Hebraic Musing – What did Paul have to say to Pastors?
Apostle Paul tells
us what he preached to pastors in Acts 20:17-38 NKJV.* Who is Paul addressing? “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and
called for the elders of the church.” v.17 Pastors
have three roles, or titles (1) overseer, (2) Shepherd, (3) Elder. What might leaders in today’s church
fellowships learn from Paul?
Paul testifies of his
own activities. “…he said to
them: ‘You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I
always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and
trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing
that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and
from house to house.’” vs.18-20 In other words, Paul explains he lived among
them and with them as a testimony of how to live the “New Life.”
Then he proceeded
to testify of his own life in vs.21-24. “testifying to Jews, and also to
Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to
Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the
Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations
await me. But none of these things move
me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with
joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to
the gospel of the grace of God.” His
stated testimony becomes a standard for all “elders” to achieve. Read it again!
Then Paul provides
them with a parting encouragement.
“And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone
preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am
innocent of the blood of all men. For I
have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” vs.25-27 He points out that they are on a chosen Career
Path. “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.” v.28
Be
forewarned of the challenges you will face in your role as Overseer,
Shepherd or Elder. “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. Therefore
watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night
and day with tears.” vs. 29-31 Therefore,
as a leader you need to avoid distraction while striving for unity of direction.
Good
News! “So now, brethren, I
commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up
and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” vs. 32
Paul
recognizes the Bi-Vocational Roles that he, and many of them, and many
today, are serving in. “I have
coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my
necessities, and for those who were with me.” But what is important is our attitude. “I have shown you in 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.’” vs.33-35
The
love and respect that Paul had for them, and they for him, is touchingly
portrayed in the closing. “And when
he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then
they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of
all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.” vs.
36-38
In SUMMARY, Paul
is telling Pastors, Overseers, Shepherds and Elders to…
Live and Speak Biblical
Truth while Reaching the World for Christ.
Point(s)
to Ponder
Is
your role one of an Overseer, a Shepherd, or an Elder? With the title of “Pastor”?
What
Shepherd in the church has not experienced wolves attacking the flock?
How
important is it to stand strong and be a living testimony?
Lord I give my
life as a living sacrifice, to reach a world in need, and to be Your hands and
feet.
Yosef a.k.a.
Joe Brusherd April
19, 2022
Author: “Hebraic
Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)” Weekly
“Hebraic Musings” at InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com
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