Acts 21:8-9 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
 
WE have met Philip earlier, one of seven chosen to serve widows: Acts 6:5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
   The Spirit then used Philip to powerfully evangelize the gospel in Samaria: Acts 8:5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.
   The Spirit then sent Philip to the Desert Road to Gaza to meet an Ethiopian eunuch. Philip revealed the gospel and sent the baptized man home to Ethiopia (Acts 8:26-39). The church began in Africa.
   And here is why Philip is now Caesarea: Acts 8:40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.  
   Philip had apparently remained in Caesarea for many years. It would be fascinating to learn of his work for God during that time.
   One way God used Philip in that time was to give him four daughters, anointed to be prophets. The daughters lived in the legacy of other women who prophesied. They include Moses’ sister Miriam (Exodus 15:20), the Judge Deborah (Judges 4:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8:3). In addition there is faithful Anna. When Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus into the temple for his circumcision, Anna gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2: 38).  
   Prophesying women in the church should be no surprise. God had said he would continue to anoint women to the prophetic role in the New Covenant. Peter preached this at Pentecost, quoting the prophet Joel: Acts 2:17 “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.  
   Yes, literally Philip’s daughters had been created for a remarkable role in God’s kingdom. We have no record of their prophecies, but this is enough to tell us Philip and his daughters faithfully served God. He had gifted them to speak God’s glorious salvation to the Jews. That is precisely what they did.
 
Isaiah 40:5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 

Acts 21:1-7 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4 Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6 After saying good-bye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. 7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day.
 
THIS brief summary of Paul’s travels from Ephesus to Ptolemais confirms a network of churches had been established in the Roman Empire. We have seen certain pockets of Roman oppression, but generally speaking it was the ruling Jews who denounced and persecuted their own people who came to faith in Jesus.
   In some places the seed of Jesus’ gospel fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. In other regions, towns and territories the seed fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. (from Matthew 13:5 & 8)
   This has been the way of the church and will be until Jesus’ return. Our work is to keep spreading the gospel, and the Lord will determine the harvest.
    As Paul and Luke traveled to Jerusalem, they met with the disciples and the brothers in Tyre and then came to Ptolemais. In Tyre for seven days, Paul and Silas quickly formed a close bond with the church in Tyre. They, too, through the Spirit, urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. It seems the Holy Spirit revealed to the church in Tyre the trouble Paul would encounter in Jerusalem. But the Spirit did not say, “Don’t go.” to Paul. The church knew the danger Paul faced and wanted him to keep from Jerusalem.
   This is similar to the fearful disciples’ opposition to Jesus going to Jerusalem. Our Lord remained resolute, keeping in mind the things of God. (from Mark 8:33)
   We can observe in the church’s history very many people who obeyed God’s mission to uncertain, even unsafe territory, despite attempts to convince them to not go. Certainly well-meaning, loving and Spirit-led people have warned, “Be careful. You might have trouble. You would do better if you stayed home where you are accepted.” But God had put his purpose into his servants’ hearts, and they remained faithful to God. The entire church around the world must be grateful for the faithful who have said, “Here I am. Send me.”  

Acts 20:36-38 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
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2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
 
WE include this verse from 2 Corinthians because it helps us more personally understand Paul’s emotional goodbye to the Ephesus elders. Do you have this kind of love relationship with others in your church?
   This love for one another begins with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is God’s unmerited goodness to call us into his church. That union began with God’s gracious action to save each person into a living faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ grace is our Lord’s all-sufficient life, atoning death, life-giving resurrection and holy ascension to the Father’s right hand. He has torn the veil separating us from God. He is the Light of the World, who removes all darkness and opens our way to heaven. When you are in the church, you must show to the world you have learned to love the Lord’s commands. You join others to encourage one another to celebrate and to stand firm in Jesus’ grace.
   The love of God strengthens your love for your family and for others in the church. You learn to minimize differences and to exalt the triune God’s majesty to join us to him with his love. He has chosen people from among different classes of culture to be leaders in his church.
   The fellowship of the Holy Spirit can also be communion of the Holy Spirit. Fellowship is the Spirit drawing all of God’s people into a unique faith union that points you to the eternal relationship with God and one another. Paul later wrote to the Ephesians to emphasize this communion made possible through Jesus’ saving work: Ephesians 2:18 For through Jesus we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.
   Perhaps the most visible sign of the church’s fellowship that day was their time of prayer. They all knew their future would be different because of God’s purpose for their lives. The Ephesus elders remained to instruct and protect God’s church. Paul was going to Jerusalem and an unknown destiny. Their fellowship with the Spirit kept them obedient to their mission. They knew that even when they were apart, they would be together in Jesus’ grace and the Father’s love.  
    

Acts 20:33-35 “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 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.’”
 
OF the many sins Paul could speak against, why did Paul say specifically to the Ephesus elders, “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.” To covet is to desire another’s possessions such as home, vehicle, money or occupation. Wouldn’t it be understood that one such as Paul, who so passionately preached Jesus’ gospel, would be content?
   Paul likely struggled – or even continued to struggle – with wanting what others had. He wrote in Romans 7 of his struggles with sin, and he pointed to coveting in Romans 7:7 For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “Do not covet.”
   It was a natural battle in his heart to desire others’ silver or gold. He grew up in a successful home. His Roman citizenship and education offered him physical comforts. In his former life. As a Pharisee, one goal in his life would have been to gain as much material possessions as possible.
   Coveting affects us all. People, tribes and nations strive after others’ possessions, and there is no peace. Discontent disconnects us from God and destroys far too many relationships.
   Remember, as Paul said goodbye to the Ephesus elders, he was essentially instructing and encouraging them to righteousness in their lives and in their work. He knew they would be tempted in their position of authority to seek wealth. That, sadly, is what rulers do. In contrast he wanted Jesus’ teachers to be content as Jesus showed us.
   He also wanted them to model Jesus’ diligence. Paul was a tentmaker who supplied (his) own needs and the needs of (his) companions. Paul did not consider himself too important to do physical labor. We generally pay little attention to Jesus’ life as a carpenter, which included working with stone. Jesus teaches us good work is a good thing for mankind. Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Be diligent to labor and care for the Lord’s physical and spiritual kingdom as the Lord directed and demonstrated.
   Paul also encouraged the elders to serve as Jesus served and taught. One is blessed when she gives to others. To give is to turn selfish coveting into selfless service.
   Be content with what you have. Be diligent to your physical and kingdom work. Be servant-hearted to help others as you are able.   

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.