INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Paul’s Commitment To Ephesus
2. Paul’s Commission to Ephesus
3. Paul’s Character in Ephesus
Remarks.
1. This lesson outlines Paul’s farewell address to the elders of the Ephesian’s church who came in haste to see him before his journey to Jerusalem. These elders had traveled from Ephesus to Miletus some twenty miles away; just to see him and hear his words of encouragement before he began his last missionary journey. This journey would take him from Jerusalem unto Caesarea, and then ultimately unto Rome, to appear before the seat of Caesar.
2. First, Paul speaks of his commitment to the church in Ephesus while he was among them some 3 and ½ years. He reminds them of his work of preaching Christ and the grace of God among the Jews and Gentiles; and how God has granted them “repentance unto life, those that believed in Jesus.” He tells them also how he had “kept back nothing that was profitable to them; but taught them publically and from house to house.” He did not shirk his apostolic duties in declaring unto them “the whole counsel of God.” I would like to think the same has been true of our work among you here in Baton Rouge.
3. Secondly, he commissions them to be unwavering in faith and in their devotion to the church. He explains that the Holy Spirit “had made them overseers” or to see over the flock; and “to feed the church of God, which He had purchased with his own blood.” He warns them of pending invasion of “grievous wolves who would enter in among them not sparing the flock; and how even some of their own leaders would rise up speaking perverse things in order to draw away disciples after them.” I would like to think these are the things I reminded you of while I laboured here with you in Baton Rouge.
4. Lastly, he reminds them of his character (manner of life) while he was among them in Ephesus. “How he had coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.” He pointed out that there were times while there he had to “work with his own hands to provide for his necessities; as well as for those that laboured with him.” Working he says: “to support the weak and remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give then to receive.’” This farewell address ended with him and the elders on their knees and in solemn pray and in tears at the sea side. “Sorrying most of all at the words which he spake, that they would see his face no more.” It is my sincere prayer that God will grant Carolyn and I many opportunities to revisit you after our departure – that we may reflect in great joy of our time among you here in Baton Rouge. We shall surely miss you all just as these elders were going to miss the beloved Apostle Paul. With this, let’s notice what he says regarding his “commitment to the church at Ephesus.”
BODY OF LESSON
I PAUL’S COMMITMENT TO EPHESUS
A. He sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the Church. These elders, Acts 20:17; are also called bishops, Acts 20:28. By the presbyters or elders, here, we are to understand that these were men of authority in the church; they were bishops or overseers in their work. The words are used interchangeably in this office of service. I should note that they are the same person (elder or bishop), 1 Timothy 3:1-10; Titus 1:5-9.
1. One describes the person – the elder; the other describes their service (shepherd or tender of the flock) – the bishop. Those who were elders – were also overseers of the church of Christ. Paul did not have time to meet with them in Ephesus; he thought it best to have the leaders of the church, meet him at Miletus, that he might present unto them his farewell address.
2. He first reminded them of his “commitment” to them while he laboured among them in Ephesus. This is the city where the temple of the “great goddess Diana” was erected. A metropolitan like the city of New York is today, a place of banking, commerce and trade.
B. After what manner I have been with you. He describes what manner of person he was among them “from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.” For three years, and even more, you know what type a person I was among you at all time, Acts 19:1ff, Acts 20:31. “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,” verse 18.
1. This relates not only to his zealous and faithful performance of his Apostolic office, but also to his private walk among them as a Christian. He explains how careful he walked, which would permit him later to write in his letter to them: “I therefore the prisoner of the Lord beseech you brethren that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. With all ….,” Ephesians 4:1-3.
2. He then describes how they were to walk among each other; which he could ask – for it was this same spirit he manifested with them while in Ephesus. He could now ask of them to do – what he had done before them. That they walk in balance among the saint and in the world. Walk worthy of your 'calling and election." It is important that the saint's life be in accord with their calling into the grace of God.
C. Kept back nothing. Paul affirms that he had preached the gospel to the Jews and the Gentiles, fully and faithfully, amidst all hazards, declaring what he terms “the whole counsel of God,” verse 27. Testifying both to—Jews and—Greeks— preaching repentance toward God — and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He had begun his work in Ephesus among the Jews; and in this case, he had preached to them alone for about three months, Acts 19:8-10. Only leaving their synagogues when he found through their rebellion, and hardness of heart, he could not persuade them concerning the Lord Jesus. Luke writes: “When they opposed him (Paul) themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles,”Acts 18:6. This has been my only desire to preach the entire gospel of Christ while among you. I thank God there was no requirements laid upon me to withhold anything that would benefit and strengthen you as the children of God. Paul reminds them:
1. Like Ezekiel, I was a “watchman over the house to warned the wicked and to encourage the wayward,” Ezekiel 3:17-21. I have preached unto you the “whole counsel of God.” Like Paul: “Testifying the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24; Ephesians 2:8-9.
2. I dealth with the not so pleasant issues that face our brotherhood, in kindness and love. I dealt with the issues of marriage, divorce and remarriage, Matthew 19:9. I sought to remind you that we are also required to “accept” the “exceptions” of Jesus Christ. I wanted you to know that there is nothing that can keep you from the love of God and the kingdom of Christ, if you from a sincere heart obey the gospel of Christ. There is no sinner His grace cannot forgive. No person He will refuse if they are willing to accept his terms of pardon and forgiveness. He would say unto you as he did them long ago: “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30. Whosoever will! See Revelations 22:17.
3. I also made it clear that we are just as guilty of sin when we “bind where the Apostles have not bound; or loose where they have not loosed.” This was made abundantly clear when we taught you regarding the doctrines of days, diet and drink, in Romans 14:10-23.
4. I spoke where the bible speaks and I was silent where it was silent. To present “sound doctrine” or “healthy teaching,” Titus 2:1. Regarding the “unsearchable riches of Christ,” Ephesians 3:8.
D. I go bound in the spirit. Paul finds himself under a strong influence of the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem to complete his work. He knew there like elsewhere, “in every city where he proclaimed the Gospel, bonds and afflictions awaits him.” But he consoles them by saying: “none of these things move me,” verse 24.
1. I consider them as nothing – to me. Neither count I my life dear—I am not my own; my life and being are the Lord’s; he has called me to his service and this work. I act under his direction, and am not anxious about these issues. I’m not only willing to go to Jerusalem; but to die there in service for the name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 21:8-15.
2. I only desire to finish my course with joy—to complete the work of my ministerial office, the ministry which I have received of the Lord, with joy, verse 24a. And that is, to preach unto the Gentile nations “the manifold wisdom of God,” Ephesians 3:10. Nothing shall give me greater joy than to finish my course and to please and glorify God who had anointed me for this office. To the Galatians he wrote: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen…,” Galatians 1:15-16. To testify—of the gospel of the grace of God, verse 24b.
3. Contained in this gospel is: “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth to the Jews first and also unto the Greeks,” Romans 1:16. Ye all—shall see my face no more—here he informs them - that which he knows for certain; that they shall see his face no more. Herein lay the necessity for this meeting and for his Apostolic commission to these elders. As far as we know, Paul did revisit these parts, but not Miletus or Ephesus. His promise to Philippi, Philippians 1:25-27; 2:24; & Hebrews 13:19-23.
E. Finally, he tells them that he was pure from the blood of all men. If any man, Jew or Gentile, perish in his/her sins, their blood shall be upon them; for they alone shall bear their own perdition. I am blameless, because I have not shunned to declare; I have not suppressed or concealed anything, through fear or favor, that which was beneficial for their souls. This is the meaning of the original words, Gr: "hypostello oudeis symphero me" "kept back nothing that was profitable to you," Acts 20:20.
1. All the counsel of God. All that God has determined, planned and revealed concerning the salvation of mankind—the whole doctrine of Christ, repentance towards God, faith and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, I have declare them unto you.
2. I planted the church on a firm foundation, by declaring unto you the whole counsel of God, and that is: that the Lord Jesus, was not only the first messenger of this counsel, this plan, and gospel; but, He was in truth, the entire message of this counsel reveal to us throughout the scriptures, “i.e., the law of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms,” Luke 24:44-49; Hebrews 2:1-4.
3. He is the “Word” made flesh which “tabernacle among us” who was the originator of the plan – and the only means whereby the plan could have been accomplished, John 1:1-3, 14; 19:30.
4. Paul defines Christ's pre-incarnated state to the Philippian church, Philippians 2:5-11. Secondly, Paul gives them a commission.
II PAUL’S COMMISSION TO EPHESUS
A. Paul now turns his attention to them. Take heed therefore unto yourselves. Paul urges the leadership to take a self assessment. They cannot impose upon the flock of God, that which it they have not practiced themselves. They cannot teach what they have not performed themselves. They must be doers of the word; and not teachers only. Next, he turns to their Appointment. The Holy Ghost has made you overseers, verse 28. The Holy Spirit has appointed them bishops; over the flock of God.
1. This was a divine appointment. They are the ones who look over the spiritual state of the flock of God, and take care to lead them in and out, in fine pastures; they are the “episcopoi” or bishops. The office of a bishop is from God; only true pastors can fulfill this office: it is an office of great responsibility. Few there are who are called to fill it; and, of those who occupy this place of service, fewer still are they who discharge their duties, faithfully, 1 Corinthians 4:2.
2. There are, however, through the providence of God, bishops, who, while they are honored by the calling, are also a credit to their office. They are as Paul speaks elsewhere: “worthy of double honor.” “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine,” 1 Timothy 5:17.
3. The context of these scriptures clearly set forth these important facts regarding the elders or bishops:
a. The office of the bishops or elders are the same. Noticed "he called the elders,..." Acts 20:17, 28. That there was more than one bishop or elder.
b. There are "elders in every church." More than one! “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed,” Acts 14:23, Philippians 1:1.
c. There was always bishops or elders in every church and every city. “Ordain elders in every city." To Titus his son he states: “For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had ordered thee,” Titus 1:5. There was always a plurality of elders or bishops in the church or in the city. This was and is the New Testament pattern.
4. There was no mention of women elders or bishops in the text. The bible does not speak of women being “elders or bishops.” I know this is not a favorable subject to be mentioned here; yet it is the truth and therefore, necessary. “And from among your own selves (your own eldership) (notice what he says) shall men arise, speaking perverse (wicked and vicious) things, to draw away disciples after them,” verse 30. The instruction we have here and elsewhere mandates that the “bishop be a (man) and the husband of one wife,” 1 Timothy 3:1-2. Also, “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife…,” 1 Timothy 1:12. See also Titus 1:5, 6-9. I cannot see how these directive can apply to the woman. Can she be the husband of one wife? I think not. Maybe so in the world; but not in the church of Christ!
5. That bishop does not mean minister. Although a minister may be a bishop. That is, if he meets all the qualifications and characteristics outlined in the scriptures. And let me say one additional thing regarding these men and their relationships with the minister. They are not competing factions; but complementing functions for the work of the ministry. Paul writes: “And he (Christ) gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelist; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-12. They work together to evangelize the world and strengthening the body of Christ.
B. Then, he reminds them of their divine assignments. To feed the church of God. It is the leadership (elders) responsibility to “feed the church of God.” While watching over the church; part of their task is to “feed” “poimen” or tend, shepherd and teach the church regarding the faith.
1. If this is not done through their preaching and teaching; it must be done through a strong “oversight” “episkopos” of those who proclaim the gospel of Christ to the flock.
2. Peter urges that the elders are to: “Feed the flock of God which is among them, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away,” 1 Peter 5:2-4.
C. Their continued assignment was to watch out for grievous wolves. After my departing; Paul refers here, most likely, not so much to his death; but after his departure from among them and the end of his apostolic work and oversight. That evil and grievous wolves shall enter among them. Persons professing to be teachers; Judaizing Christians, who, instead of feeding the flock, would feed off of them, even to oppression and ruin of the church of Christ. Also of your own selves, he also notes wolves shall rise.
1. From out of your own assembly; your own office of service shall men arise, speaking perverse things, teaching for truth what is erroneous in itself, and perverse of the genuine doctrine of Christ. To what purpose: "to draw away disciples after themselves." To make schisms or rents in the church, in order to bring parties or sects to themselves. Therefore watch, and remember, he urges. The only way to fend off these attacks is to abide in the truth; to watch out for evil, and to keep in mind that ”form of doctrine” originally delivered, Jude 3. Unwatchfulness and forgetfulness are two grand inlets to apostasy and the church’s departure from the faith, 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
2. By the space of three years, I cease not to warn. I cease not to warn you night and day with tears. Leaders who watches are destine to weep over the sin and neglect of the sheep. Just like Jesus: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stoniest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not. Behold, your house is left desolate. For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord,” Matthew 23:37-39.
D. Then he grants them his Apostolic acclamation. "And now brethren, I commend you to God," Acts 20:32. Notice into whose hands he places them – into God’s hands. The sheep have been placed into their hands, the shepherd – the shepherds, have been place into the hands of God. As they watch over the church; God will watch over them. And to the word of His grace. It is with the word that will build them up; strengthen them and sustain them for their work. Don’t rely upon anything else; but the word of His grace; the grace of God.
E. Finally, he reminds them of this assurance. God would give unto them an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. In other words; your labour will not be in vain in the Lord, 1 Corinthians 15:58.
1. Peter reminds them also: “that when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away,” 1 Peter 5:4. Our inheritance is in heaven, 1 Peter 1:3-5.
2. Paul encourages all the saint to “set their affections on things above, and not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life s hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory,” Colossians 3:2-4. To the Ephesians he writes: “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:11-12.
3. My work and oversight is ending; I too encourage that you stand fast in the word and will of God. It will be through these you shall find your strength and assurance of your "inheritance among the saints." Finally, let's consider this character among the saints at Ephesus.
III PAUL’S CHARACTER IN EPHESUS
A. Finally, Paul directs his attention to his character while labouring in Ephesus. I have coveted no man’s gold, silver or apparel. This was a sure sign of the grievous wolves just mentioned in our lesson. He points out his character as opposed to those who would seek to make merchandise of the church. The grievous wolves, and the perverters of truth; would have nothing but their own interests in view; whereas the genuine servant of Christ neither coveted nor seek after worldly possessions. Paul’s account of his own disinterest in these things are very similar to that given by Samuel the prophet, in 1 Samuel 12:3-5.
1. After being anointed king, Saul spoke to the people saying: “Behold, here I am; witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: who ox have I taken? Or whose mule have I taken? Or who have I defrauded? Who have I oppressed? Or whose hand have I received a bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? And I will return it you. And they said, Thou has not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man’s hand.” I trust you can say the same of us this day: neither have I taken ought of any man’s hand – that it might blind mine eyes among you.
2. The Apostle Paul states: "These hands have ministered unto my necessities, and them that were with me," Acts 20:34. It was neither “a sin nor discredit” for the apostle to work with his hands to maintain himself, when the circumstances of the church were such that it could not support him. Still many eminent ministers of God are obliged to support themselves and their families, at least in part, in the same way, while steadfastly testifying of the gospel of the grace of God.
3. However, it may appear to my critics, I bear no reproach as your minister, to have supported myself and my own household as I preach Christ among you. I look forward to the day that I too may enjoy the fruit of my labour from the church: “Even as the Lord hath ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel,” 1 Corinthians 9:14. Paul was willing to work, until support arrived to him from the church at Philippi, Philippians 4:15-18.
B. I have showed you all things. The phrase is to be understood as, I was an example in deed and in teaching. "That it is more blessed to give than to receive," verse 35. That is, the giver is happy and rejoices in being able to give to those who need. Where our Lord spoke such is not found in the Gospels, but demonstrated in his giving to the world, 2 Corinthians 8:9. Paul’s mentioning of this truth is sufficient proof that such was stated and demonstrated by our Lord, though not recorded, John 21:24-25. The sentiment is worthy of Christ. A truly generous man, rejoices in every opportunity to do good, and is blessed having the means to give unto God out of a pure heart. Paul asks that we do likewise, 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
C. The leader and minister must be an ensample of faith, purity, service and godly living. He cannot be “given to filthy lucre” or accused of “womanizing.” His life must be above reproach, 1 Timothy 3:2-3; Titus 1:6-7.
1. One translation says: “the bishop should not be a womanizer.” “He should not behave flirtingly or in a sexually alluring manner.” Can I help here? And the church said: Amen. More ministers have been hurt by these two things. “Having their hands in the church’s treasury; and inappropriately handling the sisters.” Brethren, “keep thyself pure,” 1 Timothy 5:23. “Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed,” 2 Corinthians 6:3.
2. Many have destroyed their lives, ministries and families by not taking care to be above reproach in these two areas. I trust no one here could accuse me of either unto this day? I have neither coveted any man's gold, silver, apparel or their wives.
D. He kneeled down and prayed. Kneeling is the proper posture of a supplicant, it implies of ones humility and submission. Any one who prays to God should endeavor to seek the greatest measure of both, Micah 6:8. They fell on Paul’s neck; they leaned their heads against his shoulders, and kissed his neck, Acts 20:36-38. This was a true sign of godly affection one to the other, Romans 16:16. Men crying without shame or scorn, on the shoreline, is a sure sign of true love affection for this apostle. Even as our Lord Jesus Christ, they too will often weep sore, John 11:35.
E. Sorrying most of all, that they should see his face no more. This was a most solemn meeting, and a deeply moving and affectionate parting of the apostle from these elders. The man who had first pointed out to them the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom they had been brought into his grace and salvation, is now going away, in all likelihood, to be seen no more of them until the day in which the quick and dead shall stand before the throne of God.
1. Such a scene, and its corresponding feelings, is more easily imagined than described. Tenderness, compassion and sympathy are not inconsistent with the highest state of God’s leadership and ministers. Paul warned these leaders night and day with many tears. These leaders now weep sore at the departure of this beloved brother and Apostle.
2. Congregations that could allow its ministers to leave with indifference and without sadness, has either profited little under his ministry, or have fallen from the grace of God. The minister and leaders should love the church as a father his own children. They should minister to them as his own; and cause every member to feel themselves as one family in his presence. As they place them under the care and direction of that great Shepherd of the sheep, Jesus Christ our Lord.
3. A true sign that things have not went well for the minister or his ministry among the saints; is when the members choose to have a church barbeque after he leaves; in a quite celebration of his departure. Thank be to God, I have not experience such from this church. I will leave knowing and experiencing your true expression of love, kindness and thanksgiving for my labour and work among you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. For which I will always be truly grateful. As I conclude, let me solemnly review what we have discussed with you regarding "Paul's farewell to Ephesus."
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Paul’s Commitment To Ephesus
2. Paul’s Commission to Ephesus
3. Paul’s Character in Ephesus
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, Paul spoke of his commitment to the church in Ephesus while he was among them some 3 and ½ years. He reminded them of his work of preaching Christ and the grace of God among the Jews and Gentiles; and how God has granted them “repentance unto life, those that believed in Jesus.” He told them also how he had “kept back nothing that was profitable to them; but taught them publically and from house to house.” He did not shirk his apostolic duties in declaring unto them “the whole counsel of God.” I would like to think the same has been true of our work among you here in Baton Rouge.
2. Secondly, he gave a commission to the elders to be unwavering in faith and in their devotion to the church. He explained how the Holy Spirit “had made them overseers” to see over the flock; and “to feed the church of God, which He had purchased with his own blood.” He warned them of a pending invasion of “grievous wolves who would enter in among them not sparing the flock; and how even some of their own leaders would stand up speaking perverse things in order to draw away disciples after them.” I would like to think these are the things, I reminded you of; while I laboured here with you in Baton Rouge.
3. Lastly, he reminded them of his character (manner of life) while he was among them in Ephesus. “How he had coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.” He pointed out that there were times while there he had to “work with his own hands to provide for his necessities; as well as for those that laboured with him.” Working he says: “to support the weak and remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give then to receive.’” This farewell address ended with him and the elders on their knees and in solemn pray and in tears by the sea side. “Sorrying most of all at the words which he spake, that they would see his face no more.” It is my sincere prayer that God will grant Carolyn and I many opportunities to revisit you after our departure – which we may reflect with great joy of our time among you. We were truly blessed to have been in your company. And Howard, I appreciate you so very much; to have allowed me to share the pulpit with you without conflict or disagreement. This was a true sign of the unity of the faith among us. You gave us, "the right hand of fellowship." For all these things we (Carolyn and I) shall surely miss you all; just as these elders at Ephesus were going to miss the beloved Apostle Paul. Remember us in your prayers and in your hearts. Truly, we shall do the same for you always.
C. Invitation. Give the invitation for those outside the kingdom.
D. Motivation. Motivate all to obey and remain faithful to their “calling and election.” “Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
E. Persuasion. Persuade them in that it is high time to wake out of sleep; for surely our salvation is nearer that when we first believed. Today is the day of salvation. “The day you hear his voice; harden not you heart.”
