A Life of Sacrificial Service
Acts 20:17–24 (NASB95)
17From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.
18And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22“And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.
Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders is a heartfelt and powerful moment, as he reflects on his ministry and prepares them for the challenges ahead. He reminds them of his humility, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, even in the face of trials. Paul emphasizes that he did not shrink back from declaring anything that was profitable, boldly teaching both publicly and privately. His life serves as a model of sacrificial service, as he declares that his only aim is to complete the task given to him by Jesus: to testify to the good news of God’s grace. Despite knowing that imprisonment and hardships await him, Paul remains resolute, demonstrating his trust in God’s plan and his willingness to give everything for the sake of the Gospel. His words are not only a farewell but also a charge to the Ephesian elders to continue shepherding the church with the same dedication and faithfulness.
Paul’s example challenges us to live lives of sacrificial service, prioritizing God’s mission above personal comfort or safety. His willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel reminds us that following Jesus often requires courage and perseverance. Importantly, Paul’s commitment to not holding back from speaking the truth, even when it was difficult, is a vital lesson for the modern church. We are called to proclaim the whole counsel of God, sharing His truth with love and boldness, even when it challenges cultural norms or personal preferences. As a church, let us reflect Paul’s humility and dedication, serving others selflessly and proclaiming the message of God’s grace with courage and clarity.