Day 20: Ch.20. As we head for the final stretch in the Book of Acts, we find Paul’s sense of urgency growing. He is more concerned about completing God’s mission than he is Page of 4 9 for his own life.Pray for God to ignite a passion within us to go beyond our desire and to fulfill His will. Pray the church will awaken and feel the urgency in the Spirit for the lost.
JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 16
Acts 20
1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.
6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
13 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.
14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
19 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:
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
Paul was not afraid to pray. When it comes to prayer it seems most people get timid when it’s time to pray. Praying is not just for the elders or seasoned saints. God has made it so simple for us to get in touch with him. He’s even easier to reach then picking up your phone and calling someone. God doesn’t require you to dial any numbers. All you have to do is speak and a direct line of communication is opened between you and God. Let’s make prayer part of our daily life. The more we pray, the stronger we become.
33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
In closing his message, the Apostle Paul once again set before the elders the example of his own life and ministry. He could say in all honesty that he had covered no one’s silver or gold or apparel. It was not the hope of financial gain that motivated him in the work of the Lord. He was essentially a poor man, as far as meterían things were concerned, but he was rich toward God. Holding out his hands before them, he could remind them that those hands had labored to provide for the necessities of life both for himself and for those who were with him.
A.L.M.A.S.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Maintaining a daily devotion with the scriptures will build up our faith, and set us apart for service to the Lord.
Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.
Acts of the Apostles 20:31 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.20.31.NLT
Ministry and leadership is rewarding but not pretty. It’s hard work. Dedication when others don’t show up. Nights in prayer and tears, days of fasting for breakthroughs. Direction and guidance in the Lord for others. But I’m grateful for where God has us and the sacrifices of those God has placed over me.
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Acts of the Apostles 20:24 NLT
What a better way to put it, our lives have no or at least very little purpose compared to finishing the work that we are assigned to do by the Lord. No matter what auxiliary we serve in the church our job is to share the good news about the grace of God. It doesn’t matter what we are called to do, as long as God assigned us to do it. Our job is very simple and is just scattered out in different ways, we are to spread the gospel about the grace and salvation of Jesus Christ. There’s nothing better or more higher than being called by God to do that
“As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. “Don’t worry,” he said, “he’s alive!””
Acts of the Apostles 20:9-10 NLT
Thankful to have a man of God in my life. That when I fall and feel like I’m spiritually dead. He’s always there and says your alright, your alive, so get up and keep going. We need more spiritual leaders that are willing to take the time to pray, council, and lead us on our way to heaven. Thank you to all!
9. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. KJV
“Many a pastor has secretly prayed that slumbering congregants would fall out of their chairs. It might have been funny had he not died; instead, it was a scene of great horror. That is, until God used Paul to turn horror into celebration with a death-defying miracle. But the people were so enamored with Paul’s teaching about Jesus that they returned to their conversations, which continued until sunrise.“ – The Voice
Paul was many things in this chapter, from encouraging co-worker in this mission as we read in verses 1-2 (beginning) MSG “With things back to normal, Paul called the disciples together and encouraged them to keep up the good work in Ephesus. Then, saying his good-byes, he left for Macedonia. Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope.” GREATER encourager!
In the following verses, Paul becomes a wise decipherer knowing when to turn and stay away from trouble that could impede his journey as we read at the end of verses 2-3 MSG “Then he came to Greece and stayed on for three months. Just as he was about to sail for Syria, the Jews cooked up a plot against him. So he went the other way, by land back through Macedonia, and gave them the slip.” GREATER troubleshooter!
Then going on with his mission and the call the Lord had given him, leads Paul to miracles as we read in verses 10-12 MSG “10-12 Paul went down, stretched himself on him, and hugged him hard. “No more crying,” he said. “There’s life in him yet.” Then Paul got up and served the Master’s Supper. And went on telling stories of the faith until dawn! On that note, they left—Paul going one way, the congregation another, leading the boy off alive, and full of life themselves.” GREATER miracle-worker!
Even though hard times were ahead, Paul knew what had to be done as we read at the end of verse 24 MSG “What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.” GREATER messenger!
At the end of this chapter, Paul leaves with a warning and a prayer as he passes the baton in verses 28-32 MSG “Now it’s up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God’s people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for. “I know that as soon as I’m gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another. “Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.” GREATER charge!
Acts 20: 24-25 ( amp) But none of these things move, neither do I esteem my life dear to myself ,if onlyI may finish my course with joy,and the ministry which I have obtained of [ entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus,faithfully to attest the good news ( Gospel of God’s grace ,His unmerited favor,spiritual blessing and mercy.
Romans 1:17 For in the Gospel a righteous which God ascribes is revealed,both springing from faith and leading to faith disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith.
As it is written ,The man who through faith is just and unjust shall live and shall live by faith.
Nothing more important than working in God’s kingdom and winning a lost soul and share your passion to them.
Teaching them about Jesus.
To going and sharing your testimony to them.
With 0ut faith, Works is dead.
The joy of Lord is my strength, Put joy into there lives, and finished with Joy.
The Living Bible
vs-7
On Sunday , for we gathered for a communion service, with Paul preaching. And since he was leaving the next day, he talked until midnight.
(The first day of the week)
This is the first reference in Acts to the use of Sunday as a Christian day of worship.
( To break bread)
This is not sharing a meal but celebrating the Lord’s Supper
22-24 NLT ““And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
Paul’s main goal in his life now was to testify to as many people as possible about GOD’s kingdom Irregardless of what awaited him.
2 Timothy 4:7 KJV I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him. When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.”
Acts of the Apostles 20:17-21 NLT
One of the things I need to be constantly asking myself is: What kind of an example am I leaving for my kids and others to follow? I need to be on guard for anything that will keep me from following God’s will.
Acts 20:20-21 (NLT)
20) I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.
21) I have had ONE MESSAGE for Jews and Greeks alike – the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
“ONE MESSAGE”
There is only ONE MESSAGE, and it is the Same MESSAGE for all mankind – to REPENT, be BAPTIZED in JESUS name for the remission of sins, and be filled with the HOLY GHOST, and have FAITH in JESUS.
Whether talking to someone in public or teaching a Home Bible Study, we should never shrink back from telling people what they need to hear – that ONE MESSAGE, the Plan of Salvation.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
We are in the last days and more than ever before Satan is trying to tear down the church. We must have a relationship with God and to know his word and direction of God.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Not my will, but God’s will. Jesus gave His life for our sins, the least we could offer is our life for His Kingdom, His gospel, so that all might be saved!
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
We have a Pastor that follows God and we must follow him as he follows the Lord. Do we want to leave and take others with us – following our own leading and pride – or wait on the Lord to send us if that is his will. We are too close to the coming of Jesus to leave the church, no matter the reason.
The Kingdom of Heaven is GREATER
Wow! Paul was definitely a long winded preacher! He preached until a lil feller fell from the balcony. Paul wasn’t all too worried about the commotion though, He prayed for lad and his life is restored. After this incident report was filed, Paul then proceeded to inform his friends they would never see him again. Wow!
GREATER
COMMITMENT
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
The apostle places the salvation of those he taught, directly on them. Being faced with death, in parting words, the apostle reminded them that he had taught them everything he learned. From the New Birth salvation experience, to the warnings, rebukes, corrections and exhortations from the GOSPEL of JESUS.
I pray that over these 40 Days as we scale the Mountain of challenges, obstacles and pressure that we arrive at the MOUNTAIN TOP with a GREATER COMMITMENT to JESUS and HIS Kingdom with a burden to declare all the counsel of GOD.
As a minister of the GOSPEL and a shepherd of the People, I accepted great responsibility for the salvation of souls. Prayer, Fasting and Burdens are the constant labors of a shepherd. I have made COMMITMENT to JESUS to decalre all the counsel of GOD.
BUT.
It doesnt stop there, my heart passions for REVIVAL of every soul I meet, I am COMMITTED to share the GOSPEL of JESUS with all that will hear. Then each of us must make choice with how we respond. As the apostle declared:
GNT
25 “I have gone about among all of you, preaching the Kingdom of God. And now I know that none of you will ever see me again. 26 So I solemnly declare to you this very day: if any of you should be lost, I am not responsible. 27 For I have not held back from announcing to you the whole purpose of God.
This confirms the message of Peter at Pentecost:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Make COMMMITMENT to SAVE YOURSELF!
iRepent
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iLive
iGive
iReap
iGo
iBlessYouInTheNameOfTheLordJESUS
iSee a REVIVAL and HARVEST building that is GREATER than anything I have ever seen coming to The POFW.
Acts20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
I Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the price? The one, So run, that ye may obtain……
Keep running the race!
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?….
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Hallelujah!
Thank You Jesus!
“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:”
Acts 20:19 KJV
We’re not the only ones that have gone through something. Jesus allowed the testing of faith to every believer. You’re mind has got to be made up no matter the circumstances you’re gonna serve the Lord in every position of life. God is greater than the highs and the lows G>🔼🔽
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Paul gave it his all. There was nothing that came his way that caused him to detour from the will of God for his life
We must have that same assurance, our face must be set like a flint and we must not allow things of this world, or situations that come our way to detour us from our mission.
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35 KJV
We serve, we give, we pray, we praise, we worship.
But serving comes from the heart because true love has allowed us to give with the same measure we’ve even given.
Share His love today with someone in need. You just never know, it just might spark life within.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
John 13:34-35 KJV
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
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There have been those in the church that disagree with the pastor and the ways of the church, they spread lies and not only do they leave but they take others with them. This is not the way of God, if we have an issue we need to take it straight to the Pastor, instead of spreading rumors and causing a division, Jesus gave us a man of God to unite all and correct what might be a problem in the church. So pray, communicate, pray some more and keep peace in the body of Christ.
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35 I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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We all love to receive, it is wonderful to be given a gift. But, do we realize that God has given us gifts also. He first of all gave us the gift of Salvation and the fulfilling of the Holy Ghost. We are to share that gift by telling others so that they too can receive. He has given us the gift of a talent or more, are we using that talent to serve Him. He has given us gifts of a job to make money, this is not only for our benefit, but to help out those in need. It is better to give than to receive. We are blessed when we give to others, than we are giving back to God. I thank God every day for the wonderful blessings that He has given me, so I can be a blessing to others in need.. Thank you Jesus.
16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost. He sent word from Miletus to Ephesus for the elders to meet him in Miletus. The elders traveled 36 miles to meet with Paul. This was the last time they would see Paul. Paul talked to them about many things. He had preached the whole gospel to them. He was not afraid to go to Jerusalem being led by the spirit even though he had been warned many times that danger awaited him there. As an apostle he was concerned about the church in Ephesus. He warned the elders that wolves would come and try to destroy the church. He commended them to God and left. 30 0r 40 years later Jesus sends a letter through John to Ephesus that even though they were strong in some areas, they had left their first love. God help us to preserve our first love.
Thank you Jesus!!!
Acts of the Apostles 20:35
And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
We need to help those in need. Like an ear to listen and telling people about Jesus and how much he loves them. We can be a light in the darkness like Jesus. Jesus is the light of the world.
Greater
Purchased by God
v28Take heed therefore unto yourselves , and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
God designed His church and paid the price with His precious blood to bring it into existence. He has solidly planted it upon an unshakable foundation..
Lord help us ….”unshakably commit our lives to Your doctrines of truth.”
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
The brothers of Troas in di receive the preaching of Paul with all readiness of their hearts. After they saw the great miracle of the young man’s resurrection they don’t won’t let him go he heavily warns them about false preachers teaching a counterfeit of the real Jesus gospel. witch he cal in the second of Tesalonians the man of sin the men of perdition. the loneliness.
Paul explained to us that through the HOLY GOST GOD MADE US OVERSEERS
THEREFORE WE CAN IDENTIFY THESE DECEIVERS.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Paul said watch, these words night and day are the very same words the Luter spoke before he nails the 95 theses in Wittenberg Luter said.
‘DAY AND NIGHT MY HARTH IS BURNING THE JUST SURE LIVED BY CHRISTOS FAITH’
“for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.”
Acts of the Apostles 20:27 NLT
The only thing to fear is God. Not things of this world or the thoughts of others!
Proverbs 16:1 – The preparations of the heart in man , and the answer of the tongue , is from the LORD .
04633
TWOT – 1694c
מַעֲרָךְ ma`arak
Noun Masculine mah-ar-awk’
from (06186)
from ; an arrangement, i.e. (figuratively) mental disposition:–preparation.
arrangement, plan, preparation
Wow!!! I’ve never seen this before!!! Plans are from the Lord (at least good ones)
That word “preparation” is defined above as a plan !!! Boom
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Thank you Jesus for people like Paul who laid down the foundation of how to spread the Gospel. Paul never stopped and he ministered with love and Joy in his heart.
20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. NIV
There’s so much to learn about God and His word, we need to have an open spirit and heart and listen to what God has to tell us!
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
I pray that the joy I feel in my heart when I serve at church not only stays where it is but continues to grow. Thank you Jesus!!
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
The apostle Paul was grieved of knowing that the Spirit of deception will arise from the inside,from them: After his departure.
He told them watch, not be deceived.The Lord Jesus mentioned the same in Matthew 24 Take heed that no Man deceive you. He mentioned that in the same chapter several times. That means is an important matter.
Our prayer that The Lord gives us understanding of his word, and his Spirit lead us to Him.
This verse of the Bible comforts my soul:
Psal 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path. Aleluya,
I love POFW LIVE JESUS GIVE JESUS2 GREATER! 32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Thank you Jesus for your love and kindness. Thank you for grace and mercy.
9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
Radically Apostolic Prayer
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Many times we miss it, we might do the public “teaching “, but too many times we miss the house to house teaching. We have to go house to house. We cannot miss it. We learn more about people, and they see us more as people, and not some fake Sunday suit and tie hypocrite.
7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
It was late, yet Paul was on a Mission. I have often sat up late talking to friends and fell asleep like the man. I did not fall asleep out of interest but out of purely being tired because it was late. what a great example Paul was he wants frustrated that he talked about him and left him lying there. paul took the time to meet his need and revive him.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
There is a strong bond that is built when people teach bible studies in someone’s house.
5 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
It is more blessed than to receive. Paul asks to remember the words of our Lord Jesus. Truly, the only way that we can experience this type of blessing is to give. To meet a need, to give a gift. It is more blessed to give than to receive, this perhaps is referring to serving as well for in there you are giving out of yourself, time talents, and of course treasure. God can use you to bless others, but will definitely be blessed as well in the end.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
God help me to grab hold on this and remember always that we should support the weak and tell them about you, and how they can have life everlasting in you and how you can provide and bless them, but also that we remember that it is more blessed to give to others than receive from others. Jesus thank you for leading us.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
19 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:
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
I would like this outlook to be said of my life in the end as well, “. . . Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, . . .” Serving the Lord in all humility. As I serve there have been times where I have had to take a step back and examine myself. Think to myself, what could or should I have done differently? What should have I had changed to fully serve humbly to Him. Was it for His Will or did I overstep? We were put in this earth to make a decision to serve Him. I choose everyday to serve the One and Only. What do you choose?
nd upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. Could you imagine pastor preaching till midnight I sure would like to see what God would do
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
We need to know what we are fighting for and stick with it and be grateful and cheerful because we’re doing the work of God.
33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
These things are not worth our energy or.time!!! They are not worth our salvation!!! They keep us distracted!!! They are just material, goods.. we need to let our speech be more of JESUS and not about things…….
“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”
Acts 20:27 KJV
A prayer we should all aim to be able to say – That I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. I pray we live and give Jesus everywhere we go!
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ””
Acts 20:35 NIV
When we serve in our ministries or on outreach witnessing we won’t always receive things back in return. All we know is that the seed is planted and that it will grow. We don’t always have to be in the spotlight. In the end what we are doing in the kingdom of god is to glorify his name and not us.
“”Keep watch over yourselves. Keep watch over all the believers. The Holy Spirit has made you leaders over them. Be shepherds of God’s church. He bought it with his own blood.”
Acts 20:28 NIRV
In today’s reading, it was as if I could hear it being said straight from Paul’s mouth. This verse is felt deep within me. What I message from Paul to the ministry. God has made us leaders over them. We are made to be shepherds!
SHEPHERD – 7462 – ra`ah – to pasture, tend, graze, feed
1) to tend, pasture
a) to shepherd
b) of ruler, teacher (fig)
c) of people as flock (fig)
d) shepherd, herdsman (subst)
2) to feed,
a) of cows, sheep etc (literal)
b) of idolater, Israel as flock (fig)
b) (Hiphil) shepherd, shepherdess
2) to associate with, be a friend of (meaning probable)
a) (Qal) to associate with
b) (Hithpael) to be companions
3) (Piel) to be a special friend
It’s jumps out with neon lights flashing BE A FRIEND OF, TO ASSOCIATE WITH, TO BE A SPECIAL FRIEND.
A spiritual friend listens without judging, gets under your load to share its weight, keeps your confidences, recalls how you have made it through other tough times and reminds you that God is in control. Such was the friendship of David and Jonathan. Serve Gods flock because you want to us serving from the heart.
“Be shepherds of God’s flock, the believers who are under your care. Serve as their leaders. Don’t serve them because you have to. Instead, do it because you want to. That’s what God wants you to do. Don’t do it because you want to get more and more money. Do it because you really want to serve. Don’t act as if you were a ruler over those who are under your care. Instead, be examples to the flock.”
1 Peter 5:2-3 NIRV
28 Take care and be on guard for yourselves and for the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd (tend, feed, guide) the church of God which He bought with His own blood. 29 I know that after I am gone, [false teachers like] ferocious wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; AMP
Unfortunately there are wolves amongst us all. Usually the ones closest to us will hurt us the most. Make sure we are guarding our hearts and staying close to our shepherd. When the wolf is revealed you will not be devoured. YOU will be protected.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not
When Paul arrived in Rome, he was put under house arrest. He was able to call for the Jews and speak to them. They hadn’t heard from the Jews in Judea, so they were friendly and let Paul speak to them. Some of them believed and some didn’t. Paul mentioned their blindness and said the gospel would be preached among the Gentiles. Paul preached the gospel to all people, but he would rather go to people who were most receptive.