(Lesson 4687)(12-03-24) Acts 20:13-38 

   “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 publicly, 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.” And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, 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.” 

 

   In today’s lesson, Paul and his companions sailed from Troas to Miletus. Paul sent for the elders of the church in Ephesus to meet him there. He reminded them of his ministry among them, how he had served with humility, endured trials, and preached the gospel with truthfully and with no fear. Paul declared that he was then bound by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, despite knowing that imprisonment and hardships awaited him. He warned the elders to be vigilant, as savage wolves would arise among them, threatening the flock. Paul commended them to God and the word of His grace, emphasizing the importance of caring for the church. He reminded them that he had never wanted anyone’s silver or gold but had worked with his hands to support himself. After praying with the elders, they wept and hugged him, feeling sorrowful that they would not see him again. Paul then boarded the ship and sailed for Jerusalem. Paul’s last message to the Ephesians is much needed in today’s churches. ~ 

Lesson 4686

 (Lesson 4686)(12-02-24) Acts 20:7-12 

   “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. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 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. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 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. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.” 

 

  In today’s quote, Paul and the believers gathered in Troas on the first day of the week to eat. After their meal, Paul preached to them until midnight. A young man named Eutychus, sitting in a window, fell asleep during the long sermon and fell to the ground from the third story. Paul went down, finding the young man dead, Paul picked him up and after embracing him declared that he was alive. They returned to the upper room, and Paul continued speaking until dawn. The believers were greatly comforted, that Eutychus had revived. ~ 

Lesson 4685

(Lesson 4685)(12-01-24) Acts 20:1-6 

   “And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, 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. 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. 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.” 

 

   Today’s quote relates that after the uproar in Ephesus had settled, Paul sent for the disciples and encouraged them. He then departed for Macedonia, traveling through the region and strengthening the believers. After spending three months in Greece, he decided to sail back to Syria, but he changed his plans when he learned of a plot against him by the Jews. Instead of sailing, he retraced his steps through Macedonia. He was accompanied by several companions, including Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. They sailed ahead and waited for him at Troas. ~