Acts (18)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

The video for lesson 18 is the same as for lesson 17. You can view it by clicking here (scroll down to Lesson 17).

Read and meditate on Acts 20.32-38.
Paul made it a policy never to be a financial burden to those among whom he ministered. He was willing to do whatever was needed to launch the ongoing work of Christ in some area, and to work at it until it became established.

For reflection
1.  Apparently in Ephesus, as in Corinth and elsewhere, Paul kept a day job to meet his financial needs and to provide for those he enlisted to work with him (v. 34). What might we learn from Paul’s example here about ways to launch new congregations in the ongoing work of the Lord?

2. What is the “inheritance among all those who are sanctified” which the Word of grace is able to provide for those who believe (v. 32)? How should knowing we have such an inheritance affect our daily walk with and work for the Lord?

3.  The Ephesians doubtless shared of their resources with him – we don’t see him chastising them as he did the Corinthians (1 Cor. 9) – but money was never an issue with Paul. Ministry was everything, and he worked hard at it; and he expected these elders to take up the baton and continue the race without missing a step. What did Paul want these shepherds to learn from his example (v. 35)? How does your church do this?

4.  Only the Word of God can sustain the ongoing work of Christ(v. 32), but He is pleased to prosecute that work through faithful men and women who devote themselves selflessly to guarding, nurturing, and building-up the Body of Christ. Meditate on 1 Timothy 3. What kind of shepherds should congregations be seeking to develop?

5.  Sure this would be difficult for those elders. But what about Paul? Christ had used him to bring these churches into being. He had trained these men, devoting many long hours to their preparation. He knew what lay ahead for them, both in the normal work of shepherding God’s flock and the dangers of spiritual warfare. How hard must this have been for him, to entrust his life’s work into the hands of men whose faces he would never see again? What might you do to help your pastor and elders (church leaders) identify, enlist, and train leaders for all aspects of your church’s life and ministry?

Summary
Shepherding is difficult and important work. You need the right people in place, and they need to follow the example and instruction of Paul and Jesus (1 Cor. 11.1; Jn. 10) concerning how to do this work. What Paul told the shepherds at Ephesus he doubtless told elders, pastors, and church leaders everywhere he went. How can you know when your church is being shepherded according to the teaching of Paul and Jesus?

Closing Prayer
Blessed be the LORD,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.
The LORD is their strength,
And He is the saving refuge of His anointed.
Save Your people,
And bless Your inheritance;
Shepherd them also,
And bear them up forever.

Psalm 28.6-9

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

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