September 7, 2014
Morning Service

Acts 20:8-38

 

            Last Sunday morning we discussed why we worship on Sunday, the first day of the week.  We found, from the Scriptures, that we are free to choose whatever day we want as our day of assembly, and worship.  The most important thing is that we don’t criticize, or judge those that keep a different day than we do. 

            This morning we will finish chapter 20 of Acts.  We are with the Apostle Paul, and his company.  Dr. Luke is writing this book, and he is with Paul on his travels.

 

Let’s begin:

 

Act 20:7  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.

Act 20:8-38  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. 

·         These disciples have recently been converted on one of Paul’s trips, and they are eager to learn more about Jesus.  Paul no doubt showing them by the Scriptures that this Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God.  Paul has a lot to say, realizing that he may never be back this way again.

·         We see Eutychus, fall from a window, and they believe him to be dead, or think he should be from distance of the fall.

(10)  And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.  (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. 

·         Whether this was a miracle or not we don’t know, but we know God is able to raise the dead if He wants too.   

·         Paul is not finished speaking yet.  They go till day break, and then he departs.

(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.  (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. 

·         Paul is doing his best to get back to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost.  We remember back in chapter two, Peter’s first sermon, that begin adding people to the Lord’s church, was on Pentecost.  All Jews that could possibly make this feast would.  From all over the world.  Paul no doubt longed to be able to preach Jesus to the crowds.

(17)  And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 

·         Remembering Paul spent much time in Ephesus, three years teaching the disciples.

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

(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.  (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.  (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.  (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.  (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.  (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.  (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.  (33)  I have 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.  (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.  (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.

·         These words paint a very sad picture.

1.       Paul reminds them of his faithfulness in teaching them what they needed to know, holding back nothing.  I am free from the blood of all men.

2.      Then tells them he knows trouble awaits him in Jerusalem.  It doesn’t matter he must finish his course of ministry that Jesus gave him.

3.      Then he gives a charge to the elders, reminding them that it was God who made them leaders of the church in Ephesus.  He tells them to feed the church, and warns them to watch out for false preachers, and teachers that will bring in false doctrines.  He said even among yourselves will men arise, and try to draw disciples unto themselves.  Beware of this, and watch.

4.      They don’t have the entire Bible as we do today.  They must remember, and use the Scriptures that Paul showed them, that pertained to Jesus being the Messiah.  Paul will soon write them a letter, from prison, and this will help them stay on the straight and narrow.  Being able to know the right doctrine to cling too.  When they receive this letter, it will begin formation of our Bible.  They will share their letter with other fellowships, and also hear what Paul had written to other fellowships.

5.      Paul reminds them that he wasn’t preaching the gospel for the money.

6.      He encourages them to work hard, and support the weak.  Reminding them of what Jesus said, “it is more blessed to give, than receive.”

7.      Then he kneels, and prays with them, they weep, because he told them they would not see him again.

A very sad picture.  We know that Paul finishes his course, and is beheaded for his faith in Christ.

Christians do have a special kind of love for everyone.  It’s the love of God in our hearts.  We are not instructed to kill anyone, but to love them.  Jesus said, “they will know you are My disciples if you have love one for another.”  He showed us how to love, and told us what true love was, Joh 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

Almighty God, create in us the desire to have the love you want us to have.