Bible Studies

Acts 20, Not Shrinking Away From Sharing the Gospel

by John Clark 
02/08/17
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. The disciples were gathered together on "the first day of the week" (verse 7). This is an important phrase and there are several other places in scripture that say the exact same thing. Why is this important? It is significant because some church historians and scholars have said that after the resurrection the early Christians, including the converted Jews, changed their day of worship from Saturday to Sunday, forsaking centuries of tradition because they were so awestruck by the resurrection, which happened on the first day of the week as recorded in each of the Gospel accounts (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, and John 20:1). The disciples meeting on the first day of the week is also mentioned in John 20:19 and I Corinthians 16:2. This probably would not sit well with some Seventh Day Adventists who adamantly insist that Saturday is the ONLY correct day on which to worship. 

     Now, on with the chapter. Paul was delivering a sermon to a congregation of believers when a young lad sitting on a window sill fell asleep, fell down three stories and died. Now, I do not believe that the Apostle Paul was a boring, monotone speaker. Rather, I would presume that he was probably very dynamic, so either Paul was very long-winded or the hour was very late. For whatever reason the boy fell asleep. Paul went outside, embraced the boy's body and said, "Do not be troubled, for his life is in him." The boy revived (verses 7-12).
     
     Verses 13-17 are only a record of some of Paul's travels, so the next narrative begins in verse 18 and continues to the end of the chapter. This, one might say, is Paul's final farewell address, as his public ministry comes to a close. Keep in mind that the Book of Acts is considered by some scholars to be the 13th book written in the New Testament's chronological order. It comes after all of the Epistles written by Paul. It is, therefore, fitting that Acts records his final goodbye. 

     Paul says that he has served "the Lord with all humility, and with tears and with trials," but "did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable..."  He then says that he will be going to Jerusalem, "not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me." How many Christians today would go to a place knowing that persecution or imprisonment would result? 

     Paul continues: "But, I do not consider my life life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God."  He says once again, "I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God."

     The chapter continues with Paul urging the believers to be alert and on guard to people who will try to draw them away from the gospel message. The final three verses record Paul praying with the believers, who were grieving over the fact that they would never see him again. They then accompaned him to his departing ship. 

     Application Questions:

     1. What causes people to "shrink away" from sharing their faith?

     2. What would it require for you to say that your life is of no account for the sake of the gospel?

     3. Other than physical torment or imprisonment what are other ways Christians can be persecuted?