I. INTRODUCTION
A. Paul calls the Ephesian elders to Miletus. The discourse recorded for us is valuable because it describes his labors as an evangelist in Ephesus and gives us a fair idea of how he conducted his ministry elsewhere. Additionally, the discourse is valuable to all who would be ministers for Christ today.
B. Because of his longstanding relationship (3 years) with the Ephesians, his review of his work there stands as the best example we have as to how he conducted an extended ministry.
1. It would be wise for all of us as Christians to pause from time to time and review our own personal ministry for Christ.
2. Specifically, the full-time evangelist should study this passage to review his ministry and ask himself questions such as: is this work my life's work, what are my proper duties, and what does the future hold if my duties are faithfully performed?
II. DISCUSSION
A. The work of an evangelist, as a work of life. Paul had no regrets as to his chosen life. However, we know that every man has times when he questions the course his life has taken. Paul's own review of his life as an evangelist shows that he regarded the work as noble, with a righteous objective, (Phil. 3:8).
B. The character of an evangelist and the nature of his ministry can be seen from Paul's address to the Ephesian elders.
1. "I am pure from the blood of all men" (v.26). (Read: Eze.3:18,19; 2 Cor. 2:15.) This statement has two major implications:
a. Paul's ministry contained nothing that would lead them from God or ruin their souls;
b. he had done all that was within his power to lead them to Christ, (Acts 18:6).
2. He had "not shunned to declare all the counsel of God." "Counsel" in this passage means all the purposes, determinations, plans, and decrees of God for mankind. It would include God's plan for man's salvation as well as the duties of the Christian. Paul had hidden none of these things from the Ephesians.
a. There is a danger that an evangelist might hide part of the "counsel of God" from his congregation for various reasons.
b. Heaven cannot be properly preached apart from Hell, nor love apart from hate, nor marriage apart from divorce, nor the washing away of our sins apart from water baptism, etc.
c. To further understand Paul's view as to the scope of the "whole counsel of God," see his letter to the Ephesians.
3. "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel; yes you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. (vv.33,34). Paul was willing to decline support from the Ephesians while he was among them to show that he had no love of gain.
a. We know from other passages that Paul was a champion of the evangelist's right to be supported, (Read: 1 Cor. 9:7-14).
b. However, circumstances can arise when the evangelist should decline support. If support would make the evangelist appear covetous, if the congregation is too poor, if acceptance of support would appear as a way to just make some extra cash, support should be declined.
c. The evangelist's example of industry in manual labor, a part -time job, or even a full-time secular job could be more than just a way of putting food on the evangelist's own table; it could be a lesson to his congregation. Even if outside employment is not necessary, the evangelist must be busy about the Lord's business.
C. Paul's view of the future based on his faithful performance of his duties as a minister for Christ, (vv.22-24). Paul had had his share or trials and persecutions and was guaranteed more in the future, yet he pressed on.
1. Things that may happen to any of us persecution, sickness, disappointment, poverty, and reproach.
2. The thing that must happen to us death. (See: Barnes' The Life of the Apostle Paul, pp. 266-67.) Yet even with this prospect looming ahead of him, Paul remained calm, (v. 24). He was calm because he had been faithful to God and had the hope of eternal salvation. We should be just as calm as we face physical death.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. As a Christian or a Christian evangelist, can you imagine yourself uttering the words: "I am pure from the blood of all men" (v.26)?
2. List some reasons why an evangelist might not present the "whole counsel of God."
3. Read the letter to the Ephesians this week and note any "doctrine" that Paul emphasized there.
4. What are circumstances when a minister of the Gospel should decline support?
5. Can you truly say, "I will fear no evil, for You are with me?"