This month we want to continue our consideration of the very instructive accounts given in Acts 20. Paul is determined in his heart to make another visit to his beloved people at Jerusalem. On the way he stops and calls for the elders at Ephesus where he gives them a farewell message. It would be the last time he would see them in this world - and his heart is full of longing as he faithfully and lovingly warns them of the dangers that lie ahead for the assembly.
The divine record of this meeting has tremendous instruction for those of the people of God today who are gathered to the Lord’s name. We find a wonderful and concise summation of all that Paul had been doing as he served the Lord Jesus in preaching the gospel and of those things to be watchful for after his presence was no longer a “staying” force in the assembly.
1. After the breaking of bread (the remembrance of the Lord) at Ephesus, Paul spoke to the church (assembly), no doubt sharing with them the truth of God which had been given to him by the risen Christ in glory. What value did Paul place on having true knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ in his heart?
Philippians 3:___
2. Eutychus fell down to the level of the world after he had fallen asleep while listening to Paul speak. What admonition is given to the Thessalonian believers who are called “children of the day” rather than “children of the night”?
1 Thessalonians 4:___
3. When the morning came, Paul left Ephesus - and he never returned to that city. When will the Church leave this world, never to return?
1 Thessalonians 4:___
4. Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that his whole reason for being among them had been to deliver to them the precious truth of God. According to Paul, what kind of vessel (“container”) held the wonderful truth of the Lord Jesus Christ? 2 Corinthians 4:___
5. Paul knew that he was about to leave the Ephesian believers, never to return. He warned them that when he was gone, great trials and difficulties would come among them to hurt and divide the Church which Christ had purchased with His own blood. What two things did Paul have confidence would keep them in the midst of these coming difficulties? Acts 20:___