1. I’m going to assume that every time it says “we” it means Paul and Luke (the author). So Paul met up with his entourage and sailed off. Apparently, Paul really wanted to get back to Jerusalem for Pentecost.
2. Paul sent for the elders of the church in Ephesus. He wanted to remind them of how things had been for the past few years. It’s almost like he knows that he’s not going to be back there anytime soon, like a farewell address.
3. Paul knows that he could die if he goes to Jerusalem, but he “considers [his] life worth nothing to [him], if only [he] may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given [him]– the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” He has such a sense of duty that he’s willing to die to let people know the gospel. That’s hard core!
4. Paul says that he knows he is innocent because he held nothing back when it came to the truth. Can we say that about what we share with our friends? Do we have “blood guilt” because we should share but don’t?
5. When you put being an elder as someone who the Holy Spirit has entrusted to care for “the flock,” you realize that it is a big deal! They are to be shepherds of the church. This church is not a man-made thing. It is God’s church, and Jesus has the blood-stained receipt to prove it!
6. Paul says it’s not going to be easy. “Wolves” will try to take out the flock. Notice that this isn’t a physical threat. This is a threat to the mind of the members of a church. He is warning that people will come to “distort” the truth in order to draw people away. Does this happen in today’s church?
7. Man, Paul must have been something to hear. He warned them of this danger, but with such passion. It says that he warned them with tears!
8. Paul commissions these elders. He “commits” them to God and to the word of God’s grace. Imagine what that meant to these people. Imagine what that means to us today.
9. Paul talks about how he didn’t do what he did with them for profit. He proved that by working his own way. He didn’t want anyone to accuse him of being a money-grubber. Do you think some pastor’s preach for profit?
10. Paul worked hard and helped the weak. That’s a model to follow.
11. It looked like an emotional scene when Paul left. But imagine the satisfaction he felt to know that he “left it all out on the field.”
