Paul�“An Example of Faithfulness

Acts 20:13–24
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Example

Paul traveled on foot from Troas to Assos (about 18 miles) while his friends sailed there directly (v. 13). Perhaps Paul wanted some time alone to think, pray, and plan. From Assos they sailed along the coast of Asia Minor to Miletus (vv. 14-15), an important port city. Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, because he did not want to spend too much time in Asia. He was in a hurry and wanted to be in Jerusalem in time for Pentecost (v. 16). Paul had sent ahead for the elders of the church of Ephesus (about thirty miles away) to meet him (v. 17). In the next few verses (vv. 18-25) we find Paul’s “farewell” to one of his favorite Churches. He had ministered in Ephesus for about two-and-a-half years. His life had been an open book, and he now challenged the Ephesian elders to examine it (v. 18). They had seen him serve with humility and tears. They had seen him endure the plots of the Jews (v. 19). Happy is a pastor or Christian leader, who having faithfully served a church for a length of time can truthfully say “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (vv. 20-21).

Some Bible scholars, such as Donald Grey Barnhouse and John Phillips, believe Paul was acting against God’s will in his determination to go to Jerusalem. They say that Paul was “constrained by the spirit” small “s”, not the Holy Spirit (v. 22). They say Paul was neglecting his true calling and should have been traveling to Rome or Spain (as the apostle to the Gentiles). Paul said that the Holy Spirit was telling him in every city that imprisonment and affliction awaited him in Jerusalem (v. 23). Paul knew, however, that his life was no longer his. The best use of his life was to finish the path the Lord had set him on, “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (v. 24). Paul was exactly where God wanted him to be, and he faced the approaching trial with courage.

Application

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Paul (Philippians 1:21)

Acts 20:13-24 (English Standard Version)

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