A Charge to the Elders

Acts 20:17-38

The Context of Acts 20

● Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

● Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem

Paul Reviewed His Past Ministry (20:18-21)

● properly executed Christian ministry is evident to and can be affirmed by others. ● properly executed Christian ministry encompasses the whole and not just the parts, which means by implication that faithfulness is as important as individual successes. ● properly executed Christian ministry is a duty.

● properly executed Christian ministry is marked by humility, that is, a lowliness of mind that places God and others above one’s self.

● properly executed Christian ministry is marked by tears, that is, a godly sorrow over false or inadequate beliefs regarding God, over the condition of the lost, and over the sin of God’s people, all things over which Paul sorrowed (Rom. 9:2-3;2 Cor. 2:4; Phil. 3:18).

● properly executed Christian ministry is marked by trials in that it will be resisted by the kingdom of Satan (Ac. 9:16; 14:19-20; 20:3; 2 Cor. 11:24, 26).

● properly executed Christian ministry does not cower or shrink back before opposition but faithfully follows through, in spite of opposition to it.

● properly executed Christian ministry is focused primarily upon the teaching of the Word of God in all and every opportunity.

● properly executed Christian ministry contains both a public ministry and intimate ministry to individuals and families.

● properly executed Christian ministry defends and proclaims the complete gospel of God, both repentance and faith.

Paul Identified His Present Situation and Resolve (20:22-27)

Paul Charged the Elders with Their duties and responsibilities (20:28-35)

1. A Commitment to Personal Holiness (20:28a)

● Self-examination

● Adjustment

● Accountability

2. A Commitment to Shepherding the Flock of God (20:28a-c)

● overseer (episkopos) superintendent, keeper, bishop

● shepherd pastor

3. A Commitment to Guard the Flock (20:29-31)

● alert be awake, keep awake

4. A Commitment to God and His Word (20:32)

5. A Commitment to Selflessness (20:33-35)