Page 93 - Acts Student Textbook

concepts have been taught. This expression does not mean, of course, that we do not believe in God
but only in Jesus, nor that we repent toward God but not toward Jesus. Paul is emphasizing that both
repentance and belief are needed. No one will truly believe in Jesus unless he also believes in God,
and no one can truly repent toward God unless he repents toward Jesus. This is taught elsewhere.
Perhaps the point is that one must repent of any improper attitudes toward God in order to properly
believe in Jesus.

Why was Paul so determined to continue his work of preaching regardless of his awareness of the
persecutions, awaiting him in Jerusalem? (20:22-24)

Despite the predictions, Paul was willing to suffer for Christ. He had proved this often in the past as
he had suffered repeatedly for the gospel’s sake. It had happened even in Ephesus, and these elders
would have witnessed it (v19). But he was willing to go further and even give his life for the gospel if
this was needed in order to fully accomplish the purpose for which he had been called. His life was
not so valuable to him that he would let death threats keep him from doing what he should do. He
described this as one who was finishing a race and faced hurdles or hardships in the way. He was
determined not to let these keep him from preaching the goal. We need the same courage and
determination that nothing - not even death threats will prevent our work for the Lord.

Why did Paul declare that he stood innocent of the blood of all men, and how does that affect us,
as preachers? (20:26,27)

Since Paul did not expect ever to see them again (20:25), he had some parting words for them. First,
he wanted to testify that he was innocent of the blood of all men (cf. 18:6). He was not responsible
for the eternal destiny of any who might be lost. He had fully preached the message of the gospel
(v20). If they were yet lost, no one could hold him responsible. This is here expressed as though their
blood would be upon him: They would die, but he would also be responsible for it. Here is another
serious matter for preachers of God’s word to contemplate. If we do not fully preach the message
and souls are lost, God will hold us accountable. Note that, to avoid being so accountable, we must
preach fully the whole counsel of God. Preaching only part of God’s word may lead some to be lost
for lack of knowing that part that we failed to preach.

What Responsibilities did Paul lay out for the elders? (20:28-32)

Since Paul was not going to see them again (20:25), he proceeded to give parting advice to the elders
about their work. He told them to be watchful or on guard, first for themselves. Elders must set good
examples (1 Peter 5:1-3). No one can be an elder unless he meets certain requirements that require
him to be careful of his life (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

Then Paul warned them to be watchful for the whole flock. They are shepherds guarding the safety
and well-being of the sheep (Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4). They will be held accountable for their
efforts to guard the sheep so they do not go astray or be destroyed by wolves (vv 29,30). They
cannot care for the flock without being on guard.

Paul gave them the duty to guard for wolves who lead away the sheep (20:29-31). Paul specifically
told the elders primarily what they should watch for. After Paul left, there would be savage wolves
that would speak perverse things to draw away disciples. This refers clearly to false teachers who
destroy the flock by leading the members into spiritual error. Many passages elsewhere warn about
the danger of false teachers, including Matthew 7:15-23 which also calls false teachers “wolves.”
(See also Matthew 15:14; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Titus
1:9-14; 2 John 9-11; Romans 16:17,18; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter chap. 2.) Note that this passage

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