Page 94 - Acts Student Textbook

expressly predicts such error coming. Paul knew it would happen. We should not be surprised when
it happens today. All of us, especially elders, should be on guard for the problem.

However, Paul says that even elders (“among yourselves”) would be false teachers. The very ones,
who were supposed to guard the flock from wolves, could themselves become wolves and destroy
the sheep. Revelation 2:2,3 shows that Paul’s prediction came true and false teachers did arise in
Ephesus, but the church successfully withstood them. This clearly shows that elders do not have the
right to lead the church to participate in unauthorized practices. It also shows that members must be
on guard against elders. We cannot just blindly follow them (Matt. 15:13, 14). If they lead us to error
and we follow, we will be lost too. We cannot just blame them and expect God to excuse us.

He commended them to God and His word (20:32). The Scriptures are the only infallible means that
elders and others have to be sure they are right before God. Error is a great danger, but God has
provided a means to remain faithful. God’s word can strengthen us and give us assurance of an
eternal inheritance with other sanctified people. To be sanctified is to be set apart to God’s service.
This is accomplished by our submission to God’s word. This then leads to the eternal inheritance in
heaven (1 Peter 1:3, 4).

Paul’s final point concerned proper attitude toward physical, material things (20:33-35). Paul had not
been guilty of coveting the property of others. In fact, he had worked with his own hands to provide
for himself and others, though this was not required of him and he could have expected the churches
to provide for him (see 18:3; cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:9). Notice that the believers' hard labor is not for
personal gain or luxury, but for the sake of others in need in Christ's name (20:35; cf. 2 Cor. 9:8-11).
Paul alludes to working with his own hands to provide his physical needs in all three missionary
journeys (cf. p. 28): (1) First journey (1 Cor. 4:12; 9:6; 1 Thess. 2:9); (2) Second journey (Acts 18:3); (3)
Third journey (Acts 19:11-12; 20:34; 2 Cor. 12:14). Churches may scripturally provide an income for
preachers in payment for their work, but this does not justify greed (1 Cor. 9:4-14; 2 Cor. 11:7-9; Phil.
4:14-18; 1 Tim. 5:18; Luke 10:7). Religious leaders often become greedy and too concerned about
material wealth. Some have often become very wealthy. Many people are skeptical of religious
teachers for this very reason. Many preachers are willing to teach whatever is popular so they can
get a good income regardless of what God’s word says. TV evangelists and others have thus made
merchandise of innocent people and often poor people. Some leaders charge money to “heal”
people, say “masses” for them, give them “indulgences” to get out of purgatory, etc. Other preachers
have been known to beat their debts or even steal church funds. No wonder religion has a bad name
among many people!

Paul’s teaching about this imitated that of Jesus. He taught, “It is more blessed to give than to
receive.” This should be a basic attitude of Christians in all things, not just money. Many blessings are
best kept by giving them away: joy, love, salvation, etc. We should realize that the truly happy person
is the one who is able to do good for others, not one who is expecting others to do things for him.
The selfish person, who seeks self-indulgence and self-pleasure, will not be truly happy in this life and
will be lost in eternity. Those who seek to help others will find real meaning in life and will have
eternal life. None of the four accounts of Jesus’ life records this statement by Jesus to my knowledge.
Apparently this is one of the many things He taught which are not recorded by those men, yet Paul
was inspired by the Holy Spirit to know that He said it. Therefore, it must be an oral tradition.
Something he had also heard from people who knew Jesus personally before his death and the
resurrection.

How did Paul depart from the elders? (20:36-38)

When Paul had finished his speech, he concluded with a prayer. This is an excellent example. It is
always good to have prayer when we study together. It is especially good to have prayer as we leave

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