Paul knew that his days were numbered. He was going to Jerusalem and he sensed that it would be his last visit to the Holy City. But he was certain that his final destination was Rome. His heart was still filled with passion and he summoned the elders of Ephesus to Miletus to bid them farewell.
Why didn't he bid the Ephesian elders farewell in Ephesus but in Miletus? Luke rejoined Paul in Macedonia and had the following explanation.
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16).
Ephesus was the jewel of Paul's third missionary journey and he knew that he would never set foot on Ephesus anymore. That was why among the churches, Paul only called in the elders of Ephesus.
Why didn't he bid the Ephesian elders farewell in Ephesus but in Miletus? Luke rejoined Paul in Macedonia and had the following explanation.
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16).
Ephesus was the jewel of Paul's third missionary journey and he knew that he would never set foot on Ephesus anymore. That was why among the churches, Paul only called in the elders of Ephesus.
Paul summarized his work in Ephesus in the following way.
You yourselves know how I lived among you all the time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,
serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews;
how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance to God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:18-21).
Paul did not mention the miracles he had worked in Ephesus. Instead, he saw himself serving the Lord and the Ephesians with humility, tears and trials. Paul did not count miracles as one of his achievements. He knew that they were the work of God, not his. His work was to testify to both Jews and Greeks of repentance to God and faith in Jesus. This testimony was more profitable to the Ephesians than a thousand miracles.
You yourselves know how I lived among you all the time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,
serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews;
how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance to God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:18-21).
Paul did not mention the miracles he had worked in Ephesus. Instead, he saw himself serving the Lord and the Ephesians with humility, tears and trials. Paul did not count miracles as one of his achievements. He knew that they were the work of God, not his. His work was to testify to both Jews and Greeks of repentance to God and faith in Jesus. This testimony was more profitable to the Ephesians than a thousand miracles.
From now on, Paul would let go of the church God had set up through him and leave it to the elders. He knew the troubles awaiting them and warned them beforehand.
Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son.
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them (Acts 20:28-30).
By letting go, Paul empowered the elders who had to fend for themselves as well as the church they had to oversee. What weapons did they have at their disposal to fight off those fierce wolves? There were two.
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified(Acts 20:31-32).
The Ephesians had the examples which Paul had set before them and the grace of God. In particular, they had seen for themselves how Paul had earned his own living and supported his co-workers. Moreover, Paul must have been very generous in giving alms to the needy. Here is what he had to say about his work ethics.
I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.
In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:33-35)
Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son.
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them (Acts 20:28-30).
By letting go, Paul empowered the elders who had to fend for themselves as well as the church they had to oversee. What weapons did they have at their disposal to fight off those fierce wolves? There were two.
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified(Acts 20:31-32).
The Ephesians had the examples which Paul had set before them and the grace of God. In particular, they had seen for themselves how Paul had earned his own living and supported his co-workers. Moreover, Paul must have been very generous in giving alms to the needy. Here is what he had to say about his work ethics.
I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.
In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:33-35)
We may draw a lot of lessons from Paul missionary work.
First of all, it is the work of God and his. Therefore, all honour and glory should go to God, not to oneself.
Secondly, set the right priority. All efforts must be directed towards the spiritual profit of the people, not superficial splendour.
Thirdly, after establishing the community, let go and delegate to empower the community. Entrust them to the grace of God who will take care.
Lastly, earn one's own living. Don't burden the community.
You may draw a different set of lessons. I am sure you are able to see what I have overlooked.
First of all, it is the work of God and his. Therefore, all honour and glory should go to God, not to oneself.
Secondly, set the right priority. All efforts must be directed towards the spiritual profit of the people, not superficial splendour.
Thirdly, after establishing the community, let go and delegate to empower the community. Entrust them to the grace of God who will take care.
Lastly, earn one's own living. Don't burden the community.
You may draw a different set of lessons. I am sure you are able to see what I have overlooked.
Dear Lord, my heart goes to my students. Help me let go of them and still love them even more. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment