SCRIPTURE: Acts 20 

KEY POINTS TO PONDER: The book of Acts takes a turn in chapter 20. Paul, who had been so successful in planting all these new churches and reaching all these people with the gospel, is called to a daunting future. He is aware, as he says goodbye to the Ephesian elders in verses 17-38, that he will never see these people again on earth, and that “imprisonment and affliction” await him (v. 23). And yet in the midst of this painful reality, we see the depth of love that Paul and the Ephesian church share. He exhorts them, and he warns them of dangers which will come (vv. 28-29). He commends them to God (v. 32) and he kneels and prays with them (v. 36). Looking at this passage, one might think of a father encouraging their son. This beautiful farewell speech harkens to a deep truth of the Church. We are called to a form of love and care and fellowship with each other greater than that of any secular organization. Living in Jesus’ redemption and by the Holy Spirit, we as a church body can have this same opportunity, this same calling, to grow deeper with the body of Christ than we might with our own families! 

CHALLENGING TERMS: In this chapter you may have noticed that the word “we” and “us” is being used at times instead of “them” or “they.” This is because Luke the author has now joined Paul and is recording this story from a first-hand perspective. 

REFLECTION: How can you seek out deeper fellowship with another Christian in your life? 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that as we follow you, we can form deep relationships with other Christians and take part in a community held together by your love. 

Pray for God to open up doors for you to live in an authentic community with other believers.