Acts 20:32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
 
YOU can quickly read this and possibly stop for a second to think, “That’s a good sentence.” Or you might mediate on these words to conclude, “God, who is rich in mercy, made (me) alive in Christ!” (Ephesians 2:4a) With joy and reverence, let’s meditate on five truths of God in this verse that reveals his rich life-giving, mercy.
   First, when Paul commits the Ephesus elders to God he is spiritually placing them under God’s care and protection. Because of Jesus’ atoning death, God will fulfill his promise to keep the believer as his own forevermore. God had transformed Paul’s life, committing Paul to himself. Paul, in turn as God’s servant, could commit faithful men and women to God. Our Father is, indeed, rich in mercy to receive and protect his own.
   Second, Paul also committed the Ephesus elders to the word of his grace. This is as if he gave each person a Bible and said, “Here is God’s Word. Learn it, love it and live it.” God’s Word reveals his eternal love and grace for his people. To commit to the Scriptures is to acknowledge it is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothey 3:16) The Word’s power will renew your mind, so you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2b) Our Father is, indeed, rich in mercy to transform our lives through the word of his grace.
   Third, you thank God his mercy can build you up. To build up is to add on, to construct and strengthen. Once you become a Christian, God wants you to add on to your life, to construct new habits and new relationships that strengthen your love for him and for one another. Jesus said it this way: Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Know what God says, and you will know where to stand when temptation tries to confuse you. God’s mercy reveals what you must dismiss from your life and what you must receive for your good.
   Fourth, we know God is rich in mercy because he gives you an inheritance. You don’t earn an inheritance; a benefactor directs a gift to you. In Jesus, the Father has chosen to give you citizenship in the kingdom of God. The Father has paid for your kingdom wealth. He offers it to you because he is rich in mercy. You can say, “God has written me into his will, so I will possess the eternal kingdom.”
   Fifth, rich in mercy, God sanctifies you. The Spirit has set you apart from the world’s destruction to protect you in the kingdom’s restoration. Set apart in Christ, you know and exhibit God’s mercy in your committed life to God. Be alert and joyful to know that when God commits to you, you must commit wholeheartedly to God.  

Acts 20:28-31 The Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”
 
PAUL continues his “teaching farewell” to the Ephesus elders.
   There is no greater calling than to be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.  We may think there are many higher positions in the world. Overseeing a church as an elder or pastor isn’t that important, is it? Yes it is. Why? It is because God has entrusted people – perhaps you? – with his most precious possession.
   A  true overseer of God’s church must have a good understanding of God’s love for his church. An elder should see that God has especially created particular people for his church. Remember, each true believer has entered the church at great cost to the Father. The LORD God Almighty, who can do all things, performed the most difficult task of all when he put his Son on the cross and in a tomb. How sobering to know that God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) We seldom, if ever, think that our sin debt could only be paid when Jesus became sin! That truth should cause you to “tremble, tremble.” (from the hymn Were you There?). Can we have any comprehension of the holy becoming unholy, separated from his Father? The price Jesus paid for each person in his church is so extreme our minds will not fully touch the height, width, depth and length of his love until we meet Jesus face-to-face. How precious are the redeemed!
   Elders, then, have a high responsibility to keep the church from savage wolves. They must be alert and not be men who will arise and distort the truth to steal people away from the truth. Yes, “Be on your guard, elders! Hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”  
   Everyone who has been a faithful elder knows the threats against the truth in Jesus’ church. God used Paul, Peter, John, James, Jude and the author of Hebrews to help us understand the critical importance of becoming and remaining faithful to God’s church.
   Most people do not hold the office of elder. But Paul’s admonition applies to all Christians. Mothers, fathers, daughters and sons in Jesus’ church, you must learn how precious you are to God and, in turn, understand how precious you are to each other. Each of you is called at some level of maturity to protect the truth of God’s Word and watch over others.
   God has put others in your life through Jesus’ blood. Care for and watch over one another for Jesus’ sake.
 

Acts 20:25-26 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.
 
THE previous lesson focused on God’s irresistible will to command Paul to Jerusalem, even with the promise of suffering and bondage there. Now we “return” to Paul’s farewell to the elders at Ephesus.
   With, “Therefore, I declare to you today” Paul announced he had some vital parting words. He desired the elders understand that he loved them, and he loved all the people of Ephesus with the love God had granted his redeemed heart.
   God’s love is action love. Paul loved them so much he took action to tell all men, Jew and Gentie, the way from death to life is possible because of Jesus’ gospel. Paul is innocent of the Lord’s judgment because he has faithfully proclaimed the whole will of God.
   God’s whole will is God’s comprehensive plan that began in eternity past to save mankind. Paul taught God’s will had advanced through Eden’s sin, God’s redemptive promise and the law and the prophets. Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled God’s purpose to reconcile the lost sinner to himself. Paul pointedly taught God’s will to judge all to heaven and hell will be administered at Jesus’ return.
   When we read the epistles, we know Paul preached the entire truth. He preached evil’s condemnation: Romans 3:9-12 We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
   He preached salvation from our worthless lives through faith in Jesus: Romans 8:1-3 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man. Sin is the curse of all mankind. Faith in Jesus saves one from the curse into God’s eternal life blessing.
   Paul told everyone he loved them so much they needed to know: “You are a sinner. You need a Savior. Jesus is Savior. Here is how he becomes your Savior.” When you might wonder, “Should I tell my friend about Jesus?” remember God has placed his love in the true Christian’s heart. You are to love all people and tell them the truth of God’s love.
                                            

Acts 20:22-23 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
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Acts 21:10-14 After we had been in Caesarea a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
 
NOW and future – these two Bible passages serve as bookends to Paul’s farewell speech to Ephesus. Paul reflects on his faithful life to the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Prison, hardships and bondage define Paul’s future. Is he sure he wants to go to Jerusalem?
   He is so sure, he is willing to die for Jesus. Paul understood the Spirit had compelled him. To compel is to force, to demand. We don’t like to consider God is a forceful King, demanding us to do what he says. But he is.
   It is difficult for many of us to know God did not call us into a discussion about his will for our lives. We like to believe we are free to negotiate his will with our will, don’t we? Do you think Abraham or Moses agree with that idea? What about Peter’s response? Do you remember what Jesus said to Peter when Peter objected to Jesus’ prophecies of his betrayal and death? Matthew 16:23-24 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” These are hard, compelling words; the Master demands obedience.
   Paul loved Jesus. His passion was to continually live in the fullness of the Lord’s love. He went to Jerusalem knowing he was not in bondage to the world. Paul rejoiced he was bound in an eternal love with Jesus.
   Are you praying, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” prepared to respond to Jesus’ will? Even suffering becomes sanctifying when you know Jesus commands you to it.
  

Acts 20:13-17 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Kios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. 17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.
 
PAUL’S life and ministry is about to change. After a few days of ministering in some towns close to each other, Paul arranged to meet with the elders from Ephesus at Miletus, a port city connected to Ephesus.
   Paul is saying goodbye to these men he had discipled. He surely had developed strong personal relationships with them. Paul’s departing words is in three parts: his past three years’ ministry in Ephesus, the current circumstances and the Ephesian elders’ future responsibilities. He speaks first of his past:
 
Acts 20:18-21 When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”
 
Is Paul’s goodbye pridefully about himself? Seven times Paul said, “I”.
   We can answer that by turning to Paul’s teaching about pride in Galatians 6:4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else. The Greek meaning of pride in this context is exultation, joy.
   Paul did not speak, “I” to exalt himself, but he taught and reminded his Ehesian friends of his own response to the Lord’s service. He was joyful, thankful he had been faithful in God’s work.
   Everything about his ministry was focused on exalting Jesus, not himself. The key to exalting Jesus is great humility with tears. Be grateful, faithful and humble to serve with compassion as Jesus has served us. Paul has withstood very severe testing. He has still been firm to preach anything that would be helpful to you, both Jews and Greeks the way of salvation. Paul had no pride in himself as a man, only an exultation of his faithfulness to serve Jesus and to his church. The Lord wants to know the joy of faithful service to him and to his church.  

Acts 20:7-12 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don't be alarmed,” he said. “He's alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
 
 IT was Sunday, the first day of the week. Paul, his traveling companions and others in Troas met to break bread – celebrate the Lord’s Supper – to pray and to listen to gospel preaching. This is Sunday worship.
   The Lord’s Supper is a necessary mark of the church. It remembers the way the Lord Jesus began the New Testament of grace: Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”  Meeting on the first day of the week remembers the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Their meeting followed the pattern of the first church in Jerusalem: Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  The church’s worship was beautifully simple. The focus was Jesus’ commands, Jesus’ covenant, Jesus’ sacrifice, Jesus’ death and Jesus’ resurrection. Worship had moved from the Old Covenant’s 7th day of the week to the New Covenant’s first day of the week. This is The Lord’s Day. (Revelation 1:10)
   With many lamps burning and consuming oxygen, perhaps Eutychus wasn’t the only one who fell asleep as Paul talked on and on. Luke was a physician and a first-hand witness to this event, so we can trust his diagnosis Eutychus was dead. Paul’s prayer and actions for his life is similar to Elijah and Elisha. Both stretched their bodies over young men who had died as written in 1 Kings 17:21 and 2 Kings 4:34-35. Eutychus’ quick return to life may cause us to have little regard for the Lord’s resurrection power. But surely this is as great a miracle as Peter’s command, “Tabitha get up!” (Acts 9:40d). And it is as powerful as Jesus’ call, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43b)
   Paul seemed to take it in stride. This was God at work! He had full faith that the Lord would respond. Then they ate, and Paul continued preaching until daylight!
   We know, though, that when one prays the Lord responds in his will. Still there is an expectation the Lord will do what is right and good. We must humbly submit to God’s purpose. Each time we witness his power, we can be confident he is with us for our good and his glory. 

Acts 20:2-3 Paul traveled through Macedonia, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, 3 where he stayed three months.
 
PAUL has been in Ephesus nearly three years. Riots and accusations force him to restart his itinerant ministry to several places in Asia Minor, Macedonia and Greece. Philippi was in Macedonia, so we can assume he spent some time in the church that was so helpful to support his ministry. He traveled further north into Illyricum, home to modern-day Yugoslavia. Paul wrote of this in Romans 15:19 by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. Paul met Titus in Macedonia, and he wrote 2 Corinthians there. His three months in Greece was more specifically a return to Corinth. This is where and when he wrote his epistle to the Romans.
   It is difficult to grasp the spiritual, physical and emotional demands on Paul’s mind, soul and body as he traveled and ministered under primitive conditions. It would also have been a very great strain to continually confront threats against his life.
 
Acts 20:3b Because the Jews made a plot against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.
 
Thankfully Paul became aware of a plot to kill him while at sea and dispose his body.
 
Acts 20:4-6 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. 5 These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. 6 But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
 
The seven men Luke names here, including Timothy, who has been Paul’s faithful partner, represent seven churches that have collected an offering for Jerusalem’s impoverished Gentile church members. Paul and Barnabas had earlier delivered an offering to Jerusalem. But the need continued. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-21 Paul praised the church for past offerings and encouraged them to continue. Paul then traveled with the seven (plus Luke has rejoined Paul), to meet them in Troas. The offering with seven different men helped protect it from robbers. And it served as accountability for these funds to be properly used. Paul’s opponents created many lies against him. He wanted to remain above reproach regarding all matters. This is a good lesson for all of us entrusted with others’ money for God’s use.
   Life’s pressures come from many directions. Paul learned he could remain faithful and hopeful in all matters: We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. (2 Corinthians 4:8)

Acts 20:32-34 The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews pushed Alexander to the front, and some of the crowd shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
 
EPHESIAN craftsmen caused an uproar because the Ephesian church was growing. More Christians reduced the number of people who worshiped the goddess Artemis. Fewer people purchased Artemus images. A crowd gathered in response to the loud objections. But many did not know why they were there. Riots don’t need a reason. Galatians 5:15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. The battle raging within pours out to needlessly harm others, even if that is not our desire.
   This life-destroying infection contrasts sharply to God’s life-giving power: Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law…22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
   But then peace prevailed.
 
Acts 19:35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Men of Ephesus, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. 39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of today’s events. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
 
Paul would have thanked God there was a city clerk who exhibited patience, goodness and self-control. The Spirit’s influence can and does cause non-believers to exhibit the Spirit’s fruit. This happened in many circumstances throughout the Bible. The church, too, has experienced peace when the Spirit has inclined governments to allow the gospel to be taught in their countries.  
   Paul then left Ephesus in peace: Acts 20:1 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia.  

Acts 19:21-22 After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.
 
THESE verses mark a change in Acts that points Paul to Rome. But first Paul hears the Spirit’s call to Jerusalem: Acts 20:22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” He will first visit Macedonia to meet with the Philippi church. He sent Timohty and Erastus to prepare for his arrival. Perhaps he should have gone with them. The peace in Ephesus suddenly ended.
 
Acts 19:23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. 25 He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: “Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.” 28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and rushed as one man into the theater. 30 Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.
 
Threats to money and power motivate us more than any other influence. Recently in our U.S. election, the economy was the number one concern. There was little or no talk about the millions of unborn babies killed each year. That may tell us more about the state of Christianity in America than any other measure.
   The craftsmen wanted their business back. They claimed to protect the worship of Artemis. They really wanted people to buy Artemis art work and idols. Instead of submitting to the Lord Jesus and opening their minds to use their gifts for him, they formed a loud, aggressive and dangerous assembly to denounce Jesus’ influence in Ephesus.
   The opposition gets very loud when the truth threatens. We must be loud, too, to stand firm, to denounce evil and to pray that people will know the truth. After all, it is only the truth that will set them free. (from John 8:32) 

Acts 19:13-20 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.  20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
 
IT was not uncommon for Jewish priests to pray to free people from demon possession. But they committed two deadly sins: First, they had not confessed and believed Jesus is the risen Christ. And second, they commanded the demons in the name of Jesus and of Paul. Without faith in God, there is no power from God. There is no power in a mere man to do God’s work.
   Jesus warned the Jews about such false teachings: Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Speaking in Jesus’ name without faith and conviction in our risen Lord condemns one to hell.
   The Spirit wanted to teach the Ephesians Jesus’ warning: Luke 12:4-5 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” Many suddenly understood they needed a true faith in Jesus. Simply saying his name pointed to destruction.
   Believers, who had confessed Jesus, repented. They admitted they had not fully released idol worship and desires that limited a more complete relationship with Jesus. This was a sanctifying process for the believers. We all must cast aside the old to more completely grasp Jesus’ grace. People who practiced sorcery confessed Jesus. They burned documents equivalent to 150 men’s wages for one year.
            We must understand this battle is all around us. Jesus taught us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13 NIV) because the devil continually attacks. As a believer, Satan and his demons cannot reside in you. But they can influence you away from Jesus. Be alert. Know the Spirit is your power to defeat and dismiss any evil from your life.