Marks of a faithful ministry (Acts 20:17-27)
Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders was an emotional and poignant conclusion to almost three years work in the city. In these verses he presents himself as an example of a gospel minister, outlining how he lived among them and what he taught. We may not be apostles like Paul was, yet nevertheless we are, like the Ephesian elders, servants of Jesus Christ and, as we listen to Paul’s message, we should take its lessons about ministry to heart.
1. Ministry is service (v19)
Ministry is service. In Greek the two words are the same. You cannot be ministering without serving and when you are serving, you are engaged in ministry. Furthermore this service should be marked with humility. Paul’s ministry was patterned on Jesus and his other-centeredness and submission to his Father. It was not characterized by ego stroking activism nor a mad rush to achieve public prominence. In fact it was accompanied with tears. Paul was not fake, superficial, or detached. Nor did he have everything under control. He was genuine in his care and it came at a real cost. Paul also knew that his ministry would bring opposition yet he kept on serving others. Does our understanding of ministry resemble Paul’s?
2. Ministry is word-shaped (v20)
As Paul looks over his time with the church, he wants them to remember his teaching ministry among them. He declared to them anything that was profitable and taught them in all locations. He explained to them the whole counsel of God. Gospel ministry is about the gospel and the gospel is about Jesus and so he must be explained to others. Paul wanted this body of believers, and subsequent generations, to be engaged in proclaiming the good news of the risen Christ.
3. The Message is for everyone (v21)
The gospel is not for one select group or privileged caste. Paul makes it clear that he testified to Jews and Gentiles and even goes on in v26 to say that he is innocent of the blood of all because he took every opportunity to explain the message. He spoke at public meetings and, for those who couldn’t attend, he went from home to home. There was no-one for whom the gospel was not applicable. Do we share Paul’s concern for all? Are we tempted to pick and choose who we bring the gospel to?
4. The Message is the gospel of God’s grace (vv21, 24)
The temptation from the world is to say anything but ‘Jesus died for your sins. Repent and believe’. It is so appealing to phrase things differently or to water down the truth. Paul knew that and so he makes the gospel clear to the Ephesians and to us. The message is God’s grace to a sinful and rebellious world under his judgment. It demands repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ. It is the same for the unbeliever and the Christian, for those in New Testament times and today. Is this the same gospel we are trusting in? Is this the same gospel we are committed to proclaiming?
This article is based on a talk given by Dr Mark Thompson on the 9:38 Annual Conference in September 2001