Page 91 - Acts Student Textbook

Study Section 18: Paul with the Ephesian Elders

18.1 Connect.

Have you ever desired to know the power of absolute surrender in this life? Paul as he
concludes his Third Missionary Journey stops at Miletus to give his farewell speech to the
Ephesian elders. There he unpacks what has made him successful in ministry, the power of
absolute surrender! He then uses that as a self-example to admonish those leaders to godly
living and stewardship of the flock which God had entrusted to them. Let’s begin…

18.2 Objectives.

1. The student should be able to explain the power of absolute surrender which expresses
itself in the life and teaching of our dear apostle Paul to the Ephesian elders.

2. The student should be able to discuss the importance of the fact that Paul taught all that
people needed whether in public or from house to house (20:20).

3. The student should be able to l analyze why Paul was so determined to go to Jerusalem despite
the Holy Spirit testifying to him that chains and tribulations awaited him there (20:22-24).

4. The student should be able to examine why Paul declared that he stood innocent of the blood of
all men (20:26, 27), and how that affect us, as preachers today.

5. The student should be able to discuss the responsibilities Paul laid out for the elders (20:28-32),
and how we can apply those today.

19.3 Paul with the Ephesian Elders

18:17 - Paul called to him the elders of the Ephesian church, who were the elders?

As Paul passed by Ephesus, he determined he did not have time to visit (v16), so while the
ship was at Miletus (see map), he called the elders of the Ephesian church to meet with him.
The context will give significant information about who elders are and what they are to do.
Further, the descriptions as used here show this term refers to a very well defined group in the
church. It does not refer just to any and all older people or older men, as some claim. Why would
Paul want to visit with just the older people and not the younger ones, if the reference was just to
older men in general? Who would be most likely to be able to make the journey to see Paul: older
people or younger ones? And how would it be determined who was old enough to go? The whole
scene makes good sense if the elders were a well-defined group of men/officers appointed to the
work described in verses 28 ff. Otherwise, it makes no sense.

Paul reminded the elders of the work he had done among them, what about his emotions? (20:18,
19)

When the elders arrived, Paul discussed the work he had done, reminding them that they knew
about his work. He did not need to go into detail, for he had not worked in secret. He would later use
his work as a means to make applications regarding the work they needed to do. There are many
lessons also for all Christians to learn regardless of whether or not we are elders, especially regarding

90