There is much we can learn from the life of Paul. His previous life, his apostleship and his writings contain much to encourage, teach and admonish us in our own lives.
While our examination of his epistles supply us with much of the doctrine that accords with Christ, there is likewise much to be taken from Luke’s account of his life and ministry. Here we wish to consider his final address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus before going on to Jerusalem. He had spent much time in Ephesus (cf. Acts 19), and no doubt had a close relationship with these men to whom he spoke in Acts 20:18-35.
The first portion of his address he used to defend his ministry and position. He served the “Lord with all humility”, “kept back nothing that was helpful”, and “taught you publicly and from house to house.” This description explains clearly the primary purpose of the evangelist. Paul certainly exemplifies what it means to “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). It brought him a great deal of suffering (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:22-33). But, he also referred to his brethren as “beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown” (Philippians 4:1).
Verse 21 shows why his ministry was unpopular to some, as he testified to “Jews, and also to Greeks.” This practice was opposed by some Jewish brethren, and only settled in Acts 15 after Paul returned from his first journey. However, it was always God’s intention that Paul be a minister to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15), and that the Gentile be included in His plan for redeeming man (Acts 10:9-16, 11:18).
The message he preached while in Ephesus is the key. It was the gospel of Christ, that worked effectively in all who believed “for the Jew first, and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). The part of his preaching that is emphasized in this passage is “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (21). We understand why both of these were common parts of Paul’s message. First, repentance. God requires holiness on our part. Repentance is required for one to be saved (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38). Second, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was uniquely qualified to die for our sins (Hebrews 9:23-26). He is the one we must believe and accept to be saved (John 14:6). Faith in Jesus Christ is necessary to be saved (Romans 10:8-10).
Paul next exhibited his willingness even to die for the Lord. He said, “now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me” (22-23). The phrase “bound in the spirit” indicates that Paul felt compelled to go. It is not clear whether he had to go to obey the Holy Spirit, or in his work as an apostle, his own spirit compelled him. However, his dedication is laudable. It reminds one of his willingness “as much as is in me” to preach in Rome (Romans 1:15), and his willingness even to die for Christ, if that was required (cf. Philippians 1). He was not “moved” at all by the dangers that presented themselves to him. He did not “count my life dear to myself.” He only wanted to finish his life and ministry faithfully, and be accepted by God. He knew the importance of that faithfulness, and always sought to please the Lord. On another occasion he wrote, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
The message he shared with the Ephesian elders was important. First, because he would see them no more. His journey to Jerusalem would lead him bound to Rome and prison. He had spent three years with them, and finished his work among them. He had no assurance that he would ever see them again.
Second, he had a word of warning to share with them.
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:28-30).
Paul had not failed to tell them all they needed to remain faithful… “the whole counsel of God” (cf. 27). But, he knew at his leaving some would not remain so. The fact that some false teachers who departed from truth would come from their own group would make such an incursion even more effect. As ravenous wolves, wolves in the clothing of sheep, they would “come in among you, not sparing the flock” (29). So, he warned them to remain faithful, so that these enemies of the cross would fail in their attempts.
Finally, Paul ended his speech with a commendation of the Ephesian elders to God. During his time with them, “I have shown you every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (35). In these things we have the composite of Paul’s work.
He preached to all men the gospel of Jesus Christ. His edification of the brethren was not limited. He declared to them “the whole counsel of God.” He warned, admonished, and encouraged. His own life was an example of faithfulness. His preaching continued even when is cost him his freedom, and even his life. In all of this he serves as a wonderful example to us of what an apostle and a preacher should be. And, it also teaches us what it is to be a Christian in general.
Paul’s life was a life of sacrifice, devotion and steadfastness. There is a reason why so much of the New Testament surrounds his life and teaching. As Paul himself wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
