Weeping of Paul's Beloved

Weeping of Paul's Beloved – Acts 20:25-38 If they did anything strong to Paul, it would be a farewell forever from the people of Ephesus. A goodbye, a hug, a look, a half-smile... and the silence of "I'm leaving and I won't see you anymore"; the cries of Paul's beloved. The violent pain was for Paul. What would happen after my departure? He would give them great entrustments, but he had to know that nothing was under his struggle, now was their day: to fight and win.

I. He appeals to their conscience as to integrity.

A. With integrity he had fulfilled his mission.

1. They are not to see his face again (25).

2. Paul was sure that he would never see his beloved brethren of Ephesus again, but his conscience was clear when he left them, for he knew that he had not shunned to announce to them "the whole counsel of God."

3. He is not responsible for the downfall of anyone.

4. (26) That he is not liable for the loss of any.

5. "Cleansed of everyone's blood."

6. The ministers of God to faithfully fulfill their mission as watchman of the flock; believers should not dismiss the exhortations and admonitions of their pastors.

7. Paul gives them: I "protest" to you today that I am clean from the blood of all; no one has been shunned from proclaiming to you the whole counsel of God; a solemn declaration of opinion and generally of difference and this does not affect the preaching by the opinions of law or grace.

8. Paul says, "I am clean from the blood of all."

9. (27) His conscience was clear as he left them, for he knew that he had not shunned to announce to them "the whole counsel of God."

10. He had instructed them not only in the fundamental truths of the gospel, but also in all the truths vital to the life of piety (a virtue that inspires, for the love of God, tender devotion to holy things and for love of neighbor, love, acts of compassion).

11. (28) Because he would never see them again on earth, he gave a solemn charge to the elders that they should first of all "look" for their own spiritual condition: to watch over themselves.

12. If they did not "live in fellowship" with the Lord, they could not expect to "be spiritual guides" in the church.

13. Their function as elders was to "look upon the whole flock" in which "the Holy Spirit" had "appointed them as overseers."

14. As we have already mentioned, the "overseers" in the New Testament are also called bishops, elders.

15. (29-30) Paul was well aware that "after his departure," the church would be attacked from within and without.

16. False teachers, "wolves" in sheep's clothing, would rapaciously attack the flock, showing no mercy.

17. From "within the communion," they would aspire to "positions of importance," "twisting" the truth and trying to "draw the disciples after them." (Take care, brother, maybe one of yours.)

18. (31) In the face of these impending dangers, the elders should be on their guard and "remember" that "for three years" the apostle had been warning them night and day... with tears.

19. (32) Paul's great resource now was to commend them to God and to the word of His grace.

20. It will be noted that he did not commend them to other human leaders or to supposed successors of the apostles.

21. No, but he committed them to God and the Word.

22. Here we have an eloquent testimony of the sufficiency of inspired Scripture.

23. It is she who has the power to build up believers, and to give them an inheritance with all those who are sanctified.

24. (33-35) In concluding his message, the apostle Paul once again sets before the elders the example of his own life and ministry.

25. He could tell them in all sincerity that "I have coveted no silver, gold, or clothing."

26. It was not the hope of "financial gain" that had motivated him in the Lord's work.

27. He was basically poor as far as material things were concerned, but he was rich with God.

28. Stretching out his hands toward them, he was able to remind them that those "hands" had worked to provide for what was necessary for life, both for himself and for "those who" were with him.

29. But he went beyond all this.

30. He worked as a tent maker to have the means to help "the needy", the physically sick or weak in spiritual matters.

31. The elders were to remember these things, and to seek the good of others on all occasions, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

32. Interestingly, these words of our Lord are not found in any of the Gospels. (Read Galatians 1:11-12)

33. They do represent the sum of many of His teachings, but here they are given as an inspired addition to His words recorded in the Gospels.

34. (36-38) At the end of his message, Paul "fell on his knees" and prayed with all the elders.

35. For them it was a time of great sadness.

36. They showed their affection "for the beloved apostle by throwing themselves on his neck and kissing him".

37. What particularly saddened them was his declaration "that they would see his face no more."

38. With "sorrow" in their hearts, they accompanied him to the "ship, in which he was to go to Jerusalem." Amen