I recently finished teaching through Acts 20:17-38,
one of the most influential passages in my life and ministry. In Paul’s
lecture to the Ephesians elders he provides for us what I call “an
inspired philosophy of ministry.” He explains what his ministry looked
like, providing a pattern for the church throughout the ages. We need to
know this passage well and apply it to our churches intentionally,
especially in a day when there are so many competing voices regarding
the nature of Christian ministry.
Paul speaks often in this “seminar” of the importance of character and affection (as I noted in this post).
He roots spiritual influence both in the leader’s integrity (“you know
me” type comments in v. 18-21 and v. 33-35) and relationships (“I wept
over you” comments in v. 19 and 31; cp. v. 37-38). But example and
engagement are far from sufficient. The genius—the essence—of Christian ministry is the teaching and preaching of Scripture. Paul emphasizes the centrality of the Word in a variety of ways:
1. Paul describes the ministry ideal by using multiple NT words for preaching.
Again and again he reminds us of the centrality of the Word to church
life. What did he do for three years in Ephesus? Explain and apply the
Bible, in every possible manner. As he recounts his ministry, it’s like
he’s using a Greek Thesaurus:
- He declared what was profitable (anangelo, v. 20)
- He taught the Ephesians (didasko, v. 20)
- He testified repentance and faith (diamartureo, v. 21)
- He testified of the gospel (diamartureo, v. 24)
- He proclaimed the kingdom (kerusso, v. 25)
- He declared the whole counsel of God (anangelo, v. 27)
- He admonished the Ephesians (noutheteo, v. 31)
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