Question 1

What was happening when Paul gave his farewell to the Ephesian elders?

Accepted Answer

Paul was on his way to Jerusalem after a time of trouble in Ephesus and visits through Macedonia and Greece. He wanted to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, so instead of stopping at Ephesus, he asked the elders of the church there to meet him at Miletus. Knowing they would not see him again, he reminded them how he had served among them with humility, tears, and trials, preaching repentance toward God and faith in Jesus. This was like a final meeting where he passed on his heart for them and their duty as church leaders.

Question 2

Who was Eutychus and what happened to him at Troas?

Accepted Answer

Eutychus was a young man sitting in a window during a late-night gathering of believers in an upstairs room at Troas. It was the first day of the week, and the disciples had come together to break bread while Paul spoke, knowing he would leave the next day. As Paul talked on until midnight, Eutychus fell into a deep sleep, dropped from the third floor, and was taken up dead. Paul went down, embraced him, and said his life was in him. The young man was brought back alive, and the believers were greatly comforted.

Question 3

What does it mean that the church of God was purchased with his own blood?

Accepted Answer

Paul tells the elders that the Holy Spirit made them overseers to care for the church of God, which God purchased with his own blood. Here he is speaking about Jesus, who is both truly God and truly man. By his death on the cross, his blood paid the cost to make the church his own. Calling it “his own blood” shows how precious the church is to God and how costly its salvation was. This is why the elders must watch themselves and the flock carefully and take their work very seriously.

Question 4

Why did Paul warn about grievous wolves and men speaking perverse things?

Accepted Answer

Paul knew that after he left, fierce enemies of the truth would come into the church, like wolves attacking a flock. He also said that even from among the elders themselves some would rise up, twist the truth, and try to pull disciples after themselves. This warning shows that danger can come from outside and inside the church. Paul had spent about three years warning them night and day with tears. Now he urges them to stay awake, guard the flock, and remember the example and teaching they had received.

Question 5

What does Paul mean when he says he is pure from the blood of all men?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says he is pure from the blood of all men, he means he is not guilty if people refuse the message. He had not kept back anything that was profitable. He taught them publicly and from house to house and declared all the counsel of God. Because he plainly preached repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus to both Jews and Greeks, he had done his duty. If anyone rejected the message, it would not be because Paul had been silent or dishonest, but because they themselves turned away.

Question 6

Why does Paul say he goes bound in the spirit to Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

Paul says he goes bound in the spirit to Jerusalem because he feels constrained and led by the Holy Spirit to go there, even though he does not know exactly what will happen. He only knows that in every city the Holy Spirit keeps warning him that chains and suffering are ahead. Yet he says none of these things move him, and he does not count his life dear to himself. His main aim is to finish his course with joy and complete the ministry he received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about how church leaders should live and serve?

Accepted Answer

Paul’s words and example give a clear picture of how church leaders should live. He served the Lord with humility, tears, and patience in trials. He taught the whole truth of God, not just the easy parts, and spoke both in public and in homes. He did not covet anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing, but worked with his own hands to meet his needs and help others. He tells the elders to watch themselves and the flock, to feed the church God bought with Christ’s blood, to support the weak, and to remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Question 8

Why is the saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," important here?

Accepted Answer

Paul quotes this saying of the Lord Jesus at the end of his farewell to show the kind of heart church leaders should have. He has just reminded them how he worked to meet his own needs and helped those with him. Then he tells them that, in the same way, they should labor to support the weak. The saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” sums up a life that is not greedy, but generous. It calls leaders and all believers to find joy in giving time, care, and resources, rather than living for what they can get.

Question 9

How did Paul show his love and care for the believers in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Paul’s love shows up in many ways. He embraces the disciples when he leaves Ephesus and spends time encouraging believers in Macedonia and Greece. At Troas he teaches long into the night and comforts them when Eutychus is restored. With the Ephesian elders, he reminds them of his tears, his warnings day and night, and his hard work to avoid being a burden. He kneels down and prays with them all, and they weep, hug, and kiss him, sorrowing that they will not see his face again. All this shows deep, real care, not just formal duty.

Acts 20:1

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

Paul in Macedonia and Greece

Eutychus Revived at Troas

From Troas to Miletus

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians

Paul in Macedonia and Greece

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Acts 20:1

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

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Paul in Macedonia and Greece

Eutychus Revived at Troas

From Troas to Miletus

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians

Paul in Macedonia and Greece

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