Acts 19 — Paul in Ephesus
Acts 20 — Paul in Macedonia and Greece, Eutychus Raised
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
Paul spent a lot of time in Ephesus, working hard to teach those who had heard about Christ, but it seems they were somewhat confused. While the text was written some 2,000 years ago, it seems quite relevant for our contemporary reading. So many people are confused. I spoke with someone a few days ago who said he was a Christian and a Buddhist. While this is not truly possible, it highlights the confusion that exists today, just as it did in Paul’s time. Many understood and came to Christ and “when Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:6). Lord give us patience and discernment as we proclaim the Gospel to this land in this day and age.
The closing of chapter 20 provides insight into Paul’s close relationship to the church and those he was leaving to continue his work for Christ. He tells his friends, “my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). And he warns them, “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock…so be on your guard!” (20:29, 31). We must remain on our guard as the church continues to expand, to multiply. This is an exciting and dangerous time. Lord help us to keep in constant prayer as we move to multiply your ministry here and wherever we go!