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¹² When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. ¹³ There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. ¹⁴ They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. ¹⁵ Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

¹⁶ Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. ¹⁷ Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” ¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” ¹⁹ The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” ²⁰ And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. ²¹ But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” ²² So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”

²³ Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. ²⁴ Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” ²⁵ And he wrote a letter to this effect:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. ²⁸ And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. ²⁹ I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. ³⁰ And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

³¹ So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. ³² And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. ³³ When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. ³⁴ On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, ³⁵ he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium. (ESV)

We, yet again, hear echoes of the Jesus story in verse 29.

I found myself wondering about these Jews, ‘As they were unsuccessful, did they never eat again?!’ I thought about how we can tie ourselves up with man-made rules. That point, of course, is true; but then I read that it was not uncommon for Jews to take such oaths. But if they became impossible to fulfill, they were freed from the obligation.

Here we have a fascinating detail about Paul’s sister and nephew. It is the only time they are mentioned in Scripture. Neither are named, but this young man had an important part to play in God’s purposes. The Lord is in the small details, as well as the great.

This story shows that God is in control, and is able to foil every plot of the enemy. We are immortal, as someone asserted, until all God’s will for us is fulfilled. The Lord is able even to move the machinery of a powerful empire in order to protect His own. (When the commander heard about this plot he did not dare keep Paul under his authority. If Paul, a Roman citizen were to be killed, the commander would be blamed for not protecting him. Also, we note that, in writing to Felix, the commander was ‘economical with the truth’. He didn’t let on that he had been going to have Paul flogged!)

Tom Hale says: ‘Antipatris was a town about thirty-five miles from Jerusalem…By morning Paul was no longer in any danger from the Jews in Jerusalem, so only the seventy horsemen escorted Paul the remaining thirty miles to Caesarea…Meanwhile, he ordered that Paul be kept securely in a palace which King Herod had originally built for himself (Acts 12:1,19).’ Can’t you see the irony in that?!

‘What will not unscrupulous men do under cover of religion! It is a pleasing trait that the Roman officer took Paul’s nephew by the hand and led him aside for a private audience. How proudly would the boy recount the whole story to his mother, when he emerged from those grim walls. At nine o’clock that night there was a clattering of horses’ hoofs as seventy horsemen and two hundred soldiers went through the stone-paved streets on their way to Caesarea. Already Paul had begun his journey to Rome. Often afterward, when it seemed as though his life would be forfeited, he must have stayed on the Master’s words, So must thou bear witness also at Rome. What a life-buoy that promise was! And if God had saved him from the mob at Jerusalem and given him the friendship of Lysias, what could God not do for him in the future!’ F.B. Meyer

(You might want to compare Paul’s story with that of Ezra, recorded in the book that bears his name and the eighth chapter. God’s ability to protect is undoubtedly real, but He doesn’t always work in the same ways).

 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” ² And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” ⁴ Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” ⁵ And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

⁶ Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” ⁷ And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. ⁸ For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. ⁹ Then a great clamour arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” ¹⁰ And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

¹¹ The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (ESV)

Time and again, in these later chapters of ‘Acts’, there are echoes of the last days of Jesus’ earthly life in Jerusalem. Don’t you hear such an echo in 23:2? We know from history books that Ananias, who was high priest from 47-58 A.D. was a corrupt and evil man. He was indeed a ”white-washed tomb” filled with ”dead men’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). However he appeared to others, he was a hypocrite. To strike a man being questioned was against the rules of the Sanhedrin. It was highly illegal to punish a man who had not yet been determined guilty. It does seem, though, that Paul, who always strove to have a clear conscience, did not realise that it was the high priest who had given the order to strike him.

I have heard it said that this is how you can tell the difference between a Pharisee and a Sadducee: the Pharisees did believe in the supernatural (including the resurrection), but the sadducees didn’t – ‘and that’s why they were ‘sad, you see’! Reading this passage, I thought it displayed Paul’s ingenuity. He was smart, canny, and maybe not a little mischievous. To my mind, this scene is quite funny, all-be-it in a sad sort of way. Knowing the deep divisions which existed between these two main parties, he effectively played the one off against the other, although he nearly got torn apart in the melee. But some of the Pharisees sided with Paul, leading to a stalemate in the Sanhedrin. It meant they couldn’t come to any clear decision about Paul. (By the way, the Sadducees, in addition to being anti-supernaturalists, always tried to keep the peace with the Romans. They didn’t want any disturbance that would result in them losing their positions of authority and influence. They were heavily inclined to protect ‘their turf’).

How wonderful that Paul should have been given the special visitation described in verse 11. Although Paul would remain a prisoner in Israel for the next two years, he could live at peace, knowing that he would get to Rome. N.B. ”the facts about me”. Luke, the historian was interested in investigating and communicating ”facts” (see Luke 1:1-4; also 2 Peter 1:14-18). Jesus, being the great fact of history, impinges on every other knowable fact. We look at them all in and through Him…

”…in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Col.2:3

²² Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” ²³ And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, ²⁴ the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. ²⁵ But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” ²⁶ When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” ²⁷ So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” ²⁸ The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” ²⁹ So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him. (ESV)

They listened to Paul up to the point where he mentioned his special calling to the Gentiles. That certainly added fuel to the fire of their prejudices, which stemmed from a fundamental misunderstanding of their own Scriptures.

Flogging was one of the worst forms of punishment the Romans had in their armoury, after crucifixion itself. Many a person did not survive the harsh beating, administered with a whip that had bits of metal or bone attached to the end. It was so awful that Romans were exempted from it. It was a punishment for the rest, but it was illegal to flog a Roman citizen. The mind boggles at the ruthlessness of the Romans, that they could consider treating Paul like this when they didn’t know for sure what he had done. Anyway, the tribune didn’t reckon on Paul being a Roman citizen. But he was – by birth – so his father must have been a Roman citizen also. This piece of information changed everything. Here was another occasion where Paul judiciously made use of his Roman citizenship. He was not unwilling to suffer for the gospel, but this would have been needless (see Acts 16:35ff).

Tom Hale’s comments are wise, helpful, and possibly timely. He writes:

‘We can see from Paul’s example that when trouble comes to us it is proper for us to use any reasonable and legal means to escape from that trouble. If we are innocent of some alleged wrongdoing, we need to say so; we need to defend ourselves. We should use all legal means to avoid punishment for crimes we did not commit. Christians in this world have the same legal rights as anyone else, and it is appropriate to claim those rights in a humble and respectful way. However, Christians must remember that they must not put their faith in any legal system but in God alone. Even if we do not obtain justice from men, we shall always obtain justice from God (see 1 Peter 2:19-23…)’

As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? ³⁸ Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” ³⁹ Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” ⁴⁰ And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defence that I now make before you.”

² And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

³ “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. ⁴ I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, ⁵ as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

⁶ “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. ⁷ And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ ⁸ And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ ⁹ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. ¹⁰ And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ ¹¹ And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

¹² “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, ¹³ came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. ¹⁴ And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; ¹⁵ for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. ¹⁶ And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

¹⁷ “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance ¹⁸ and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ ¹⁹ And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. ²⁰ And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ ²¹ And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” (ESV)

What a turnaround in the life of this man! We are forcefully reminded of Paul’s (Saul’s) murderous antagonism towards Christ and His church (22;4/20; see also 26:9,10) in his pre-conversion days. The repetition of Paul’s testimony in ‘Acts’, each time emphasising slightly different details, underlines the great significance of his story. By the way, note the words in verse 9, and also in verses 14,15. This was a very personal experience. Saul was the only one in the party who clearly heard and understood the voice of Jesus. God had a distinct purpose for him. Oh the breath-taking wonder of the doctrine of election!

When we share our testimony, it helps to try to establish common-ground with our listeners. Note that Paul spoke in their language (22:2. Because some of Paul’s travelling companions were from Greece, they expected that he would speak Greek); he also stated his impressive Jewish credentials, and showed that he shared a similar zeal as themselves (22:3). In addition, it was significant that a ”devout” Jewish man, of very good standing, should be the messenger to inform him of his special calling (22:12-16)

‘Here was a fact, which to the Apostle was the greatest of all facts, namely, that he had seen Jesus Christ, and had been transformed by what he had seen and heard. No light thing could have revolutionized his life. His zeal for the Old Covenant and his persecution of the Christian sect were guarantees of his anti-Christian bias. He was not shallow or fickle, or likely to be moved by anything less than an imperative revelation.

We must obey a step at a time. God says much to us directly, but He loves to employ servants like Ananias, who live in immediate touch with Him. Paul never forgot that salutation, Brother. Be very careful how you treat young converts; they need the kindest and most sympathetic handling as they step out into their new life.’ F.B. Meyer

With regard to the last paragraph of our reading, Tom Hale writes, ‘Christ knows who will accept Him and who will not.’ Yes indeed, the wonder of election. Who knows, there may be an unlikely looking ‘apostle’ just up the road from you.

²⁷ When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, ²⁸ crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” ²⁹ For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. ³⁰ Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. ³¹ And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. ³² He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. ³³ Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. ³⁴ Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. ³⁵ And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, ³⁶ for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” (ESV)

There is something reminiscent of Jesus’ experience, with the crowd being ”stirred up” and crying out for Paul’s death (see John 19:15). This was but twenty-seven years later. However, the Sovereign Lord who makes all things serve His purposes overruled, even in their hostility, to give the apostle an opportunity to testify.

I was particularly struck by the words, ”they supposed” (29). I recognise how easily we can be misled by supposition, and put the wrong construction on other people’s actions, leading to various bad outcomes. For example, we can tell ourselves lies about others (and maybe even spread them?)

‘Even though Paul was completely innocent of the charge, it placed in jeopardy not only his name and reputation but also his very life. Let us take this as a reminder of the destructive power of any false charge, especially within the church.’ Tom Hale.

PRAYER: Lord, give me the wisdom and grace to believe the best about others, as much as possible, and to always ‘take the high road.’

When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. ¹⁸ On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. ¹⁹ After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. ²⁰ And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, ²¹ and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. ²² What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. ²³ Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; ²⁴ take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. ²⁵ But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” ²⁶ Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. (ESV)

All our ministry ‘successes’ are God’s, and to Him belongs all the glory. May we never forget it. How remarkable that Almighty God should deign to work ”through” mere mortals (19). But as E.M. Bounds asserted, ‘God’s methods are men.’

It is instructive to note in this passage, that wise counsel was given to Paul, and he was sufficiently humble to listen and act upon it (21-26). May we never become unteachable.

There had been a large scale reception of the gospel by many Jews (20), but there was a danger that they would be misled about Paul. Falsehoods were bring spread. Paul was willing to be ‘all things to all men’ (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).He would never compromise on essential doctrine, but he was prepared to act expediently for the sake of peace and church unity, and above all in order to further the gospel.. The principle here seems to be, ‘Do not cause unnecessary offence as far as you can help it.’

And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.² And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. ³ When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. ⁴ And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. ⁵ When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed ⁶ and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

⁷ When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. ⁸ On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. ⁹ He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. ¹⁰ While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” ¹² When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” (ESV)

Once again we have a very touching scene, as believers kneel together on the beach, and pray, before saying their emotional ‘farewells’.

‘When we asunder part,
  It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
  And hope to meet again.’ (From the hymn: ‘Blest be the tie that binds’)

Perhaps we never feel the preciousness of Christian fellowship so intensely as we do in times of trial, tribulation, and persecution.

In this passage, the Holy Spirit was clearly speaking. What seems to be equally clear is that Paul did not interpret these warnings of danger as reasons for not going to Jerusalem (Again, see 19:21).

‘The days Paul spent at Caesarea were the last happy days of freedom that he was to enjoy for two or three years. What blessed intercourse Paul and Philip must have had! They had both known Stephen. Agabus joined the happy party, with prophecies of peril ahead, but these only served to bring out the magnificent courage of the Apostle. His purpose was inflexible. An unseen hand was beckoning; a voice which only he could hear was calling. He had no doubt as to God’s purpose, and went straight forward; though he was not insensible to the love and sympathy of friends.’ F.B. Meyer

We also learn something about Philip here that we haven’t seen before: i.e. how hospitable he was – and about his 4 prophesying daughters. What a spiritually dynamic household that was! Was it during this time that Luke learned details direct from Philip about the ‘revival’ in Samaria, and the encounter with the Ethiopian in the desert? I do wonder

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (ESV)

 “Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvellous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends. (The Message)

Paul here speaks about the power in the Word of God itself to edify, to build up the church.

Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples…” (John 8:31). We cannot grow in godliness apart from God’s Word. At the beginning of a new year, let us commit to living deeply in it; to having it deeply living in us. May we be able to say, and mean, with the psalmist, ”I will not neglect your word” (Ps.119:16).

Selwyn Hughes told a story about being at a conference in a certain place, where he met a man and encouraged him to read his Bible regularly. Later on in the week he came across this same man and asked him, ‘Have you been reading your Bible?’ ‘Oh no sir,’ replied the man. ‘I have found that it has been reading me!’

Remember:

“The Bible is the only book whose author is always with you as you read it.” – AW Tozer…who also said,

“Studying the Bible is spending time with God.” 

PRAYER: ‘Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain.” (Psalm 119:36)

Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. ¹⁸ And when they came to him, he said to them:

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, ¹⁹ serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; ²⁰ how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, ²¹ testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.²² And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, ²³ except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. ²⁴ But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. ²⁵ And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. ²⁶ Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, ²⁷ for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. ²⁸ Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. ²⁹ I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; ³⁰ and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. ³¹ Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. ³² And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. ³³ I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. ³⁴ You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. ³⁵ In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

³⁶ And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. ³⁷ And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, ³⁸ being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship. (ESV)

In a heart-wrenching scene, Paul quotes some words of Jesus, not found in any of the gospels, but which are totally in keeping with the Lord’s own spirit (35) This was the way Paul had lived among them, with a life characterised by self-giving. It is indeed a powerful thing when a preacher’s own life effectively illustrates his sermons (see v.18).

I confess, I had never thought of this point before, but it is well made by F.B. Meyer: ‘In Acts 20:35 we have the only saying of our Lord in the New Testament which is not preserved in the Gospels. The blessedness applies to our Lord as well as to ourselves. Let us not think that he is tired of our requests. Every time we ask for anything that He can give us, we add to His blessedness, as well as to our own.’

Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders is lengthy, and I don’t propose to go into every detail, but it will reward close study. I do, however, wish to highlight the words of verse 28, which are a remarkable statement about the Divinity of Christ.

On this New Year’s Eve, some of Warren Wiersbe’s comments on this chapter seem appropriate:

‘One day life will end, and we will have to give our farewell speech. Can we look back without regret and look ahead without fear? Will we finish our race with joy…?’