An Appeal to the Elders (20:1-38)
Bible Passage: Acts 20:1-38 (note – the main focus is verses 17-38, so perhaps just read this section and briefly summarise 1-16).
By this part of the story, Paul is on the return section of his missionary journey and is revisiting many of the place where he has shared the gospel and planted churches. The main focus is on a meeting he had in Miletus with the elders of the church in Ephesus. Paul knew that he would be heading to Jerusalem and that there was a good chance that he would not see these Ephesian leaders again, and so the meeting was a very emotional and tender one. Paul used the time to remind them of how he had ministered among them in Ephesus, to warn them of dangers that were coming and to encourage them to vigilance.
Reminder of Gospel Ministry: Much of Paul’s speech to the elders is looking back to the time that he was in Ephesus and the foundations that he laid for them. Some of the things that he highlights include the tenderness that led him to keep going even through tears when trials came (v19, v32), the boldness to not shrink back from declaring the gospel (v20-21), the readiness to teach the whole of God’s word (v27), his willingness to work and not covet wealth (v33-34). In these things Paul sees himself as an example of Christian leadership (v35) and this is a model for what we should look for in our leaders, and how those of us who have ministry responsibilities should act.
Warning of Danger: Paul’s big warning in this passage is that wolves are coming. There will be people who come into the church with an agenda to do harm and to abuse and damage the flock. This will even include people from their own number who distort the truth. We should not be naive as we build community, and should take this warning very seriously (along with the similar warning that Jesus gave in Matthew 7:15). We should not be surprised when we hear stories from within churches of people trying to do harm to others, but recognise that this is something that the Bible speaks of and calls us to be ready to react to.
Encouragement to Vigilance: This is tied in to the previous point, and Paul urges these elders not to drop their guard. Alertness is important, and so leadership needs to happen up close and in relationship with the people where leaders are able to see where the threats might be and notice red flags, whether they be to do with doctrine, holiness or abusive dynamics with others. As leaders spot these things in the church they should be ready to deal with them quickly. Wolves and sheep should not be treated in the same way, and Christian leaders must be as courageous in dealing with wolves as they are compassionate in tending the sheep.
Potential Applications:
- There is a sober warning to be ready for wolves and a call to vigilance.
- Perhaps this could be a commissioning moment for those who have (or are stepping into) different leadership roles.
