Today’s passage: Acts 20:17-38
Helpful thoughts:
- Paul’s ministry was a public preaching and teaching ministry, and a house to house discipleship ministry.
- In all these ministries, it was Paul’s desire to declare to the church the “whole counsel of God.”
- Chains in Paul’s future were not to be equated with a lack of joy. Joy came in following Jesus.
- Pastors/Elders are called to be overseers over the flock which God has made them overseers. From the very beginning of the church, the way that the Scripture’s commands for the church were carried out were through local churches.
- Paul desired to build up these men who would build up and protect the churches. Paul was a disciple maker. We have been called to do the same.
Questions to consider:
- What things come after the church to tear them down? What did Paul say should be used to build them up? How do pastors/elders protect the flock of God?
- What ministry principles can we learn from this passage? What kinds of teaching, training and interactions should be going on in the local church? Why are all these ministries stronger in the local church setting?
- Where was Paul’s joy to be found? Even when things around him seemed to be getting ready to get even harder, why could he look forward with anticipation of joy?