Acts 20
Paul continues his travels through Macedonia and Greece and revives a dead man
Key Points and Discussion Questions
- Paul changed his plans (v 3).
- A short but amazing story (vv 7-12) demonstrating how God was using Paul powerfully. How has God used you?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper from 'Words of Life
So many people are impressed, even moved , by the words and actions of Pope Francis. Most Catholics would probably agree that their pope is not only a breath of fresh air, but also someone they wish to emulate: caring for the poor, the marginalised, the afflicted. He lives modestly – a humble man of God. In fact, one who seemingly emulates Jesus. The Roman Catholic Church, I believe, is being slowly transformed under his modelling of leadership.
The apostle Paul, following his three missionary journeys, wanted to meet once more with the elders of the church in Ephesus. In a humble way, Paul wanted to be a model for how they should live out their faith with other believers: to tell them about the importance of humility and the necessity to show empathy to others. Self was never to get in the way if they were to be effective for Christ.
When they were together, he went on to tell the elders they were to ‘finish the race and complete the task’ (v 24) God had for them. By the modelling in Paul’s own life, they could so easily see that everything was for the glory of Christ and his Church:
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood (v 28).
Some of us are Salvation Army officers, pastors; some corps leaders or church elders. Many of us are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles. We are to model for others how Christians should live. Pope Francis is doing this for his people. Paul did it for the Ephesian elders. We are to give of ourselves for our people and for our families. After all, Christ said:
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (v 35).
Beverly Ivany
Tags: Acts