Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 49-50; Acts 20
Devotional Thought:
After the uproar in chapter 19, Paul left Ephesus and headed toward Macedonia and Achaia. He wanted to meet Titus at Troas and get a report on the myriad of problems addressed in Corinth, but Titus was not able to meet him. When the men were finally able to meet, they rejoiced in the growth, changes, and maturity that had been produced in the church of Corinth. Paul had originally planned to make two visits to Corinth, but instead he made this one visit that lasted three months (vs. 3). During this three month visit is when Paul wrote his Epistle to the Romans. Paul desired to visit the churches God had used him to start and to encourage and strengthen the saints so that they might remain faithful to the Lord and be effective in their witness for the Lord. Learning of a Jewish plot to kill him at sea, Paul changed his plans and instead of sailing from Corinth, he traveled by foot through Achaia and Macedonia, sailing from Philippi to Troas. The ministry certainly has its surprises and Paul teaches us of the need to be flexible in the ministry. Verse seven has been a “go-to” verse for pastors who have members who complain about how long they preach. “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.” Eutychus was no different than some in our Baptist churches and “…as Paul was long preaching…” he fell into a deep sleep and tumbled from the third loft and died. The moral of this story is to be thankful our pews at Faith Baptist Church are only eighteen inches high. J Paul was used to raise him up from the dead and then they talked until morning. Paul takes time between the Passover and Pentecost to call the elders from Ephesus together to challenge them regarding his ministry to them. He encourages them to be serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and through trials. (vs. 19) Paul encourages the pastors to be faithful to share the gospel and promote the program of God even though they had no idea of what the future held for them. Paul knew it was the will of God for him to go to Jerusalem, even though there were so many who sought to kill him. The potential of danger or death did not discourage Paul from faithfully doing the will of God. The thing that motivated this great apostle was finishing the job with joy and being found faithful to his calling. (vs. 24) He concludes his challenge to these preachers by challenging them to beware of false teachers and the danger that false doctrine poses to the flock. Paul prays with these men, cries with these men, and loved on these men knowing he would see them no more. What a blessing godly men are in our lives. What a blessing to witness, in this chapter, the unity and love Paul had with his preacher boys. What a challenge to all of us to be developing disciples who will continue the work after we are gone.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to strive to make a difference. I desire to be an example for which people can follow. Please help me to motivate people to grow in grace and to strive to help others do the same.
• Lord, thank you for your grace that is available and sufficient. Even though we do not know the trials that lie ahead, you are fully aware of them and will use them for our good and your glory.
• Lord, please help me to be actively discipling the next generation to stay faithful and true to the word of God.