of His grace, which is able to build yoh up and give you
an inheritance among all those who are sanctified"
ACTS 20 : 32
The Antioch church commended Paul to "the grace of God" when he set out on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:26). Later, Psul and Barnabas commended the new believer in Asia Minor "to the Lord" (Acts 14:23). As Paul concludes his charge to the Ephesian elders. He leaves the. With a benediction that is similar but fuller. He commends the. To "'God and to the word of His grace."' He is entrusting them both to God and to the message of salvation, the Gospel, as contained in the scriptures, bith Old Testament and New. If they will be, like Apollos, "mighty in the Scripture" (Acts18:24), Paul assures them that they will be build up, strenghtened in their walk with Christ. The Eord of God will make them the mighty watchmen of the flock they are called to be. Andlike all who live by the Scriptures and so grow in holiness. They will receive an eternal inheritance.
Interestingly, Paul's final admonition to the elders concerns financial matters. He first asserts that he was covetous during his ministry among them, and he reminds them that he worked very hard to support himsekf and his helpers so that his motives in preaching the Gospel could not be questioned. In short. He had not exploited anyone, for his was a ministry of giving. In this, too, the ekders should consider him an example for their own conduct. His activities should instruct them to care for the weak, poor, destitute, and sick, who are often cast aside in the world of this time. A d they should see how his conduct fits with a proverb Paul attributes to Jesus, though it is recorded nowhere in the gospels: "'It is more blessed to give than to receive."' God gave His Son and gives "'life, breath, and all thing"' (Acts17:25), and He will bless His people as they give of the selves
His speech finished, Oaul kneels and prays with the elders. The moment of their parting is at hand, and it is grievious to all of them. "'The constanf love Paulhad given the Ephesians duringhis ministry was fully reciprocated by the elders, who, overcome by their emotions, begin to weep loudly," Dr. Kistemaker writes "'The intensity of their weeping demonstrates their affection for Paul." Most saddening to themis Oaul's own assertion that they will not be reunited in this life. Delaying the separation, they accompan him to the ship, where he parts from them and continues his journeytoward Jerusalem.
God uses His Word to keep His people close to himself Because, as Paul makes clear in today's passage, the study of Scripture is so vital for the Christian life. Mediate His Word and ask the Lord to give you a love for His Word and a heart to understand.
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