Apr 26, 2015
Acts 20:13-38
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Lately a trend has started gaining momentum whereby people, knowing the power of “parting words,” elect to write for themselves autobituaries that will be published upon death. Some have even gone so far as to refer to these autobituaries as being a sort of final selfie - the chance to put out the version of yourself you'd most like people to remember you by!
Of all forms of human interaction and communication isn’t it true “parting words” contain a greater level of weight and gravity than most others. In this singular moment before death “parting words” afford one final opportunity to impart a transcendent thought, communicate an important message, leave behind a lasting impression, voice goodbyes and well-wishes, or - as in the case of Val Patterson - make a few timely confessions.
His autobituary reads, “I was born in Salt Lake City, March 27th 1953. I died of throat cancer on July 10th 2012… Now that I have gone to my reward, I have confessions and things I should now say. As it turns out, I am the guy who stole the safe from the Motor View Drive Inn back in June, 1971. I could have left that unsaid, but I wanted to get it off my chest. Also, I really am not a PhD. What happened was that the day I went to pay off my college student loan at the University of Utah, the girl working there put my receipt into the wrong stack, and two weeks later, a PhD diploma came in the mail. I didn't even graduate, I only had about 3 years of college credit. In fact, I never did learn what the letters "PhD" even stood for. For all of the Electronic Engineers I have worked with, I'm sorry, but you have to admit my designs always worked very well, and were well engineered, and I always made you laugh at work… To Disneyland - you can now throw away that "Banned for Life" file you have on me, I'm not a problem anymore - and SeaWorld San Diego, too, if you read this.”
I bring this up, because (while not an autobituary per say) we do have contained in the remaining verses of Acts 20 Paul’s “parting words” to his dear friends in Ephesus! Since these words are naturally powerful and consequential, the things Paul has to share are not only inspiring, but worthy of our attention and examination!
Let’s begin by establishing the Motion of the Text… Acts 20:13-17, “Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.”
Working their way from Troas down the western coast of what’s today known as Turkey, this crew of nine men progress through a series of port cities: Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, and Trogyllium before finally arriving in Miletus. In our text Luke mentions that Paul intentionally charted their course to avoid passing through Ephesus “for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem” for “the Day of Pentecost.” That said… Realizing he may never again travel through this region, Paul does call “for the elders of the church” to make the 30 mile journey in order to meet with him in Miletus.
Don’t forget Paul had spent 3 years with these men. When he arrived in Ephesus there were no believers. By the time he left there was an established church impacting the region. All of these men were “spiritual sons” of Paul. He was there when they had been born in the spirit, and he had been faithful to help each of them grow from babies into men. And it’s this love for and relationship with these men that will make Paul’s parting words so personal.
Before we dive into the particulars of what Paul says, I want to introduce a related concept I believe will make our text all the more relevant and applicable to men who love Jesus and women who love men that do.
In addressing the spiritual role of men within the family unit, Paul would write in Ephesians 5:23 that “the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church.” While Paul is speaking to a hierarchy of authority as it pertains to marital roles, he is also emphasizing the gravity of responsibility a man has over his wife and therefore family.
Understand… In much the same way that a pastor has been called to be Christ’s instrument in caring for the church, men are called to be Christ’s instrument in caring for the family. Though Paul is speaking to a group of pastors, because of this parallel all of the advice he provides them is just as applicable to men seeking to pastor their own families!
Acts 20:18-38, “And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to 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. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”
“So 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 those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.”
If you were to outline this sermon, you’d end up with three sections: (1) Paul’s Example, (2) Paul’s Edict, and (3) Paul’s Exhortation. For our purposes this morning, instead of approaching the outline in order, we’re going to unpack this sermon as if we were eating an Oreo… Enjoy the cream in the middle before eating the top and bottom cookies.
First, look at Paul’s Edict to these men in verses 28-31 (the fundamental purpose of his message), “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to 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. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”
Knowing his departure was nigh Paul wanted these men to be prepared for what he knows is soon to follow… He says, “For I know this, that after my departure” the church in Ephesus would come under attack. Paul then cites two different sources for the coming blitz:
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From Outside: “Savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” Paul recognized that there would be men who would attempt to enter the ranks of the church with evil intentions and ulterior motives. To emphasize the serious ramifications Paul calls them “wolves” as it’s in the nature of the wolf to devour the flock.
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From Within: “From among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.” Paul also recognized that there would be men from within the ranks who’s intentions would turn evil and motivations self-serving. He points out that desiring to “draw disciples away” to develop their own following, these men would “speak perverse things” or literally “speak distorted truths.” The danger in these men, once trusted, would be the reality they’d twist the truth for their own gain.
Men, as pastors we need to understand first and foremost that attacks on our families are inevitable. There is a real enemy seeking to “steal, kill, and destroy” the lives of the people we love. And it’s for the purpose of dealing with these threats that “the Holy Spirit had made men overseers to shepherd the church of God.” Because our role in protecting our church from such influences is of vital importance, Paul gives these us three commands:
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“Take heed to yourselves…” Paul understood that in order for a man to effectively care for the needs of anyone else, he must first take care of himself. In a very practical sense if the shepherd is weak, tired, burned out, distracted, or even malnourished (if he’s not 100%) the sheep entrusted to his care will be naturally susceptible to harm.
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“Take heed to all the flock…” As a shepherd it is the job of a pastor to care for the needs of a flock by fulfilling three basic responsibilities: feeding, leading, and protecting. Note: If you don’t fill this role, it’s in the DNA of sheep to find someone else who will!
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“Therefore watch…” The Greek word “grêgoreô” means to “watch by giving strict attention to.” As pastors we have a responsibility to protect what is precious to the Lord. And while this edict not only commands men to “watch” out for the simmering of inward malcontents or the sly approach of outside wolves, we’re to also “watch” out for one another!
Before we move on… Notice from our text that “the Holy Spirit has made these men overseers.” This phrase “has made” is “tithêmi” meaning to “set aside” or “ordain.” Men, the role of pastoring your family is a God-given position you cannot skirt. In the end you’ll either prove faithful to the task or derelict in the duty, but you cannot escape the responsibility.
Furthermore… Because the hiring process of the shepherd is the Lord’s, the flock itself (congregation or family) belongs to God. Neither the church nor a family is the property of the pastor. He is nothing more than the man ordained by God “to shepherd the church of God which God purchased with His own blood.” Men, never forget those are God’s kids you’ve been given to raise and that is God’s daughter you’ve been entrust to love.
Secondly, look at Paul’s Example to these men beginning with verse 18. “You know… In what manner I always lived among you.” In order to help these men man up to fulfill God’s call on their lives Paul points to his own life as the example they should model.
Paul served Jesus by faithfully fulfilling his ministry. He says in verses 19-21, “Serving the Lord with all humility… I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Notice that Paul “served the Lord…” In much the way the shepherd relates to the sheep, the sheep are to relate to the shepherd. While the sheep were not the property of the shepherd, the shepherd is not the property of his flock. Both belong to God.
Keep in mind… Paul’s calling was not to be the servant of the people but a servant to the people. To be an effective shepherd Paul is telling them that their service to the people in their care should always be motivated as being a service for the Lord.
What was Paul’s principle service? He says, “I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it and taught you publicly.” As a shepherd Paul’s primary ministry to the Ephesian church and the ministry these men were entrusted to continue was the continual “testifying of repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ!” For Paul he was so confident in his faithfulness to this aim and service to Jesus that he boldly declared in verses 26-27, “I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”
Paul is saying that because he had been faithful to teach these men “the whole counsel of God” his conscience was clean. If they failed or turned away he was not responsible! He’d done his job! Not only does this emphasize how important Paul saw the teaching of the word as a responsibility of the elders, but how vital it was in the life of the church. Men, the exact same is true when it comes to the health and vitality of your family!
Pastor, are you being faithful to serve Jesus by serving your children? Beyond praying playing, and providing when was the last time you taught your children the Word of God?
Though your children will eventually carve out their own path and your wife is free to make her own decisions, never forget as a father and husband you will stand before God to give an account concerning this job He ordained for you. In that moment, no matter what may happen, will you be able to echo the words of Paul that you are “innocent of their blood for you did not shun to declare to them the whole counsel of God?”
Paul followed Jesus no matter where that led. Verses 22-24, “See, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me, except that the Spirit testifies in every city that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
In order to fulfill this role, in addition to serving Jesus, an elder must be willing to follow Jesus no matter where that road might lead (even if leads into a storm)! In this passage Paul affirms that while “the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me… he was bound in the spirit to go to Jerusalem.”
I find great comfort knowing that Jesus is candid with us! In the case of Paul the Lord was honest as to what he should expected when he arrived in Jerusalem. Men, following Jesus does not lead a man down the easiest path. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
And yet, in the face of all this, Paul still declared that “none of these things move me!” No matter what the cost Paul would not be deterred from following Jesus! Men, never forget people inherently respect bravery while they shun cowardice. Following Jesus when it’s difficult will garner you the admiration and loyalty of those entrusted to your care.
How was Paul able to have this perspective?
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He did not “count his life dear to himself!” It’s a reality that selfishness is the singular thing that limits most men from truly following Jesus. This is why Paul constantly reiterated the fact that his life was no longer his own. Self could no longer dominated his life or have a platform of influence because self “had been crucified with Christ.”
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His chief focus was to “finish his race with joy” and “the ministry he’d received from the Lord.” More than everything else Paul wanted his life to “testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul could follow Jesus no matter where that led because he trusted that Jesus was not only the “author” but the “finisher of his race.”
Paul represented Jesus by living above reproach. Verses 33-35, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
While it’s an error to extrapolate from this passage alone that a pastor shouldn’t take a salary (there were many times Paul was financially supported by the church allowing him to engage in full time ministry), Paul is pointing to his own experiences in Ephesus to highlight an important lesson for these men… Avoid even the appearance of impropriety!
In this particular situation Paul defused any accusations he was out for money by earning a living whereby he not only “provide for his own necessities,” the needs of “those who were with him,” but had enough resources left over to “support the weak.”
Men, there is a truth you’d be wise to always remember… While your kids may not do all the things you say, they will do all the things you do! Beyond this… The respect of your wife will always be based on the things you do as opposed to the words you say!
And while these realities should spawn us to a holier lifestyle, consider the opportunity this truth affords… If you want your family (wife and kids) to follow Jesus, the best thing you can do to influence them is to follow Jesus yourself!
Finally, look at Paul’s Exhortation to these men beginning with verse 32. “So 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 those who are sanctified.” This word “commend” is the Greek compound word “paratithêmi” which literally means to “set aside with.” In English a more accurate translation would be to “commit to one’s charge.”
Notice for these men to fulfill their duties Paul commits them to the care of two things… “To God and to the Word of His grace.” In essence Paul is saying the only way we can be successful pastors is to stay close to God and abide in His grace by abiding in His word!
Men, when you focus on these two things the results are incredible. Paul says you’ll be “built up” (“epoikodomeô” meaning “to build upon” - the word describes growth) and “given an inheritance” (“klêronomia” or “what is given to one as a possession”).
In conclusion… When the day comes when you have to give your own “parting words” what do you want to say? Do you want that moment to be filled with regret knowing that your life was dominated by trivial things that distracted you from what matters most?
Or… Do you want that moment to be a time of glorious reflection where you can say to the people God entrusted to your care, “You know in what manner I always lived among you, above reproach, with care for the weak, serving the Lord with all humility, as a shepherd feeding - leading - and protecting my family, steadfastly following Jesus no matter what?”
When the day comes when your life is eulogized what will your loved ones say? It is my prayer that I will be remembered as a man who “counted not his life dear to himself,” but who’s life served “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
More than all else, when my time on this earth is evaluated, I pray my children (and people He entrusted to my care to shepherd) will be able to say with confidence that their dad (or pastor) “finished his race with joy” fulfilling “the ministry he received from Jesus.”
Ladies, if you’ve yet to marry may I encourage you to look for a man who fits this profile. God desires nothing less for you! And if you’re a wife married to a man derelict in his duties, may I encourage you to love him, submit to him, and above all else pray for him… That he will man up and embrace the role God has ordained for him to fill.
And finally if you want to be the man God has called you to be… A shepherd who cares for his family by protecting them, who loves for his family by serving them, who leads his family by following Jesus, and who follows Jesus by living a life above reproach… Remember you cannot do this apart from being committed both “to God and to the word of His grace.” Amen.