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Acts 20Acts 20:1-38(1) And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

I. Paul headed back to Jerusalem: Paul had been in Ephesus for three years, and, as is the case in most of the places he had been, there had been both revival and revolt. This last one had been the worst. Now, Paul set his mind to go back to Jerusalem to take to Jerusalem an offering from the Gentile churches. As most of you know, the church in Jerusalem had become exceedingly poor because they had tried the socialistic experiment, which failed miserably. Paul wanted to show the Jewish church the unity and oneness of the Body of Christ in taking them an offering from the Gentile churches. So, Paul departed for Macedonia. Before he left, he embraced the brethren and set sail for Macedonia, which is the area of the churches of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.

(2) And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,(3) And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

II. Passover time: Paul, undoubtedly, wanted to get back to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover. There would be a mass returning of Jews to Jerusalem from all over. Many of them would be traveling by ship, coming from areas such as Greece, Athens, and the such, back to Jerusalem. As we just read, Paul had gotten wind of the fact that the Jews were lying in wait for him when he was about to set sail into Syria.

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Rather than getting caught by the Jews on a ship with no where to go, Paul took a much wiser course and went up, again, by land through Macedonia. In order for his protection, the churches had sent several men with Paul.

(4) And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.(5) These going before tarried for us at Troas.(6) And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

III. Delayed: Because Paul backtracked in order to avoid calamity, they spent Passover in Philippi and were there until after the feast of unleavened bread.

(7) And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

IV. First day of the week: There’s always been a lot of hubbub about on which day of the week we should worship. The Seventh Day Adventists and other sects insist that the Sabbath, which is Saturday, is the proper day to worship. They will try to convince you that Sunday worship was instituted by Constantine. History does not bear it out. The fact is that from the very beginning of the book of Acts, we see the church gathering together on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. In fact, one of the early church fathers stated in his writings that, because Jesus rose on the first day of the week, it seemed appropriate to worship and to break bread on the first day of the week. The fact is, though, under the New Covenant, it really doesn’t matter.

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Romans 14:5(5) One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

The truth is that if you look at Exodus 31:16, you find out that the Sabbath was given as a perpetual covenant between God and Israel.

Exodus 31:16(16) Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

As you can see, the keeping of the Sabbath only applies to the Jews. There are those who, in order to place the Church of Jesus Christ back under the law, teach what is known as “Replacement Theology,” believing that the Christian Church is the true Israel. This simply is false teaching as Paul so eloquently points out in the book of Romans. Remember, before the cross there were only two types of people: Jew and Gentile. After the cross, there are now Jew, Gentile, and the Church.

Colossians 3:11(11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

(8) And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.(9) And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.(10) And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

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V. Paul’s long sermon: I have to admit that I have been accused of being long winded, but I cannot hold a candle to Paul. I find it a bit humorous to read the explanations about young Eutychus falling asleep in the window. Some have suggested that because there were many lights (candles) in the upper room, he succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning and, thus, fell asleep, ultimately to his death. I find it funny because the truth is that the kid got bored and fell asleep, although it did set the stage for a great miracle. When Eutychus fell to his death, Paul raced down and embraced him, and his life was restored. The real kicker is verse 11.

(11) When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.(12) And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

The people were comforted because Eutychus was resurrected.

(13) And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

Paul took a long walk: I’ve always found it interesting that the trip from Troas to Assos is 20 miles by land and 30 by sea. Paul sent Luke and the rest of them by ship, but he decided to walk the 20 miles.

(14) And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.(15) And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.(16) For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.(17) And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

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Miletus is about 30 miles from Ephesus, and it was from here that Paul sent messengers to Ephesus to have the elders of the church there meet him back in Miletus. Evidently, Paul didn’t have the time to make the round trip because he was trying his best to get back to Jerusalem before the feast of Pentecost.

(18) And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,(19) Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

VI. The humility of Paul: Paul states that from the first day he came to Asia, the manner in which he lived among those people was in humility of mind, serving the Lord. It is important to note that Paul saw himself as a servant of the Lord. In fact, I believe it is essential that anyone who is in ministry should maintain an attitude of humility and servitude to the Lord. I say this because I, myself, am a servant of the Lord. Because I’m a servant of the Lord, everything I do must be done to the glory of God. I’m not telling you that I’ve always been successful in that, but that has always been my mind. It was Paul the Apostle who said:

Colossians 3:23(23) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Not a man pleaser: Paul just told us that we are to do all things unto the Lord and not unto men. One of the greatest obstacles to any minister is to allow himself to become a man pleaser. Today, many men who are behind pulpits are more concerned with who they might offend than they are with offending the Lord. Therefore, they shape their sermons to be politically correct, watering down the truth of God’s Word to please men rather than teaching the truth, which is pleasing to God.

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Humble is the man: When Paul said that he had been serving with humility of mind and with many tears, trials, and tribulations, he was speaking the reality of his own perspective on himself. You see, Paul had had a true vision of God. He had actually spent three years in the presence of Jesus Himself. Thus, he was more than aware of his own wretchedness in light of the holiness of Christ. The Apostle Peter had the same feeling when he had a clear vision of who Jesus really was.

Luke 5:8(8) When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

Having a good perspective of oneself in the ministry is extremely important, knowing that you are in ministry in spite of your weakness and sinfulness instead of your greatness, which is nothing more than pride.

(20) And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

VII. Leading by example: Paul had taught them publicly in the school of Tyrannus and had also taught them privately from house to house. What really gets me about Paul’s statement here is that he said, I “. . . have showed you, and have taught you. . . .” Paul’s life was a living example of his preaching. Just like Jesus, Paul led by example. This should be true with every minister, not just to proclaim the truth but to live by it, letting it be seen, being demonstrated by my life. This is the way it should be done.

(21) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

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(22) And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:(23) Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Paul stated his own uncertainty here as to what was going to happen when he got to Jerusalem, except “. . . that the Holy [Spirit is] witnessing in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions [are awaiting] me.”

(24) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

VIII. Paul’s commitment: Paul’s one and only desire was to finish the course with joy. Paul couldn’t be moved by the thought of prison or of death. His drive was to finish the course that God had set before him. In his very last epistle that he wrote to Timothy just prior to his being executed, Paul wrote:

2 Timothy 4:7-8(7) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:(8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

I have always been inspired by Paul’s commitment, his unwavering, and his acceptance of finishing the course. Paul said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

a. The gospel of grace: Another thing that Paul never wavered from, even in the light of opposition—both from the Jews and the Gentiles

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—was testifying the Gospel of the grace of God. One thing that many people don’t understand is the uniqueness of Paul’s Gospel of the grace of God.

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In fact, there are two places in Romans and one in II Timothy where Paul even referred to it as “my” Gospel. Speaking more directly to its uniqueness, he stated this in Galatians:

Galatians 1:11-12(11) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.(12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

So, Paul received the unique “Good News” directly by revelation from Jesus Christ, who eluded to the uniqueness of the Gospel and of Himself when confronting the Jews back in Matthew 11.

Matthew 11:28-30(28) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.(29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.(30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

There in Matthew, Jesus was speaking to those who had suffered under the law but who were in desperate need of rescuing from a labor that was never ending. Therefore, He challenged them to “learn of me”—not from me as some translations say—but “learn of me,” Jesus said. Jesus was challenging those who were under the law or those who are struggling to earn the favor of God to learn about the mission of the Messiah, of His course, and of His purpose. Jesus encouraged them to take His yoke upon them, not that He might help us, but so that He might do for us what we could not do for ourselves. You see, the word “yoke” here in the Greek comes from the word “zugos,” which literally means “the beam of the

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balance connecting the scales” or “a pair of balances.” You see, the law outweighed our ability to keep it and to satisfy the demands of perfection that God required. Thus, Jesus balances the weight of the law by keeping the law and fulfilling the law, taking it out of the way, and, thereby, setting the balance in our favor. This is why Paul the Apostle outlined the mission of the Messiah and the reconciliation of mankind through Him in Romans 5.

Romans 5:6-21(6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.(7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.(8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.(9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.(10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.(11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.(12) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:(13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.(14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.(15) But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.(16) And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

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(17) For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)(18) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.(19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.(20) Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:(21) That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

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(25) And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

IX. A little history: When Paul told the elders that they would see his face no more, I’m sure that he believed that that was the case. However, some of the early church fathers (historians, if you will) say that Paul eventually did make it back to Ephesus one more time. As we come to the close of the book of Acts, Luke basically leaves us seeing Paul still imprisoned and awaiting a trial before Nero. According to some early church historians, when Paul first appeared before Nero, he was acquitted. So, for a time after that, he was free. Some say that during that time, Paul did make it back to the church of Ephesus; some say he even went to Spain to preach the Gospel.

a. Nero the beast: In the Gospel, Jesus told his disciples that they would be brought before judges, and magistrates, and before kings and that they were not to take thought what they would say during that hour, for the Holy Spirit would tell them what to say (Luke 12:11). We see this quite literally lived out in Paul’s life. Every time Paul was before a magistrate or a king, he took full opportunity to witness the Gospel to them. If you remember, when he was before King Agrippa, Paul challenged him on his belief of the scriptures. King Agrippa said, “Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). So, Paul witnessed to him; thus, I don’t think it’s any stretch of the imagination that when Paul stood before Nero, he, once again, preached the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We do know from secular history that early in his leadership of Rome, Nero wasn’t that bad and actually did many good things. However, he went

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through some sort of change in his personality that made him almost outright evil.

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After that change, those that were around him gave him the moniker of “The Beast.” According to secular history, this sudden change occurred about the same time that Paul would have witnessed to him. Many Christian historians believe that because Nero turned his back on the Gospel, he became possessed by an evil spirit and, literally, became a beast. Though he had released Paul at the first trial, Nero called him back to Rome and, forthwith, Paul was beheaded.

Even though Paul said he wouldn’t see them again, it’s more than likely that he did before he went home to be with the Lord.

(26) Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.(27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

X. The whole counsel of God: Paul was a straight shooter when it came to the Gospel. It was paramount to his purpose in life and ministry. Paul never lost an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and to declare not only the truth but the whole counsel of God in order (at least in his mind) that he would not be accountable for them. Thus, Paul made the statement, “I am [free] from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you [the whole] counsel of God.”

a. Just as important today: In my humble opinion, any pastor who does not systematically take the church through the entire Word of God could never make such a statement. I believe today more than ever that we need to systematically go through the entire Word of God because the church is in dire need of it.

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(28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

XI. Feed the flock of God: Paul drives my last point home when he gave the charge to these elders that they are “. . . to feed the church of God. . . .” It is increasingly difficult today to find pastors who genuinely feed the flock of God. It is not because people are not hungry for the Word of God; it’s because there are too many lazy pastors behind pulpits. Thus, they know enough to be dangerous, they know enough to get a paycheck, and the result is that the people are starving. Quite frankly, it is beyond me why pastors don’t understand that the most important aspect of the pastorate is to feed the flock of God. So many merely want to entertain the flock of God, and there are those who want to fleece the flock of God. However, very few are actually feeding the flock of God. Here’s the reason why they need to be fed:

(29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.(30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.(31) Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

XII. Paul’s fear: Paul was a shepherd at heart, which is why he wanted to feed the flock of God and nurture them that they might become strong in the faith and in doctrine. In fact, he had spent three years doing exactly that. Even as he was preparing to leave, Paul knew what was going to happen. Certain men would rise up from among themselves and would try to draw men after themselves. It is really sad when you see this happen.

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A ministry will be established and be there for years; yet, inevitably, someone will rise up, trying to draw disciples unto themselves, and, if the sheep have not been fed and are not grounded firmly in the Word of God, they will wander. Paul called these type of men “grievous wolves” who would not spare the flock. They are not concerned about the flock as a whole; they are only concerned about drawing away some after themselves, not caring that such actions could scatter the entire flock. This is what Paul was warning them about.

(32) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

The word of his grace is able to build you up and give you an inheritance.

(33) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Paul was a man who sought fruit—not profit. He held nothing back that would be beneficial to his hearers, and, at the same time, coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.”

(34) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

XIII. These hands: Paul reminded the elders that he took nothing in return for his ministry and that with his own hands, he worked to supply his needs and not his only, but those who were with him. Paul earned his living. In my humble opinion, my friends, this is one of the great problems within the organized, denominational church in that they lavish unrealistic salaries upon pastors disproportionate to the amount of work that they actually do. Make no mistake, a workman is

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worthy of his hire (Luke 10:7), but I would emphasize a workman. There are too many men fleecing the flocks of God, and too many sheep who are willing to be fleeced. It is truly a sad state of affair. God, give us more men like Paul the apostle.

(35) I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

XIV. More blessed to give than to receive: So many who are in ministry today have not come to serve but to be served. So much of Christianity today is about fleecing the flock rather than feeding the flock, and they have forgotten this basic precept of the Lord—this Spiritual principle that it is better to give than to receive. I remember a story that Pastor Chuck told. He had read a story in “Christianity Today” about a woman who was leading a choir in a small church. She wanted to take some choruses and just copy them on their own pages in order to have the choir sing them. Being a good steward, she wrote the publishers requesting permission to make the copies. Every publisher she wrote sent back a request for royalties except one, and that publisher was Maranatha Music. Maranatha told her to “go ahead; it was not a problem” because it was about giving—not about receiving. It seems like such a simple principle; yet, it is almost devoid in the church today. With the rise of the “prosperity gospel” and so many preachers who justify lavish lifestyles, it is no wonder that the church is in the condition that it is in. How much more glorious it is when we walk by the principle of giving rather than of receiving because as God

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supplies (which He always does), that supply should flow through us and not just to us. How does God supply? He supplies through the people. When the people are fed the Word of God, giving is a supernatural reaction. Many today want to debate the issue of tithing whether it is a New Testament doctrine or not. To that, I say, “Fine. Debate it.” What cannot be debated is that healthy sheep are givers, but it will be without coercing or slick campaigns in order to get people to give. So often on radio, you will hear pleas for money—how they will not be on the air anymore unless you write that check. Many of you might remember that Oral Roberts had gotten his ministry in such a financial bind that he told his whole congregation that unless he got 8 million dollars, God was going to take him home, and he got it! Why? Because he knew that with the vast audience that he had, some very rich, but very deceived person out there would cough it up. That doesn’t negate the principle of giving. It is much more glorifying to God if we allow His supply to simply flow through us that we might bless those around us—both in and outside the church.

(36) And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.(37) And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,(38) Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.