By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
COMMIT
Acts 20:18–32
Truth Proclaimed (18–21)
As Paul headed back to Jerusalem, he met with the Ephesian elders to tell them farewell. In his address, he clearly communicated how he had lived his life in Ephesus and how he had preached the gospel clearly while there.
The fact that Paul mentions how he lived while with the Ephesians is important because it shows that those who love the Lord will live in ways that honor God. When we live as Jesus lived, it gives credence to our preaching of the gospel. John states that “the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6). Historically, Christians caring and having compassion for those around them has led to people accepting the gospel because they know it is not just empty words.
When Paul preached the gospel, he says he preached that people must turn to God in repentance and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was not concerned about gaining friends or hurting feelings; he preached the gospel without fear.
We need to allow the Holy Spirit to work through the gospel, which is why we have to preach the true gospel and not worry about what others may think.
Testimony of Grace (22–27)
In his address Paul states how he is never going to see them again and that prison and chains await him. Paul was set on preaching the gospel regardless of the cost. We also need to think about the cost of following Jesus. We are living in a time when it is not culturally acceptable to be a Christian in many areas of our society. It is easy to go along with the crowd and avoid ostracization, but Paul’s example shows us that it is more important to be obedient to God than to try to fit in with the world. As John says, “And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever” (1 John 2:17). Paul was set to do what God called him to do, and we need to do so as well. Whatever God calls us to do, we need to be diligent in carrying it out.
Be on Guard (28–32)
Paul finishes his address with a warning against false teachers. In the early church false teachers abounded, and it is no different today. It is important that we know what we believe so that we can be on guard against false teachings. With the easy access to the internet there are many false teachings available, but there are also many resources to combat bad doctrine.
From the teaching that if you have enough faith you won’t get sick to the belief that God will bless Christians with physical wealth, the number of heretical teachings seems to multiply each year. This shows us that we cannot leave the thinking and doctrine to our pastors, but each Christian ought to learn what he can to know when false teaching is being promulgated and to know how to respond.
The best way to be on guard is to know what the Scriptures say. False teachers will twist the Bible to suit their own needs, but if we are familiar with the entire Bible we can see when Scripture is being twisted.
It is easy to take one verse out of context, but it is difficult to do that with the entire Bible.
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