Acts 20:13–38: Overseers of the Flock
Introduction
The letters of Paul provide tremendous pastoral insights, especially the so-called “Pastoral Epistles” of 1, 2 Timothy and Titus. Yet, perhaps no passage in the New Testament is more pastorally poignant than Acts 20:13–38, when Paul gathers the elders from Ephesus to speak to them one final time before departing to Jerusalem. Paul knew that he would never see these men again, and he knew that great suffering and possibly even death awaited him in Jerusalem. In a manner characteristic of his entire ministry among the Ephesians, Paul poured out his heart and soul to these brothers to equip them to lead the church in his absence. As Paul summarizes his heart for ministry in the church, he emphasizes that elders must care for the church that God obtained with his own blood.
Discussion Questions
1. Where had Paul intended to remain until Pentecost (1 Cor. 16:8)? Where did Paul ultimately seek to be on Pentecost (v. 16)? Whom does Paul summon to meet him at Miletus (v. 17)? How far was it from Ephesus to Miletus? What does Paul talk about in the first section of his speech to the Ephesian elders (vv. 18–27)? In that first section, why does Paul emphasize the “humility” and “tears” that he shed during his time with them (v. 19)?
2. How does Paul characterize the faithfulness of his ministry among the Ephesians (vv. 20–21)? What is the scope of what he taught the people? What is the range of places where he taught the people? Do the words “repentance” and “faith” sufficiently summarize the message of his ministry comprehensively (v. 21)? What has the Holy Spirit intimated to Paul about what he will encounter in Jerusalem (vv. 22–24)?
3. Why does Paul say that he is innocent of the blood of the Ephesians (vv. 26–27; cf. Ezek. 3:16–21; 33:1–9)? In light of Paul’s example, what does Paul want the Ephesian elders to do in their own ministry (v. 28)? In what sense can we say that the church “of God” was obtained by “his [i.e., God’s] own blood” (v. 28)? Who are the “wolves” who will not spare the flock after Paul’s departure (vv. 29–30)? What is the remedy for protecting the flock (v. 31)?
4. What does Paul mean by the “inheritance” that the saints stand to gain (v. 32)? How does that inheritance contrast with the material possessions that Paul did not covet among the Ephesians (v. 33)? How can Paul say that it is more blessed to give than to receive (v. 35)? In this speech, what stands out to you most? What do you learn about the heart of a true pastor? What do you learn about the heart of Christ for his people?
