Little Red Riding Hoods

Series: Acts: We’re on a Mission from God

Message: Little Red Riding Hoods

Text: Acts 20:17-38

Date: June 13, 2021

Big Idea: The passage is sometimes referred to as Paul’s tearful farewell. Not surprisingly, Paul has what could also be described as an elder board meeting with the elders of the Ephesian church. Goodbyes have a way of making you think and Paul has some final thoughts for the church at Ephesus; most notably to beware the wolves.

INTRO

-ILLUS:Every year some of our winter visitors inform us that they’re moving back North for good meaning that it’s unlikely that we’ll ever be together again this side of heaven. Sometimes we’ll pray together, hug, and say something to effect of “See you in heaven.”

Because of Jesus we know that we’ll be reunited in heaven, but nonetheless it’s sometimes a bit solemn and such is the case recorded for us in Acts 20:17-38, often referred to as “Paul’s tearful farewell”.

He has plans of returning to Jerusalem but he wants to visit some of the churches he’s planted along the way in Berea, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. In fact, He’s already sent Timothy and Erastmus (19:22) ahead of himself to make lodging and speaking arrangements. However, before he can say his own goodbyes a riot, led by Demetrius a silversmith of idols, breaks out. He had named Paul (19:26) as the instigator of their declining market.

So Paul calls for one last elder board meeting of the Ephesian church but it takes place 30 miles away in Miletus, a regional seaport.

ACTS 20:17-38

Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them:

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia (i.e., Turkey aka Asia Minor),19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

-If someone were to ask you what the meeting was about, what was it did Paul want to meet with you about that was so important you went all the way to Miletus, 30 miles away, a day’s journey, what would your answer be? The answer would be that he wanted to say good bye and to warn us about wolves.