AFTER THE UPROAR HAD CEASED, PAUL CALLED THE DISCIPLES TO _HIMSELF,_ EMBRACED _THEM,_ AND DEPARTED TO GO TO MACEDONIA. 1. When the dust had settled from the riot at Ephesus it was time to move on. 2. Paul gave everyone a hug and headed toward Macedonia. This is the region of the Philippians and th... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW WHEN HE HAD GONE OVER THAT REGION AND ENCOURAGED THEM WITH MANY WORDS, HE CAME TO GREECE 1. Next Paul came into Greece itself. This is the area of Athens and Corinth. 2. There were many words of encouragement. 3. Paul was not assured that he would ever see these brethren again, so this was hi... [ Continue Reading ]
AND STAYED THREE MONTHS. AND WHEN THE JEWS PLOTTED AGAINST HIM AS HE WAS ABOUT TO SAIL TO SYRIA, HE DECIDED TO RETURN THROUGH MACEDONIA. 1. Paul stayed in Corinth about 3 months. 2. Same story - next verse. The Jews began to stir up trouble. There was a plot against Paul so he left. 3. His origin... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SOPATER OF BEREA ACCOMPANIED HIM TO ASIA-ALSO ARISTARCHUS AND SECUNDUS OF THE THESSALONIANS, AND GAIUS OF DERBE, AND TIMOTHY, AND TYCHICUS AND TROPHIMUS OF ASIA. 1. We are now introduced to several men who traveled with Paul. 1. SOPATER of Berea - also mentioned in Romans 16:21 2. ARISTARCHUS... [ Continue Reading ]
THESE MEN, GOING AHEAD, WAITED FOR US AT TROAS. 1. Notice the "us" - This shows that Luke is also part of this company. 2. There is a "we" in verse 6 that shows while others traveled ahead to meet Paul, Luke stayed with Paul to Troas.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT WE SAILED AWAY FROM PHILIPPI AFTER THE DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD, AND IN FIVE DAYS JOINED THEM AT TROAS, WHERE WE STAYED SEVEN DAYS. 1. Just after Passover (Feast of Unleavened Bread) Paul proceeds to travel on his way. 2. He is hoping to make it to Jerusalem for Pentecost. He has 50 days - not... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW ON THE FIRST _DAY_ OF THE WEEK, WHEN THE DISCIPLES CAME TOGETHER TO BREAK BREAD, PAUL, READY TO DEPART THE NEXT DAY, SPOKE TO THEM AND CONTINUED HIS MESSAGE UNTIL MIDNIGHT. 1. First day of the week - This is the same phrase in Matthew 28:1; John 20:19; 1 Corinthians 16:2 2. When the disciples... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE WERE MANY LAMPS IN THE UPPER ROOM WHERE THEY WERE GATHERED TOGETHER. 1. Because it was after dark - there were many oil lamps burning to provide the light for the church meeting. 2. Add to the heat from all the burning lamps, all the heat of many people gathered in a small space - and the re... [ Continue Reading ]
AND IN A WINDOW SAT A CERTAIN YOUNG MAN NAMED EUTYCHUS, WHO WAS SINKING INTO A DEEP SLEEP. HE WAS OVERCOME BY SLEEP; AND AS PAUL CONTINUED SPEAKING, HE FELL DOWN FROM THE THIRD STORY AND WAS TAKEN UP DEAD. 1. Eutychus - was a young man. Like many in church services today, he fell asleep. In fact Lu... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT PAUL WENT DOWN, FELL ON HIM, AND EMBRACING _HIM_ SAID, " DO NOT TROUBLE YOURSELVES, FOR HIS LIFE IS IN HIM. " 1. Paul assures those gathered around that all is going to be OK. 2. Some have suggested that this young man did not die. I disagree. He was taken up dead. This means he died. 3. Paul... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW WHEN HE HAD COME UP, HAD BROKEN BREAD AND EATEN, AND TALKED A LONG WHILE, EVEN TILL DAYBREAK, HE DEPARTED. 1. After the young man is raised from the dead, all returned to the meeting room. 2. They broke bread - ate, talked, and fellowshipped together until day break. 3. At daybreak Paul heade... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THEY BROUGHT THE YOUNG MAN IN ALIVE, AND THEY WERE NOT A LITTLE COMFORTED. 1. They brought the young man in ALIVE. He was dead, now he is alive. 2. The church is encouraged and comforted.... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN WE WENT AHEAD TO THE SHIP AND SAILED TO ASSOS, THERE INTENDING TO TAKE PAUL ON BOARD; FOR SO HE HAD GIVEN ORDERS, INTENDING HIMSELF TO GO ON FOOT. 1. Paul and Luke went to the ship and sailed to Assos. 2. Assos is an ancient city of Mysia. It was just a rest stop for Paul and Luke. 3. Luke a... [ Continue Reading ]
AND WHEN HE MET US AT ASSOS, WE TOOK HIM ON BOARD AND CAME TO MITYLENE. 1. Paul was finally convinced that going by ship was better. 2. All the men travel together to Mitylene.... [ Continue Reading ]
WE SAILED FROM THERE, AND THE NEXT _DAY_ CAME OPPOSITE CHIOS. THE FOLLOWING _DAY_ WE ARRIVED AT SAMOS AND STAYED AT TROGYLLIUM. THE NEXT _DAY_ WE CAME TO MILETUS. 1. In one day they came to Chios - an island about 5 miles off the mainland. 2. The next day they arrived in Samos - an island about 40... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR PAUL HAD DECIDED TO SAIL PAST EPHESUS, SO THAT HE WOULD NOT HAVE TO SPEND TIME IN ASIA; FOR HE WAS HURRYING TO BE AT JERUSALEM, IF POSSIBLE, ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST. 1. Paul was in a hurry. He decided not to stop at Ephesus. He knew that he could not just visit there overnight and move on. 2.... [ Continue Reading ]
FROM MILETUS HE SENT TO EPHESUS AND CALLED FOR THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH. 1. Paul sent to Ephesus and asked the elders to come see him. This was faster way to meet with them than to stop in Ephesus. 2. Elder is one of three terms for the office in the church. See my notes on verse 28.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND WHEN THEY HAD COME TO HIM, HE SAID TO THEM: " YOU KNOW, FROM THE FIRST DAY THAT I CAME TO ASIA, IN WHAT MANNER I ALWAYS LIVED AMONG YOU, 1. The elders from Ephesus arrived at Miletus. 2. Because Paul was in a hurry, the elders came with some haste. 3. Paul reminds them of his behavior while w... [ Continue Reading ]
SERVING THE LORD WITH ALL HUMILITY, WITH MANY TEARS AND TRIALS WHICH HAPPENED TO ME BY THE PLOTTING OF THE JEWS; 1. Humility - Being humble is easy to recognize in others and difficult to find in ourselves. Humility requires self-abasement. It is an attitude of lowliness of mind. 2. Many tears and... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW I KEPT BACK NOTHING THAT WAS HELPFUL, BUT PROCLAIMED IT TO YOU, AND TAUGHT YOU PUBLICLY AND FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE, 1. Paul was in Ephesus long enough to cover many subjects and teach in greater detail the will of God. Paul did not keep from them any topic that was useful and needed. 2. He procla... [ Continue Reading ]
TESTIFYING TO JEWS, AND ALSO TO GREEKS, REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD AND FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 1. The elders are reminded that they taught Jews and Greeks (Gentiles). 2. All were obedient to the same commands. Repent. Faith in Jesus Christ. There is not one set of commands for Jews and anot... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SEE, NOW I GO BOUND IN THE SPIRIT TO JERUSALEM, NOT KNOWING THE THINGS THAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME THERE, 1. Paul knew that he was going to face trouble when he arrived in Jerusalem. He was heavy hearted. He was feeling bound. 2. But he was still unsure what would happen when he got to Jerusalem.... [ Continue Reading ]
EXCEPT THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT TESTIFIES IN EVERY CITY, SAYING THAT CHAINS AND TRIBULATIONS AWAIT ME. 1. Paul knew that in every city there were enemies. There were jails, chains, beatings, and all kinds of tribulations that were ahead of him. 2. These things were discussed in Acts 9:15-16. Paul knew... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME; NOR DO I COUNT MY LIFE DEAR TO MYSELF, SO THAT I MAY FINISH MY RACE WITH JOY, AND THE MINISTRY WHICH I RECEIVED FROM THE LORD JESUS, TO TESTIFY TO THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD. 1. Knowing these things does not change Paul's decision or determination. Paul will no... [ Continue Reading ]
" AND INDEED, NOW I KNOW THAT YOU ALL, AMONG WHOM I HAVE GONE PREACHING THE KINGDOM OF GOD, WILL SEE MY FACE NO MORE. 1. Now it has been revealed to Paul that he will not be through Ephesus again. Paul knows that his life is about to make a dramatic change in direction. 2. He will not see these me... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE I TESTIFY TO YOU THIS DAY THAT I _AM_ INNOCENT OF THE BLOOD OF ALL _MEN._ 1. Paul has taken time to review his life and work. He has reflected on what he did and where he failed. 2. This statement is not boasting. Paul is saying that, while some will be lost, because they rejected the go... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR I HAVE NOT SHUNNED TO DECLARE TO YOU THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD. 1. Paul had taught them all that they needed to equip them for life and godliness. (Ephesians 1:3) 2. Paul taught them the whole counsel of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Acts 20:28 THEREFORE TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES AND TO ALL THE FLOCK, AMONG WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS MADE YOU OVERSEERS, TO SHEPHERD THE CHURCH OF GOD WHICH HE PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD. 1. Take heed to yourselves - The first obligation of any leader is to make sure their life is correct. One ca... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR I KNOW THIS, THAT AFTER MY DEPARTURE SAVAGE WOLVES WILL COME IN AMONG YOU, NOT SPARING THE FLOCK. 1. Sheep need food and water. They also need protection. There are wolves out there and the job of the shepherd is to be alert for the wolves and protect the sheep from such dangers. 2. However, i... [ Continue Reading ]
ALSO FROM AMONG YOURSELVES MEN WILL RISE UP, SPEAKING PERVERSE THINGS, TO DRAW AWAY THE DISCIPLES AFTER THEMSELVES. 1. Now the message becomes even more distressing and frightful. Paul says that some of the "wolves" will be from among the elders. They will not just look like the rest of the sheep i... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE WATCH, AND REMEMBER THAT FOR THREE YEARS I DID NOT CEASE TO WARN EVERYONE NIGHT AND DAY WITH TEARS. 1. Watch. Be alert. Always on guard. Diligent. Never let your guard down. 2. Paul did not stop warning during the three years he was in Ephesus. He warned them on a daily basis. 3. He war... [ Continue Reading ]
" SO NOW, BRETHREN, I COMMEND YOU TO GOD AND TO THE WORD OF HIS GRACE, WHICH IS ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP AND GIVE YOU AN INHERITANCE AMONG ALL THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED. 1. With news like he has just given these elders, what can be said to encourage them? 2. Commend you to God - Don't abandon your fait... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE COVETED NO ONE'S SILVER OR GOLD OR APPAREL. 1. Paul was not greedy. He was not in this work for the money. He did not send out letters seeking donations. 2. He did not seek to take - but to give. He did not charge for his work. He healed the sick, cast out demons, helped the lame, blind and... [ Continue Reading ]
YES, YOU YOURSELVES KNOW THAT THESE HANDS HAVE PROVIDED FOR MY NECESSITIES, AND FOR THOSE WHO WERE WITH ME. 1. The elders at Ephesus are aware that Paul often worked (making tents and perhaps other tasks) to provide for what he needed. 2. Rather than charge fees, Paul would rather work second shif... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE SHOWN YOU IN EVERY WAY, BY LABORING LIKE THIS, THAT YOU MUST SUPPORT THE WEAK. AND REMEMBER THE WORDS OF THE LORD JESUS, THAT HE SAID, ‘IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE. '" 1. Paul practiced what he preached. He cared for all with him. He taught that we must support the weak. 2. W... [ Continue Reading ]
AND WHEN HE HAD SAID THESE THINGS, HE KNELT DOWN AND PRAYED WITH THEM ALL. 1. Paul ends his speech to the Ephesian elders. He instructs. He warns. He encourages. 2. Now he kneels in prayer. 1. He prayed with them. 2. He prayed for them and the church at Ephesus. 3. He knelt in prayer. Years ago... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN THEY ALL WEPT FREELY, AND FELL ON PAUL ' S NECK AND KISSED HIM, 1. The elders wept. They understood the awesome task ahead of them. They also understood that Paul would not be returning to Ephesus. 2. They hugged him and kissed him. It was a sad farewell.... [ Continue Reading ]
SORROWING MOST OF ALL FOR THE WORDS WHICH HE SPOKE, THAT THEY WOULD SEE HIS FACE NO MORE. AND THEY ACCOMPANIED HIM TO THE SHIP. 1. Saddened that he was leaving. 2. They were sad for the warnings he issued. There was a real fear of the dangers the church would face. 3. Most of all, they were sadde... [ Continue Reading ]