August 7, 2022
Evening Service

So far here in the Book of Acts, written by Dr. Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul, we have seen Peter use the keys of authority, given to him by Jesus in chapter 16 of Matt, to open the door of salvation to the Jews, chapter 2.  We have seen many good sermons, healings, and the installation of the deacons. We saw in chapter 7 Stephen stoned, and the church scattered. Philip going down through Samaria with a great revival.  Then in chapter 9 the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, to become the Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the gentiles. Then in chapter 10 Peter uses the keys of authority again to open the door to salvation to the gentiles, in the house of Cornelius the centurion.  In all the conversions we have seen a pattern of those being saved, heard the message, received the message, and were baptized in the authority of Jesus name, receiving a measure of the Holy Spirit to help guide them through this ole world.

NOW In chapter 19 we have left an uproar in Ephesus. Demetrius the silver smith was upset with Paul for preaching Jesus.  Demetrius was a maker of  this false goddess for monetary gain..

Paul in Macedonia and Greece

(Act 20:1)  After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. (Act 20:2)  Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece (Act 20:3)  and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. (Act 20:4)  And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. (Act 20:5)  These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. (Act 20:6)  But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Eutychus Raised from the Dead

(Act 20:7)  Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. (Act 20:8)  There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. (Act 20:9)  And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

 

(Act 20:10)  But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." (Act 20:11)  Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. (Act 20:12)  And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. (Act 20:13)  Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. (Act 20:14)  And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. (Act 20:15)  We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. (Act 20:16)  For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders

(Act 20:17)  From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. (Act 20:18)  And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, (Act 20:19)  serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; (Act 20:20)  how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, (Act 20:21)  testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Act 20:22)  And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, (Act 20:23)  except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. (Act 20:24)  But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Act 20:25)  "And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. (Act 20:26)  Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. (Act 20:27)  For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. (Act 20:28)  Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Act 20:29)  For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. (Act 20:30)  Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

 

(Act 20:31)  Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. (Act 20:32)  "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Act 20:33)  I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. (Act 20:34)  Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. (Act 20:35)  I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " (Act 20:36)  And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. (Act 20:37)  Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, (Act 20:38)  sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

 

And that concludes chapter 20.