In recent visits we have studied what Paul’s farewell address in Acts 20:17-21:1 tells us about Paul – his manner, his message and his mission. Now let’s structure information from this portion that focuses on the elders in the church in Ephesus.
Paul challenged them to “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” Though Paul probably appointed them, he made it clear they were dependent on and accountable to the Holy Spirit who made them overseers of the flock.
A key factor for elders in keeping watch over the flock of believers in their church was keeping watch over themselves by modeling a disciplined life before those they were mentoring. They also were to be shepherds of the church of God. This would involve providing guidance so they could be nourished with the truth in God’s Word. They should also notice stragglers or wanderers and take care to get them back on track together with the rest of the flock.
After warning them of the danger of false teachers coming into the church, or emerging from within the church he challenges the elders to “be on your guard!” Paul reminds them “that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”
It takes work and devotion to keep watch, be shepherds and be on your guard 24/7 – but that’s what is expected of elders in the church. Notice how this portion ends with a prayer meeting. The last thing Paul did with those elders was pray.
So pray for the leaders of your church, support them and follow their example.
