Acts 20:31-35

Summary retelling of Acts 20:31-35

Paul encourages the leaders in Ephesus to keep alert, remembering how when Paul was among them he kept pushing them to remain loyal in the faith.  Paul specifically tells the Ephesian elders to be mindful of the fact that salvation is from God’s grace.  It is grace that is the inheritance of all who are sanctified with the Holy Spirit.  Paul reminds them that he did not covet anyone’s material wealth but rather he provided for his own needs as well as the needs of others.  It was Paul’s desire to work in order that he might be a role model to people so that they can understand how to support one another and understand the joy of giving. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul continues to talk to the leaders in Ephesus about the importance of accountability among one another.  We need to be accountable to prevent us from backsliding.  However, we also need to be accountable to keep pushing one another in growth, too.  Accountability is one of the key assets that Christian fellowship genuinely brings.

To whom are you genuinely spiritually accountable?  Who do you hold accountable?

Second Thought:

Paul takes some time to make sure that the people of Ephesus remember that salvation is by grace.  This doesn’t mean that we can do whatever we want.  However, it does mean that we should never think that we do anything to deserve our salvation.  We don’t earn it.  We aren’t saved because we go to church or participate in some specific religious rituals.  We are saved because of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross.  Therefore, we do participate in specific religious rituals not so that we can be saved but rather out of gratitude that we are saved.

What experiences do you have in which you may have been trying to prove to God why He should save you?  Why is it important to always remember that we are saved through Jesus Christ and we act as a response to salvation?   

Third Thought:

Paul also talks about being a good role model.  Paul worked hard at trying to show people what Christian faith looks like.  He wasn’t doing it so that people would give him praise but rather so that people would see a genuine example and be inspired to live a life of faith as well.  Specifically, Paul wanted people to genuinely know the love that comes from giving to others out of what God has first given us.

Do you think of yourself as a role model in the faith?  To whom could you be modeling Christian behavior?  Is there any time in your life when you are not a role model?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 20:36-38