Acts - Week 10 / Friday

Reading for today: Acts 20:25-38

Paul let the elders know that this was a final farewell. They would never see him again. So, what do you say to these elders, knowing that this is your last shot at them. Interestingly, Paul's pastoral heart comes through loud and clear in his words.

First, he told them to give attention to themselves and to all the flock that the Holy Spirit had made them overseers of. Here we see that Paul expected the elders to have the office of overseer and be the executive or administrative head of the local congregation. In addition, Paul expected the elders to shepherd the church. The chief duty of the shepherd was to lead the sheep to food and water. That was no small responsibility for these men!

The ultimate requirement of these elders was servanthood, not domineering leadership. Another part of the work of a shepherd was to protect the sheep from enemies. Paul warned these "shepherds" that after his departure savage wolves would come in among them, attempting to severely injure the sheep.

Paul had set before these men an example of selfless service. They were well aware that he had provided for his own needs with his own hands. And he had also provided for the needs of his team members. When Paul would go into a new area to preach the "good news", he was always very careful to show the people that he was not preaching the gospel in order to gain material benefits. The love of Christ compelled him to preach the gospel.

It was a teary farewell when Paul finally said "goodbye." These Ephesian elders obviously had a great admiration and respect for the Apostle Paul. He had taught them well, and they were already sensing the loss they would feel at seeing him no more.

Who has been that kind of mentor in your life? Who has impacted you in some significant ways, in the past and in the present?

Next week: Does good advice always need to be obeyed?