Lesson 400

(Lesson 400)(09-18-12) Acts 20:13-24, "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. 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. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 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."

The words written in this lesson tell of a true Christian in every sense of the word, one who loved God with all his heart, a man so totally devoted to the work with which the Lord had burdened him that on many occasions he strolled into cities not knowing whether he would be kissed or killed.

The Apostle Paul left a legacy, of total devotion to his savior, that every Christian should humbly and diligently aspire to.

Much attention should be paid to this lesson by those of us who sit so comfortably in our modern homes and subconsciously pat ourselves on the back each time we accomplish some minor "good work".

We should all pray for just some small portion of the devotion demonstrated by Paul in his efforts to spread good news of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.~