Pastor and 1st Lady Mims

Mims Chapel Church

Week 11, May 10, 2026

LESSON 11

A Final Address to the
Ephesian Elders

Lesson Text:

Acts 20:17-38

Memory Verse
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost bath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he bath purchased with his own blood" Acts 20:28

Key Terms
Apostasy • The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.
Remuneration • Money paid for work or a service.
Uninhibited • Expressing one's feelings or thoughts unapologetically and without restraint.

Suggested Emphasis

What takes on the character of a "farewell tour" for the Apostle Paul is summarized for us in the 20th chapter of Acts. Feeling compelled to end his third missionary journey, and to return to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost, Paul revisited several Greek cities that had played important roles in his ministry (Acts 20:2). He had intended to depart from a Greek port on his voyage home, but was alerted to a plot against his life that changed his travel plans. Paul went back north to Macedonia, from which he would sail along the western coast of Asia Minor to slowly make his way back to Syria and then Jerusalem. This allowed him to visit several Aegean port cities along the way: Troas, Assos, Mitylene, the islands of Chios and Samos, and then Miletus. Paul avoided returning inland across Asia Minor, our narrator informs us, for the sake of time (Acts 20:16). But he couldn't imagine leaving the area without sharing a final message with the leaders of the Ephesian Church. When he landed in Miletus, "he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him" (Acts 20:17, N LT). "The elders made the thirty-mile journey to Miletus, and Paul delivered the only sermon in the book of Acts addressed to Christians. All of Paul's other speeches and sermons were addressed to Jewish or Gentile unbelievers, but the message to the elders was directed to leaders of the church" (Edwards, 2008). This particular focus makes the sermon uniquely powerful and significant for our study.

Emphasis 1:

Confidence in a Good Reputation

Paul began his discourse appealing to the record he left in Asia Minor. "Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 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" (Acts 20:18,19). Paul was convinced he could stand before God and men with confidence that his conduct was irreproachable. It brings to mind how he described himself to the Thessalonians: "Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe" (1 Thess. 2:10). Paul was certain that the love and concern he exercised over his churches was evident to all. He believed they would testify that he held back nothing that could be of help to them.

Emphasis 2:

Protect the Flock

Paul then began to explain what animated his actions now. The apostle felt "bound by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem," not knowing what to expect when he got there, "except that the Holy Spirit tells me... that jail and suffering lie ahead" (Acts 20:22,23, NLT). It may have been the uncertainty before him that motivated Paul to say goodbye to his many friends and colleagues on this mission field. Or perhaps it was a conviction that his future work would be in places he hadn't yet visited, like Rome or Spain (Rom. 1:13; 15:24). For whatever reason, it appears he had no expectation he would ever see these people again. And so he made a solemn declaration that he had been faithful to his assignment. He called on the Ephesians to witness to that fact. "If anyone suffers eternal death, it's not my fault, for I didn't shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know" (Acts 20:26,27, NLT).

The apostle also charged the Ephesian overseers to be all the more diligent after his departure. Their sacred task was to watch over the flock of God—the Lord's Church, "purchased with his own blood." Paul echoes the admonition of the apostle Peter: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof" (1 Peter 5:2a). It would be the elders' responsibility to nurture and protect the Saints. Paul emphasized that there would be dangers from within and without. Enlarging on the shepherding metaphor, he warned them that ravenous "wolves" would come among them, "not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29); by this he meant blood-thirsty opponents, like the Jewish religious leaders and the Roman Empire. But Paul also foresaw that false teachers would rise up from their own ranks (v. 30). The Spirit was constantly warning the early Church of the threat of internal corruption and apostacy (see 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:2,3; 1 Jo. 2:18,19; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 17-19).

Emphasis 3:

A Model for the Elders to Follow

The apostle then placed before his audience his own manner of leadership as "best practices" for them in the ministry. Paul is uninhibited about presenting himself as a model for the Ephesian elders. "I have never coveted anyone's silver or gold or fine clothes," he reminds them. "You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me" (Acts 20:33,34, NLT). This defense of his integrity is reminiscent of the prophet Samuel's farewell address (1 Sam. 12:3). In particular, the apostle held up his choice not to burden the Ephesian Church with his own livelihood. Paul taught that it is appropriate for pastors to receive remuneration (1 Cor. 9:6-15), but he was personally gratified to have kept his financial independence from the churches he founded (e.g., 2 Thess. 3:9). He never wanted to weigh down the ministry. And this is why he followed up this thought by adding, "I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard" (Acts 20:35a). His willingness to alleviate some of the Church's financial burdens was evidence of his generous spirit, and lent credence to the statement, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Missions Application Questions

What did Paul believe the Ephesian elders would testify of him?
Describe the dual threat that the apostle believed would beset the Church in the future.
Should modern pastors be salaried by the ministry, or should they keep their secular jobs?

World Missions Prayer Points

Let us pray that we are able to maintain a good reputation in the Church.
Let us pray for friends and colleagues when providence pulls us apart from one another.
Let us pray to be role models for other believers.