comforted by the fact that he was brought back to life. They did not drive him off from his work; he did not tack about, and go back again, when he saw the storm rise, but went on resolutely, preaching there, where he knew how dearly it would cost him. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and give you an inheritance among all them that are set apart by God ( Acts 20:32 ). What the apostle did was this: he was far from questioning the reality of their faith, but he showed that it was not yet exercised on the full object of faith. This is emphatically brought in when it was a question of Barnabas and Saul. So often you will hear the Seventh Day Adventist or others such as Herbert W. Armstrong who believe in Sabbath day worship. But that our Lord did speak them, St. Paul's evidence is quite sufficient to prove. This giving must go own in our lives, prompted by a genuine love for the physical and spiritual welfare of others. Loving to give, he delights in the same character in his followers, and seeks that they who have wealth, and strength, and influence should be willing to give all to save the world. And I think it's because we eat together all the time. It takes faith to give. We do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. Its general content recalls how in his letters Paul encouraged, warned, and exhorted his converts. There's just a closeness of communion. Not so. --The words point to his motive in acting as he did. And I love the eating together. Here closes this speech of Paul; an address of inimitable tenderness and beauty. All now depends upon His power: He is on earth, the directing power of all that is carried on. The abominations of Paganism had risen up to a fearful height. ", The allusion to the resurrection became at once the signal for unseemly jest. Paul reassured the elders that by Gods grace and through his Word they would be built up. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God ( Acts 20:26-27 ). The days of unleavened bread began with the day of the Passover and lasted for one week, during which the Jews ate unleavened bread in memory of their deliverance from Egypt. But there never was such an idea broached, still less acted on, as the exclusive ministry which in modern times has been set up, as if it were the only right thing in theory or practice. I have not merely discoursed about it, but have showed you how to do it. That is probably because it was only at night, when the day's work was done, that slaves could come to the Christian fellowship. This is the true description of it in scripture. 1. He did not keep back reproofs, when they were necessary and would be profitable, for fear of offending; nor did he keep back the preaching of the cross, though he knew it was to the Jews a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishness, as the Roman missionaries in China lately did. How sudden the change! I have showed you that ye should by so laboring support the weak. Far from thinking that it is not good and wise, I admire the ways of the Lord even in this deprivation of ground for boasting. He testified both to the Jews and also to the Greeks. As I have said elsewhere, and sought to explain long ago, the two general cases of the gift of the Holy Ghost are entirely irrespective of any such act; the special cases, where hands were imposed, owed their existence to peculiar circumstances that do not call for detailed remarks at this late hour. And so Paul said to these overseers of the church of Ephesus, "Feed the flock of God." And communion, it seems, was a very common practice in the early church. It may not be that Paul and Barnabas at all designed it as such I do not suppose they did: no doubt they endeavoured to put it down among the Gentiles, but they could not do so. 1. They did not only though in church, but from house to house. He desired no more than to have his necessities supplied; he did not work at his calling to enrich himself, but to maintain himself with food and raiment. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. He appeared from the first day they knew him to be a man that aimed not only to do well, but to do good, wherever he came. And so he walked that twenty miles as they went around by ship and met him then at Assos. Acts 20:17 Elders. What the church gives the church has a voice in. But grace never acts in power without stirring up the enemy, and in ways calculated most to oppose and undermine. But it is so difficult to find pastors today who will really feed the flock of God. Let them consider the great pains that Paul had taken in planting this church (Acts 20:31; Acts 20:31): "Remember that for the space of three years" (for so long he had been preaching in Ephesus, and the parts adjacent) "I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears; and be not you negligent in building upon that foundation which I was so diligent to lay." Thus it is seen, they were believers, though they had not received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. There were Gentiles as such owned of God, without becoming practical Jews by being circumcised, Gentiles upon whom the name of the Lord was called. Now Priscilla, as I cannot doubt, knew more than her husband; it was therefore desirable that she should contribute her help. Note, Ministers, in preaching the word of grace, must aim at their own edification as well as at the edification of others. In Acts 20:4 we have a list of Paul's companions on his voyage. Manifestly there is a thrust at conscience. He was a powerful preacher, which is intimated in his testifying to them; he preached as one upon oath, that was himself fully assured of the truth of what he preached and was desirous to convince them of it and to influence and govern them by it. But it is never used, so far as I know, to express that some appointed on the ground of election by others. But it is important to affirm that none understand the action of the Spirit who expose themselves and the truth (which is still more serious) to the deserved stigma of denying the real abiding-place of ministry. This appears: (1) Because it is a condition for which we should be thankful when we are in a situation to promote the happiness of others. Paul preached the gospel as a testimony to them if they received it, but as a testimony against them if they rejected it. I live every day unto the Lord, and so I esteem every day alike. And so when Eutychus fell out the window and they rushed down there and saw that he was dead, these Oriental women probably started their shrieking. (1.) Again, "He hath determined the times before-appointed" (everything is under His guidance and government); "and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him, and find him (" God," it should be here, according to the best authorities: "The Lord" is not in keeping with the teaching in this place. They came to Philippi, "which is the first* city of that part of Macedonia, a colony: and we were abiding in the city itself certain days.". He was a man that was consistent with himself, and all of a piece; take him where you would he was the same at all seasons, he did not turn with the wind nor change with the weather, but was uniform like a die, which, throw it which way you will, lights on a square side. The book of Acts leaves Paul sort of imprisoned in Rome awaiting his trial before Nero. what a power in His name! Now this is what Paul felt. No doubt the expression might to ignorant minds convey some such notion. God is the greatest Giver in that"he gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16). The windows were not made of glass. Let us take it from his own mouth here (Acts 20:24; Acts 20:24), where he speaks not with obstinacy nor ostentation, but with a holy humble resolution: "None of these things move me; all my care is to proceed and to persevere in the way of my duty, and to finish well." Acts 20 Acts 20:36 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " New American Standard Version Chapters 13-20 Paul's three missionary journeys. Beyond controversy Christ is directly in view of the prophet, and perhaps some would be disposed to shut up the words only to Christ; but not so the Holy Spirit, who therefore extends its bearing to Paul and Barnabas. This was not to confer authority, which would set one scripture against another. Two things this great and good man is in care about, and if he gain them it is no matter to him what becomes of life:-- [1.] Thus the apostle finds himself at issue with both the Gentiles and the Jews. Along with spiritual blindness there was as usual the grossest want of common righteousness. And God takes care of the needs. One of the main reasons for his trip to Jerusalem on this occasion is to bring a collection for the "poor saints.". This is the serious evil that now begins to show itself. Yet there is not liberty alone but a duty of conferring together on the part of those who labour. But the right appointment of elders necessarily lapses with the departure of the apostles from the earth. But it was not spiritual instinct here: it was a still holier and lowlier thing, yet higher and more blessed. Sometimes the best lessons are object lessons. Ch 15:35-18:22 Second journey to Asia minor and Greece. Is there no principle in this of all importance for us, my brethren? Now that's a different Gaius than the one of Corinth. People are hungry to be fed the Word of God. And the name of the Lord was published throughout all the region." It doesn't bother me that I have to be imprisoned. There was no such state of things in Israel in the days of the returned captives, as in the days of the Exodus, but Nehemiah was just as truly raised up of God for the return from Babylon, as Moses was for the march out of Egypt. 33 I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. The other was the Lord's Supper which was observed during or immediately after the Love Feast. I say, then, that Paul and his company "loosed from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John, departing from them (for he was not at all in faith up to the level of the work at any rate of Paul), returned to Jerusalem," his natural home. (2.) When the question came before them, "there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed." " King James Version (KJV) < Previous Verse Next Verse > View Chapter Acts 20:35 Context You know how I kept back nothing that was to your profit, how I did not fail to announce my tidings to you and to teach you both publicly and from house to house, testifying to both Jews and Greeks repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." The Lord alone can give the single eye with self-judgment which enables us in the Spirit to discern aright whom we ought to decline, and whom to choose, if companions offer or should be sought in the work. "Certain men which came down from Judea, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. He spoke words of encouragement to them and bade them farewell and departed to go to Macedonia. And so here a trip that had only taken Paul two days in the past, took them five days this time, evidently sailing against the wind and probably under adverse circumstances. He is so good. This was hard indeed. But the unbelieving Jews". He commits the care of the church at Ephesus, that is, the saints, the Christians that were there and thereabouts (Ephesians 1:1), to them, who, though doubtless they were so numerous that they could not all meet in one place, but worshipped God in several congregations, under the conduct of several ministers, are yet called here one flock, because they not only agreed in one faith, as they did with all Christian churches, but in many instances they kept up communion one with another. And His glory filled the temple. It was just after the battle of Gentile independence of circumcision had been fought and won. He was probably one of the few in Jerusalem who were fully in agreement with Pauls work among the Gentiles (15-16). He knew how to want and how to be abased. Acts 20:35 Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Tools This is intimated in two words, I have shown you, and have taught you. Hence, the Holy Ghost comes into a very decided and defined prominence here: "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." Although Paul had broken away from the Jews, the ancestral feasts were still dear to him. Though he was born and bred a Jew, and had an entire affection for that nation, and was trained up in their prejudices against the Gentiles, yet he did not therefore confine himself to the Jews and avoid the Gentiles; but preached as readily to them as to the Jews, and conversed as freely with them. We just completed a conference with the worldwide distributors of Maranatha music. [Note: Witherington, p. Macedonia, of course, was the northern area of Greece. And God brought him back to life.Here was Paul falling on him, embracing him, much as Elisha did to the Shunammite woman's son. There is pleasure in the act of giving when it is done with pure motives.
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