Last Words

Northwest Gospel Church

Last Words

Acts 20:17-38

June 23, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 20:17–38

Acts 20:17-38 | Andrew Murch | The time has come for Paul to leave Ephesus; his heartfelt words reflect the difficulty of such a departure. Paul exhorts and comforts the Ephesian elders with truths from his own missionary experience and the hope that they all have. The mission of God will continue to move forward to transform the world around them!

More from The Acts of the Apostles: To the End I

Eutychus Lives

June 16, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 20:1–16

Acts 20:1-16 | Andrew Murch | Continuing from last week, the uproar in Ephesus has come to nothing. The mob does not take Paul to court, so it gives him time to plan his next move. He sends Titus to Corinth, which is where he longs to go next, but it has not been smooth sailing with that church. He has had a contentious relationship with them since his first letter and subsequent visit. He now sends Titus to test the waters to see where things are there. The report he receives from Titus is positive and so, while Paul is in Macedonia he writes the Corinthians a second time. Paul then journeys to Corinth where he stays for three months.

Ancient Wonder

June 9, 2024 • Nathan Noorlun • Acts 19:21–41

Acts 19:21-41 | Nathan Noorlun | Paul’s ministry in Ephesus is booming, but you know what’s not booming because of this, the sale of idols of Artemis or the worship of her in her temple in the city. A silversmith named Demetrius is none too happy about this. You see, all these people turning to “The Way” is hurting his bottom line. Since everyone is turning to Jesus, they are no longer turning to the little silver god on the dashboard of their chariots. One thing leads to another, and Paul and his companions are dragged through the streets amid a full-scale riot. How will the gospel fair against such deep-rooted and violent opposition?

True Truth

June 2, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 19:11–20

Acts 19:11-20 | Andrew Murch | Power is attractive. We see it all over our world today that those who have power attract a group of followers and groupies. Who doesn’t want to be able to walk into the hottest restaurant in town without a reservation and say, “Oh, I’m here with...” Paul’s ministry in Ephesus is on fire. People are being healed left and right! In fact, Paul doesn’t even have to be there, if something like a napkin or apron has touched Paul, they are enough to heal people that then touch these items. It’s a million Christmas miracles and it’s not even Christmas! There is no one in the area who is not aware of Paul and the power that he wields in the name of Jesus.