Paul's Farewell To Ephesus Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Paul’s Commitment To Ephesus

2. Paul’s Commission to Ephesus

3. Paul’s Character in Ephesus

Introductory Remarks.

1. This lesson outlines Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian church elders who came in haste to see him before his journey to Jerusalem. These elders had traveled from Ephesus to Miletus, some twenty miles away, to see him and hear his words of encouragement before he began his last missionary journey. This journey would take him from Jerusalem to Caesarea and then ultimately to Rome to appear before the seat of Caesar.

2. Paul speaks of his commitment to the church in Ephesus while he was among them some three and ½ years. He reminds them of his work of preaching Christ and the grace of God among the Jews and Gentiles and how God has granted them “repentance unto life, those that believed in Jesus.” He also tells them he had “kept nothing profitable to them; but taught them publicly and from house to house.” He did not forget his apostolic duties in declaring “the whole counsel of God unto them.” I think the same has been true of our work among you here in Baton Rouge.

3. Secondly, he commissions them to be unwavering in faith and devotion to the church. He explains that the Holy Spirit “had made them overseers” or to see over the flock and “to feed the church of God, which He had purchased with his blood.” He warns them of the pending invasion of “grievous wolves who would enter among them not sparing the flock; and how even some of their leaders would rise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.” I want to think these are the things I reminded you of while I labored here with you in Baton Rouge.

4. Lastly, he reminds them of his character (manner of life) while he was among them in Ephesus. “How he had coveted no man’s silver, gold, or apparel.” He pointed out that there were times while there he had to “work with his own hands to provide for his necessities, as well as for those that labored with him.” Working, he says: “to support the weak and remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” This farewell address ended with him and the elders on their knees, solemn praying and tears at the seaside. “Sorry, most of all, for the words which he spake; they would see his face no more.” I sincerely pray that God will grant Carolyn and me many opportunities to revisit you after our departure to reflect on the great joy of our time among you here in Baton Rouge. We shall surely miss you all, just as these elders were going to miss the beloved Apostle Paul. Let’s notice what he says regarding his “commitment to the church at Ephesus.”

BODY OF LESSON

I PAUL’S COMMITMENT TO EPHESUS

A. He sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the Church. These elders, Acts 20:17; are also called bishops, Acts 20:28. By the presbyters or elders, here, we are to understand that these were men of authority in the church; they were bishops or overseers in their work. The words are used interchangeably in this office of service. I should note that they are the same person (elder or bishop), 1 Timothy 3:1-10; Titus 1:5-9.

1. One describes the person—the elder; the other describes their service (shepherd or tender of the flock)—the bishop. Those who were elders were also overseers of the Church of Christ. Paul did not have time to meet with them in Ephesus; he thought it best to have the church leaders meet him at Miletus so that he might present his farewell address to them.

2. He first reminded them of his “commitment” to them while laboring among them in Ephesus. This is the city where the “great goddess Diana” temple was erected. A metropolitan like the city of New York is today a place of banking, commerce, and trade. He advised,

B. After what manner I have been with you? He describes the manner of person he was among them: “From the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.” For three years, and even more, you know what type a person I was among you at all time, Acts 19:1ff, Acts 20:31. He said: “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews,” verse 18.

1. This relates to his zealous and faithful performance of his Apostolic office and his private walk among them as a Christian. He explains how careful he walked, which would permit him later to write in his letter to them: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you brethren that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness…longsuffering…in the bond of peace,” Ephesians 4:1-3. Beloved, walk as I have done while with you. Observe,