PAUL'S THIRD TOUR (continued) (18:23-21:16)
K. An Interview with the Elders of the Church at Ephesus (20:17-38)
v.17 It was a 30-mile journey from Ephesus to Miletus. Paul probably wanted to remain close by the ship.
v.18 Paul reminds the elders of how much time he has spent with them.
v.19 What is "lowliness of mind?" Weeping was not a strange thing for Paul to do. 2 Cor. 2:4; Phil. 3:18 Paul's worst enemies were the Jews who rejected the gospel.
v.20 Paul preached publicly in the synagogue and the assemblies, also privately from house to house. Paul did not let persecutions keep him from revealing the whole gospel.
v.21 Sin is toward God, that is, against God, therefore repentance must be toward God. Faith in Jesus as the Christ is also essential.
v.22,23 Spirit here is Paul's own spirit. Paul did not know his own fate except that persecution awaited him wherever he traveled. We will see that Paul will be forewarned concerning his imprisonment in Acts 21:4,11
v.24 Paul did not concern himself with his life. 2 Tim. 4:7 is further commentary on Paul's attitude toward life here on earth. The gospel was given by the free favor (grace) of God.
v.25 Paul believes that he will never return to Ephesus again. Compare to 1 Tim. 1:1-3.
v.26 He had kept back nothing from the Ephesians that pertained to their souls. He taught them what to do to become a Christian and how to live a Christian life. He had fulfilled his duties toward the Ephesians.
v.27 If Paul had suppressed any of the good tidings, then he would be guilty and not pure as he said in verse 26.
v.28 The elders must set an example for the congregation, 1 Pet. 5:3. They must watch over the flock. Here we see the title bishop or overseer applied to the same men previously called elders, v.17. How did the Holy Spirit make them bishops? The elders are to supply the spiritual food to the flock. Since each Christian is purchased with Christ's blood, 1 Cor. 6:20, then the whole church is so purchased.
v.29 Paul continues his figure of the church as a flock of sheep. Wolves are false teachers ( compare Jesus' description Mt. 7:15) threatening the church from the outside.
v.30 Elders of the church would begin to teach false doctrine. In later times we see that Gnosticism gains a foothold in Ephesus, Rev. 2:2.
v.31 To watch carefully is one phase of the elders' work. Paul emphasizes the extent of his warnings by mentioning the time he spent in Ephesus as well as the emotional aspect of shedding tears over the matter. Three duties of elders: feed, rule and watch. Heb. 13:17
v.32 The gospel is referred to as "the word of his grace." The truth of these words are what sanctify or set apart a person from the world, Jn. 17:17.
v.33 Paul did not preach to obtain earthly possessions. Some felt that Paul was raising the collection for himself and not for the needy of Judea.
v.34 Paul's proof was evident to these men, he had worked with his hands in Ephesus, to support himself and others, 1 Cor. 4:12; 1 Cor. 9:12,15
v.35 He set this example before the brethren, that they should work. Where is this quote of Jesus to be found?
v.36 To bring his address to a close, Paul prays with the elders.
v.37 The emotions expressed in this verse are clear to see and understand. The meaning of "brother'" is evident in this demonstration of love, the outward signs of agape.
v.38 They were most sorrowful that Paul would not be returning to Ephesus.
L. The Journey from Miletus to Caesarea, (21:1-9)
v.1 Miletus to the island of Cos- 40 miles, Cos to Rhodes- 50 miles, Patara- east of Rhodes.
v.2 Phoenicia is on the eastern shore of the Great Sea, northwest of Palestine. The company still had 400 miles to travel.
v.3 The course took them south of Cyprus and on to Tyre. Patara to Tyre- 350 miles.
v.4 Since the ship was unloading cargo, the company searched out disciples in Tyre. The brethren there warned Paul concerning the "evil that would befall him" if he went to Jerusalem.
v.5,6 The congregation escorted the company back to the ship and joined with them in prayer.
v.7 Tyre to Ptolemais- 30 miles south, a congregation was located here.
v.8 Caesarea was the home of Philip the evangelist. This is the earliest use of the word evangelist in the N.T. (see also Eph. 4:11, 2 Tim. 4:5). "One of the seven" pinpoints Philip as a member of the group chosen in Acts 8 and distinguishes him from Philip the apostle.
v.9 Philip's daughters had the gift of prophecy, See Joel 2:28,29; Acts 2:17.18.