September 26, 2023 - Acts 20-25

Silas and Paul had worked together to strengthen the churches in Syria, Cilicia, and Galatia around 49 AD. They went on to found churches in Macedonia -- at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. On his third missionary journey, Paul spent time in Ephesus, and Luke reports that he departed Ephesus to return (see chapter 16 and Paul’s first visit) to Macedonia by way of Troas (Acts 20:1). While in Miletus, Paul “sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him” (20:17). Paul was not a pastor but, as a missionary, he often did pastoral things. He went back to churches he had been with previously, and he gave instruction through his letters and by visiting. As he wrote to the Philippians, so he could say to all the churches, “How I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:8).

After these visits, Paul was on his way to Jerusalem. Wow, things got stirred up when Paul arrived there! Really stirred up! But the Lord himself came to Paul and said to him, “Have courage! For as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (23:11). The gospel on the march!

Paul to Festus: “I appeal to Caesar!” (25:11) Festus to Paul: “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go!” (25:12) The gospel on to Rome!

How faithful was Paul! He could have written the words of Charles Wesley’s hymn:

Forth in your name, O Lord, I go,

my daily labor to pursue,

determined only you to know

in all I think or speak or do.

The task your wisdom has assigned,

O let me cheerfully fulfill;

in all my works your presence find,

and prove your good and perfect will.

May I find you at my right hand;

your eyes see truly what I do.

I labor on at your command

and offer all my works to you. -- Charles Wesley (1749)