18 May 2021
I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus.
Acts 20:17-27, NRSV
These words form part of Paul’s final speech to the church at Ephesus. Paul knew that he would not see these people again since, to fulfil his calling, he would have to travel to Jerusalem where he would be imprisoned and persecuted. Paul had invested three years of hard work in building up this beloved community and he was keen that those to whom he was entrusting it understood the nature of the ministry that was needed to sustain and develop this church. He explained that this ministry would require full commitment – nothing was to be held back in proclaiming the message of the Gospel. He also reminded them of the important link between life and teaching and of the sorrows and trials that would have to be accepted as part of this. The people to whom Paul was speaking had seen that he had lived the life he was describing and witnessed the gains that his selfless service had obtained. Now it was to be theirs to continue.
- How do you think the elders of the church at Ephesus felt about having to follow his example of ministry?
- Is the selfless ministry described by Paul still needed in the Church?
Give thanks today for all whose ministry has supported your faith.
