Acts Chapter 20
A RESURRECTION, PLUS PAUL'S GREAT DEPARTURE (ca. AD 55-57)
The Return From The Third Missionary Journey, ca. 55-57 AD
(Acts 20:1)
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
- Work completed, time to move on to more fruitful, virgin ground
- The riot seemed to be the signal that it was time to move on, and the impetus
- The LORD'S work is never done
- Paul spent more time in Ephesus than at any other place he traveled to
- His ministry is winding down and, from here on out, he does not break new ground, but is found next to be imprisoned
(1 Timothy 1:3)
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
PAUL AND MACEDONIA, ca. A.D. 55–57.
(Acts 16:9)And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
(Acts 16:10)
And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
(Acts 16:12)
And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
(Acts 18:5)
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
(Acts 19:21)
After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
(Acts 19:22)
So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
(Acts 19:29)
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
(Acts 27:2)
And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
- An angel spoke to Paul to tell him to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:9)
- Paul then went there (Acts 16:10)
- Philippi was the capital of Macedonia (Acts 16:12)
- Paul sent Silas and Timothy there (Acts 18:5)
- Paul passed through here after the riots in Ephesus, on his way to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21)
- Paul sent Timothy and Erastus there (Acts 19:22)
- Gaius and Aristarchus were from Macedonia (Acts 19:29)
- Aristarchus from Macedonia accompanied Paul when the ship went down they were in and they swam to shore (Acts 27)
(Acts 20:2)
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
- This would have been Athens and Corinth
EXHORTA'TION, n. The act or practice of exhorting; the act of inciting to laudable deeds; incitement to that which is good or commendable.
- The form of words intended to incite and encourage.
- Advice; counsel.
EXORTATION: THE ACTS OF EXHORTING
(Luke 3:18)And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
(Acts 2:40)
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
(Acts 11:23)
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
(Acts 13:15)
And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
(Acts 14:22)
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
(Acts 15:32)
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
(Acts 18:27)
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
(Acts 20:2)
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
(Acts 27:22)
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
(Romans 12:8)
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
(1 Corinthians 14:3)
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
(2 Corinthians 8:17)
For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
(2 Corinthians 9:5)
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
(1 Thessalonians 2:3)
For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
(1 Thessalonians 2:11)
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
(1 Thessalonians 4:1)
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
(1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
(2 Thessalonians 3:12)
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
(1 Timothy 2:1)
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
(1 Timothy 4:13)
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
(1 Timothy 6:2)
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
(2 Timothy 4:2)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(Titus 1:9)
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
(Titus 2:6)
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
(Titus 2:9)
exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
(Titus 2:15)
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
(Hebrews 3:13)
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
(Hebrews 10:25)
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(Hebrews 12:5)
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
(Hebrews 13:22)
And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
(1 Peter 5:1)
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
(1 Peter 5:12)
By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
(Jude 1:3)
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
(Acts 20:3)
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
- The enemy of God always sends in his opposition forces, waiting to ambush and thwart God's plan......and always fails
- If God wants a ministry to succeed, both the enemy and man can do nothing to stop it
- Having failed both by riots and by appeals to the authorities to have Paul neutralized, they now decided to take matters into their own hands, by "lying in wait for him"
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas.
- This "Asia" would be any place on Asia MINOR
- Berea is in Greece, now called Veria
- Thessalonica is also in Greece, now near Turkey/Greece
- Derbe was in Asia Minor, modern day Turkey
- Asia then is what we would call Asia Minor
tro'-as Troas, also called "old Constantinople", was a chief, very important city in the Northwest area of Asia Minor, today called Turkey and was on the coast of Mysia in the Roman province of Asia. The name Troas was not the name of a town, but also used to describe the region, district, and the coastal area surrounding it, which is now generally known as "the Troad". It was founded by Antigonas, so therefore was called "Antigona Troas" early on, until 300 B.C. after which, for a time, it was called "Alexander Troas", named by Lysimachus, one of the main men of Alexander the Great. In 133 B.C. the Romans took over control of Troas During the reign of Augstus, it became independent of the Roman governor of the province of Asia. The ruins of Troas are extensive, today called "Eski Stambul". (Acts 16:8)
And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
(Acts 16:11)
Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
(Acts 20:5)
These going before tarried for us at Troas.
(Acts 20:6)
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
- Being a Jew, Paul and his entourage would have celebrated the Days of unleavened Bread as perhaps a tradition or because of a desire not to offend the Jews, so that some would be saved
- Paul saw his vision of the man from Macedonia at Troas (Acts 16:8-11)
- Paul raised Eutychus from the dead at Troas (Acts 20:10)
- Paul went to Troas merely to preach (1 Corinthians 2:12)
- Paul was cold in prison, so he wanted his cloak, books and copies of Scripture brought to Troas and left with Carpus (2 Timothy 4:13)
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,
(2 Timothy 4:13)
The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
"The Days of Unleavened Bread"
(Matthew 26:17)
Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
(Mark 14:1)
After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.
(Mark 14:12)
And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
(Luke 22:1)
Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
(Luke 22:7)
Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
(Acts 12:3)
And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
(Acts 20:6)
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
(Acts 20:7)
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
- This is today what we call Sunday, the LORD'S Day, the first day of the week, not the sixth day of the week, not the Sabbath
- The disciples ate and then Paul taught
- If ever there were an argument against long sermons, this account would be it!
- The only reason that Paul would preach for that long, which makes sense, is that he was there for the last time, and only for five days, during which most people had busy lives outside of the LORD'S Day.
- It must be remembered that, in the first century, this teaching may have been all that they had for New Testament doctrine and, since Paul was often mobile, the time would be short to teach and preach
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
- A light here means a window or, as Webster's call it, "A window; a place that admits light to enter. or A pane of glass; as a window with twelve lights." 1 Kings 7.
- A two story house..someone with money?
(1 Kings 7:4-5)
And there were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks. And all the doors and posts were square, with the windows: and light was against light in three ranks.
(Acts 20:9)
And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
- Again, one falls through a window, not a source light like a lamp
- A normal person simply cannot sit and listen to a speaker silently, motionless, for hours on end
- Apparently this young man was "bored to death"-literally!
- It is certain he was not the only one asleep, but the only one who was sitting at an open window, possibly sitting sideways in the frame, or with his back to the opening
- No, not a two story,but a three story house!
And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
- Would to God we all had that sort of faith, to know that God would raise him from the dead!
- His life is his spirit and soul, not his body, so when our body dies and our soul and spirit does not, we can be revived after we "are dead" if God so chooses.
- CONCLUSION: Life is not the flesh
LIFE: ACCORDING TO GOD, BREATH, BLOOD, SOUL AND SPIRIT
(Genesis 2:7)
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
(Deuteronomy 12:23)
Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.
(Leviticus 17:11)
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
(Leviticus 17:14)
For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.
(1 Samuel 25:29)
Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.
(James 2:26)
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
(1 Peter 3:20)
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
(John 3:6)
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(Romans 8:10)
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(Acts 20:11)
When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
- Peter and Paul and the apostles had the ministry of reconciliation and the gift to raise the dead, now gone.
- Today, we do not have these gifts, as the Canon of Scripture is complete, and the apostles are dead
- Did you ever notice the televangelists do not go to the cemetery to raise the dead? Plenty there to raise!
Peter Raises the Dead
(Acts 9:36-42)Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
(Acts 20:12)
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
- Not a little comforted means that they were a LOT comforted by seeing, witnessing a real resurrection
- Was Paul speaking in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ at this time and there were those there who did not believe or understand it?
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.
- The "WE" here is said because Luke, the author, is with Paul
And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
- They are traveling around the coast of Turkey today, then Asia Minor, circuitously, dotting islands as they go
- The entire area has a rich ancient history with such people as Aristotle, Alexander the Great, etc.
- Assos=Behramkale or Behram, a port city in Turkey today
- Mitylene = Island of Lesbos, off of Turkey, known for arts and sciences
- Chios (Kios) = another island of Turkey
- Samos = yet another large island off of Turkey
- Having started a good work in Ephesus and, in order to avoid further riots, Paul now passes by it and moves on
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
- So, not returning to Ephesus, he does business from afar, like a traveling father writing home
- He beckons them to a meeting to settle some work
- This will be a leadership training meeting for them, or just some sort of encouragement, since Paul will be martyred
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
- In other words, "You know me, you know my character"
- "In all seasons", in other words, I have not changed, no matter the circumstances,-riots, peace, in prison, freely speaking in the streets, in the arena
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:
- Paul's humility came from knowing he deserved hell, knowing he persecuted the church
- Paul's humility came from being chased as prey, constantly on the move, being hidden by helpers, wherever he went
- Any temptation would possibly include the idea of revenge to get his enemies trying to get him, possibly the enemy tempting him with beautiful women, offers of protection for compromise, etc.
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
- His Church ministry was basically home Churches, home ministry, as it should be, without formal, official "church" buildings
- This was not only God's will and still is, but a necessity because off the persecution of the Jews in that day.
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Being the apostle to the Gentiles, as a Jew, who primarily preached to the Jews, using their history and prophecies of the promised Messiah, to the Greeks using Creation evangelism (Gentiles), his testimony was to both, using the exact same Gospel, in a slightly different way
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
- It may be added that he probably warned them that they were next, so, "Expect persecution, it's coming!". They were persecuted, known fact from history
- In Paul's spirit, he was compelled, in full expectation and anticipation of what God told him would happen, already in custody, because he is walking with the God who dwells not in time, but in eternity
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
- This sort of speaks for itself here.
- Not only was Paul told about this persecution, he was shown it personally with the actions of the opposition in every city he visited
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
- Steadfast, unmovable, Paul presses on despite the threats and the THREAT of bonds, trial, imprisonment and ultimate death for the Gospel
- His calling is eternal life for himself after death, and to bring that to others
- It is our calling also, as this life is a vapor, meaningless without Christ
- It is all worth it in the end
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
(Acts 20:25)
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
- This is farewell, goodbye, adieu, adios-FINALITY-see you on the other side
- The Gospel is all about the Kingdom of God, mentioned close to seventy times in the New Testament only, and the Kingdom of Christ
- Also mentioned thirty two times is "The Kingdom of Heaven"
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
(Matthew 6:33)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Matthew 12:28)
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
(Matthew 19:24)
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
(Matthew 21:31)
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
(Matthew 21:43)
Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
(Mark 1:14)
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
(Mark 1:15)
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
(Mark 4:11)
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
(Mark 4:26)
And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
(Mark 4:30)
And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
(Mark 9:1)
And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
(Mark 9:47)
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
(Mark 10:14)
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
(Mark 10:15)
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
(Mark 10:23)
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
(Mark 10:24)
And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
(Mark 10:25)
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
(Mark 12:34)
And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
(Mark 14:25)
Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
(Mark 15:43)
Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
(Luke 4:43)
And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
(Luke 6:20)
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
(Luke 7:28)
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
(Luke 8:1)
And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
(Luke 8:10)
And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
(Luke 9:2)
And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
(Luke 9:11)
And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
(Luke 9:27)
But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
(Luke 9:60)
Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
(Luke 9:62)
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
(Luke 10:9)
And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
(Luke 10:11)
Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
(Luke 11:20)
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
(Luke 12:31)
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Luke 13:18)
Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
(Luke 13:20)
And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
(Luke 13:28)
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
(Luke 13:29)
And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
(Luke 14:15)
And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
(Luke 16:16)
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
(Luke 17:20)
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, the kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
(Luke 17:21)
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
(Luke 18:16)
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
(Luke 18:17)
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
(Luke 18:24)
And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
(Luke 18:25)
For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
(Luke 18:29)
And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
(Luke 19:11)
And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
(Luke 21:31)
So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
(Luke 22:16)
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
(Luke 22:18)
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
(Luke 23:51)
(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
(John 3:3)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(John 3:5)
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
(Acts 1:3)
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
(Acts 8:12)
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
(Acts 14:22)
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
(Acts 19:8)
And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
(Acts 20:25)
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
(Acts 28:23)
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
(Acts 28:31)
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
(Romans 14:17)
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(1 Corinthians 4:20)
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
(1 Corinthians 6:9)
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
(1 Corinthians 6:10)
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 15:50)
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
(Galatians 5:21)
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
(Colossians 4:11)
And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
(2 Thessalonians 1:5)
Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST
(Ephesians 5:5)For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(Revelation 12:10)
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
(Matthew 3:2)
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(Matthew 4:17)
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(Matthew 5:3)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:10)
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:19)
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:20)
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 7:21)
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
(Matthew 8:11)
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 10:7)
And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(Matthew 11:11)
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
(Matthew 11:12)
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
(Matthew 13:11)
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
(Matthew 13:24)
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
(Matthew 13:31)
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
(Matthew 13:33)
Another parable spake he unto them; the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
(Matthew 13:44)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
(Matthew 13:45)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
(Matthew 13:47)
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
(Matthew 13:52)
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
(Matthew 16:19)
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
(Matthew 18:1)
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
(Matthew 18:3)
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 18:4)
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 18:23)
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
(Matthew 19:12)
For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
(Matthew 19:14)
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 19:23)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 20:1)
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
(Matthew 22:2)
the kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
(Matthew 23:13)
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
(Matthew 25:1)
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
(Matthew 25:14)
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
(Acts 20:26)
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
- By context, the word "take" here means to write, so he is writing the record that he is innocent
- To declare himself "pure from the blood of all men" means forgiven by God and declared by God to be free; Paul the persecutor is just saying what God says about us
- Paul was justified before God, declared righteous, because of the Blood of the LORD Jesus Christ alone, period. That is why he could truly, truthfully say this about himself.
- "Take you to record, as in "to choose; to elect", or "to allow; to admit; to receive as true, or not disputed; as, to take a thing for granted", or "to write; as, to take down a man's words at the time he utters them.", or "to answer by reproof; to reprimand."
PAUL AS PERSECUTOR, BEFORE CHRIST
(Acts 7:58-60)
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
(Acts 9:2-5)And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
(1 Timothy 1:15)
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
(Ephesians 3:8)
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
(Philippians 3:6)
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
TAKE, v.t. pret. took; pp. taken. L. doceo. This word seems to be allied to think, for we say, I think a thing to be so, or I take it to be so. It seems also to be allied to Sax. teogan, to draw, to tug, L. duco; for we say, to take a likeness, and to draw a likeness. We use taking also for engaging, attracting. We say, a child takes to his mother or nurse, and a man takes to drink; which seem to include attaching and holding. We observe that take and teach are radically the same word.
1. In a general sense, to get hold or gain possession of a thing in almost any manner, either by receiving it when offered, or by using exertion to obtain it. Take differs from seize, as it does not always imply haste, force or violence. It more generally denotes to gain or receive into possession in a peaceable manner, either passively or by active exertions. Thus,
2. To receive what is offered.
Then I took the cup at the Lord's hand. Jer.25.
3. To lay hold of; to get into one's power for keeping.
No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge. Deut.24.
4. To receive with a certain affection of mind. He takes it in good part; or he takes it very ill.
5. To catch by surprise or artifice; to circumvent.
Men in their loose unguarded hours they take, Not that themselves are wise, but others weak.
6. To seize; to make prisoner. The troops entered, slew and took three hundred janizaries.
This man was taken of the Jews. Acts.23.
7. To captivate with pleasure; to engage the affections; to delight.
Neither let her take thee with her eyelids. Prov.6.
Cleombrotus was to taken with this prospect, that he had no patience.
8. To get into one's power by engines or nets; to entrap; to ensnare; as, to take foxes with traps; to take fishes with nets, or with hook and line.
9. To understand in a particular sense; to receive as meaning. I take your meaning.
You take me right.
Charity, taken in its largest extent, is nothing else but the sincere love to God and our neighbor.
10. To exact and receive.
Take no usury of him or increase. Lev.25.
11. To employ; to occupy. The prudent man always takes time for deliberation, before he passes judgment.
12. To agree to; to close in with; to comply with.
I take thee at thy word.
13. To form and adopt; as, to take a resolution.
14. To catch; to embrace; to seize; as, to take one by the hand; to take in the arms.
15. To admit; to receive as an impression; to suffer; as, to take a form or shape.
Yet thy moist clay is pliant to command;
Now take the mold--
16. To obtain by active exertion; as, to take revenge or satisfaction for an injury.
17. To receive; to receive into the mind.
They took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus. Acts.4.
It appeared in his face that he took great contentment in this our question.
18. To swallow, as meat or drink; as, to take food; to take a glass of wine.
19. To swallow, as medicine; as, to take pills; to take stimulants.
20. To choose; to elect. Take which you please. But the sense of choosing, in this phrase, is derived from the connection of take with please. So we say, take your choice.
21. To copy.
Beauty alone could beauty take so right.
22. To fasten on; to seize. The frost has taken the corn; the worms have taken the vines.
Wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him, and he foameth-- Mark 9.
23. To accept; not to refuse. He offered me a fee, but I would not take it.
Ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer. Num.35.
24. To adopt.
I will take you to me for a people. Ex.6.
25. To admit.
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore. 1 Tim 5.
26. To receive, as any temper or disposition of mind; as, to take shame to one's self; to take delight; to take pride or pleasure.
27. To endure; to bear without resentment; or to submit to without attempting to obtain satisfaction. He will take an affront from no man. Cannot you take a jest?
28. To draw; to deduce.
The firm belief of a future judgment is the most forcible motive to a good life, because taken from this consideration of the most lasting happiness and misery.
29. To assume; as, I take the liberty to say.
30. To allow; to admit; to receive as true, or not disputed; as, to take a thing for granted.
31. To suppose; to receive in thought; to entertain in opinion; to understand. This I take to be the man's motive.
He took that for virtue and affection which was nothing but vice in disguise.
You'd doubt his sex, and take him for a girl.
32. To seize; to invade; as, to be taken with a fever.
33. To have recourse to; as, the sparrow takes a bush; the cat takes a tree. In this sense, we usually say, the bird takes to a bush, the squirrel takes to a tree.
34. To receive into the mind.
Those do best, who take material hints to be judged by history.
35. To hire; to rent; to obtain possession on lease; as, to take a house or farm for a year.
36. To admit in copulation.
37. To draw; to copy; to paint a likeness; as a likeness taken by Reynolds.
38. To conquer and cause to surrender; to gain possession of by force or capitulation; as, to take an army, a city or a ship.
39. To be discovered or detected. He was taken in the very act.
40. To require or be necessary. It takes so much cloth to make a coat.
To take away, to deprive of; to bereave; as a bill for taking away the votes of bishops.
By your own law I take your life away.
1. To remove; as, to take away the consciousness of pleasure.
To take care, to be careful; to be solicitous for.
Doth God take care for oxen? 1 Cor.9.
1. To be cautious or vigilant.
To take care of, to superintend or oversee; to have the charge of keeping or securing.
To take a course, to resort to; to have recourse to measures.
The violence of storming is the course which God is forced to take for the destroying of sinners.
To take one's own course, to act one's pleasure; to pursue the measures of one's own choice.
To take down, to reduce; to bring lower; to depress; as, to take down pride, or the proud.
1. To swallow; as, to take down a potion.
2. To pull down; to pull to pieces; as, to take down a house or a scaffold.
3. To write; as, to take down a man's words at the time he utters them.
To take from, to deprive of.
I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee. 1 Sam.17.
1. To deduct; to subtract; as, to take one number from another.
2. To detract; to derogate.
To take heed, to be careful or cautious.
Take heed what doom against yourself you give.
To take heed to, to attend to with care. Take heed to thy ways.
To take hold, to seize; to fix on.take in, to inclose; to fence.
1. To encompass or embrace; to comprise; to comprehend.
2. To draw into a smaller compass; to contract; to brail or furl; as, to take in sail.
3. To cheat; to circumvent; to gull. Not elegant.
4. To admit; to receive; as, a vessel will take in more water. The landlord said he could take in no more lodgers.
5. To win by conquest. Not in use.
6. To receive into the mind or understanding.
Some bright genius can take in a long train of propositions.
To take in hand, to undertake; to attempt to execute any thing. Luke 1.
To take notice, to observe; or to observe with particular attention.
1. To show by some act that observation is made; to make remark upon. He heard what was said, but took no notice of it.
To take oath, to swear with solemnity, or in a judicial manner.
To take off, to remove, in various ways; to remove from the top of any thing; as, to take off a load; to take off one's hat, &c.
1. To cut off; as, to take off the head or a limb.
2. To destroy; as, to take off life.
3. To remove; to invalidate; as, to take off the force of an argument.
4. To withdraw; to call or draw away.
Keep foreign ideas from taking off the mind from its present pursuit.
5. To swallow; as, to take off a glass of wine.
6. To purchase; to take from in trade.
The Spaniards having no commodities that we will take off--
7. To copy.
Take off all their models in wood.
8. To imitate; to mimic.
9. To find place for; as more scholars than preferments can take off.
To take off from, to lessen; to remove in part. This takes off from the deformity of vice.
To take order with, to check. Not much used.
To take out, to remove from within a place; to separate; to deduct.
1. To draw out; to remove; to clear or cleanse from; as, to take out a stain or spot from cloth; to take out an unpleasant taste from wine.
To take part, to share. Take part in our rejoicing.
To take part with, to unite with; to join with.
To take place, to happen; to come, or come to pass.
1. To have effect; to prevail.
Where arms take place, all other pleas are vain.
To have effect; to prevail.
Where arms take place, all other pleas are vain.
To take effect, to have the intended effect; to be efficacious.
To take root, to live and grow; as a plant.
1. To be established; as principles.
To take up, to lift; to raise.
1. To buy or borrow; as, to take up goods to a large amount; to take up money at the bank.
2. To begin; as, to take up a lamentation. Ezek. 19.
3. In surgery, to fasten with a ligature.
4. To engross; to employ; to engage the attention; as, to take up the time.
5. To have final recourse to.
Arnobius asserts that men of the finest parts took up their rest in the christian religion.
6. To seize; to catch; to arrest; as, to take up a thief; to take up vagabonds.
7. To admit.
The ancients took up experiments upon credit.
8. To answer by reproof; to reprimand.
One of his relations took him up roundly.
9. To begin where another left off.
Soon as the evening shades prevail,
The moon takes up the wondrous tale.
10. To occupy; to fill; as, to take up a great deal of room.
11. To assume; to carry on or manage for another; as, to take up the quarrels of our neighbors.
12. To comprise; to include.
The noble poem of Palemon and Arcite--takes up seven years.
13. To adopt; to assume; as, to take up current opinions.
They take up our old trade of conquering.
14. To collect; to exact a tax.
15. To pay and receive; as, to take up a note at the bank.
To take up arms,
To take arms, To begin war; to begin resistance by force.
To take upon, to assume; to undertake. He takes upon himself to assert that the fact is capable of proof.
1. To appropriate to; to admit to be imputed to; as, to take upon one's self a punishment.
take side, to join one of two differing parties; to take an interest in one party.
To take to heart, to be sensibly affected by; to feel any thing sensibly.
To take advantage of, to catch by surprise; or to make use of a favorable state of things to the prejudice of another.
To take the advantage of, to use any advantage offered.
To take air, to be divulged or made public; to be disclosed; as a secret.
To take the air, to expose one's self to the open air.
To take a course, to begin a certain direction or way of proceeding.
To take leave, to bid adieu or farewell.
To take breath, to rest; to be recruited or refreshed.
To take aim, to direct the eye or a weapon to a particular object.
To take along, to carry, lead or convey.
To take a way, to begin a particular course or direction.
TAKE, v.i. To move or direct the course; to resort to, or to attach one's self; to betake one's self. The fox being hard pressed took to the hedge. My friend has left his music and taken to books.
The defluxion taking to his breast, wasted his lungs.
1. To please; to gain reception. The play will not take, unless it is set off with proper scenes.
Each wit may praise it for his own dear sake,
And hint he writ it, if the thing should take.
2. To have the intended or natural effect.
In impressions from mind to mind, the impression taketh.
3. To catch; to fix, or be fixed. He was inoculated, but the infection did not take.
When flame taketh and openeth, it giveth a noise.
To take after, to learn to follow; to copy; to imitate; as, he takes after a good pattern.
1. To resemble; as, the son takes after his father.
To take in with, to resort to.
To take for, to mistake; to suppose or think one thing to be another.
The lord of the land took us for spies. Gen.42.
take on, to be violently affected; as, the child takes on at a great rate.
1. To claim, as a character.
I take not on me here as a physician.
To take to, to apply to; to be fond of; to become attached to; as, to take to books; to take to evil practices.
1. To resort to; to betake to.
Men of learning who take to business, discharge it generally with greater honesty than men of the world.
To take up, to stop.
Sinners at last take up and settle in a contempt of all religion. Not in use.
1. To reform. Not in use.
To take up with, to be contented to receive; to receive without opposition; as, to take up with plain fare.
In affairs which may have an extensive influence on our future happiness, we should not take up with probabilities.
1. To lodge; to dwell. Not in use.
To take with, to please. The proposal takes well with him.
(Acts 20:27)For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
- Paul here declares his boldness, fearlessness, as a man with nothing to lose, and knowing he is about to lose all in Jerusalem, that which he has-his very life
- If Paul were not an innocent man, he could never say such things about himself. and this was not to puff himself up proudly, but because he was leaving them an example
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
(Acts 20:28)
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
- Be careful, look around you constantly, as in a wilderness with camouflaged predators
- Because Paul was not going to be around, he warns the leaders and the people of what is to come
- The feeding is the word of God, to ward off the dogs he will mention in the next verse
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
- This was a certainty, not just an idea that Paul believed
- This is also true throughout history, and so today. Any work God does the enemy sends in wolves to get at the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
The Characteristics of the Wolves in Sheep's Clothing
- They will be unsaved "members" of the church, but not real, saved members
- They will look like, smell like, sound like sheep, but be wolves
- They will draw many to themselves
- They are knowledgeable enough to be dangerous with the Word of God
- They will use this knowledge to pervert truth, just enough to make it palatable, sweet, out of context, etc.
- Their purpose is to gather and glean from the body to make their own, deceived flock to follow them
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
- Paul knew that this day would come, and had probably even already experienced it
- Three years, daily warnings, in tears. That is a lot of persistent, constant warnings!
PAUL'S WARNINGS TO THE FLOCK
(Colossians 4:2)
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
(1 Corinthians 16:13)
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
(1 Thessalonians 5:6)
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
(Acts 20:32)
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
- Paul leaves them in God's hands, since he is not going to be there
- he leaves with with the Word of God, the Scriptures, also
- The Word of God is an encouragement to us to build us up
- The Living Word of God, the LORD Jesus Christ, gave us our inheritance through the Cross
- The Written Word of God contains the actual promises
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
- Paul never did it for the money, personal power, personal glory, personal recognition
- The apparel he wore as the son of a Pharisee would have turned into the garb of a Pharisee, with long phylacteries, fancy robes, etc.
- The preferred rags to riches, and therefore went from riches to rags
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
- They were eyewitnesses to Paul's purity before them
- This, therefore is his testimony to them and defense of innocence
- He was a tent maker, making his own money, not asking for handouts
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
- his ministry, and ours, is not to accumulate wealth, but to make money to use it for the welfare of others
- In this we are blessed, by God and not the world and not the enemy
- The weak are anyone who cannot support themselves, for whatever reason, widows, orphans, invalids
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
- After the sermon, his work there was done
- There was a necessity to send him off, and especially in prayer
- On their knees, the best way to fight our battles
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
- There were many tears, knowing they would never see Paul on this side of Heaven again, this scene acted out billions of times the last two thousand years in hospital rooms, airports, street corners, telephones, doorways, crime scenes, wars, etc.
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
- This ends like an Academy Award winning movie, a scene of the departure of the hero, only the hero is not Paul, it is Jesus
"ALL THE WORDS WHICH PAUL SPOKE
"(Acts 20:18-35)And when they were come to him, he said unto them, 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: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
- You saw who I am, how humble, sad and tempted I was
- You saw what the Jews tried to do to me
- You saw how generous I was to you
- I showed you repentance, no matter who you were, Jew or Gentile
- I am about to be arrested in Rome, as God has foretold to me
- This does not bother me, because my life was given to Christ to do as He will with it
- You are about to see me no more here on this earth; this is the last time
- I am innocent before you also
- You were given the Word of God, all of it taught to you by me
- Do your job, like I did mine, like I showed you how to do it, according to God's Word
- It will not because, because I am warning you that, after I leave, others will come to try to destroy God's Word and God's Work here with you
- They will divide you and be sheep stealers
- I told you this for three years straight for a reason, because it is true, because it will come to pas and because I will not be here, so it is up to you to deal with this. It is inevitable.
- I am leaving you in God's Hands now
- I owe you nothing more, not financially
- I did my part, being no burden on anyone, and I took care of my own business, and took care of others as well, as you know
- Do the same, for others, as I have done
- This is our ministry and our blessing
