In Henry Mahan's exposition on Acts 20:18-35, the main theological topic addressed is the faithful ministry of the Apostle Paul and the call for leaders within the church to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and integrity. Mahan highlights key points including Paul's humility in service, his commitment to preaching the full counsel of God, and the importance of not succumbing to worldly motivations. The article references Scripture such as Acts 20:21, which underscores the necessity of repentance and faith, and Acts 20:27, emphasizing the duty to declare all of God's counsel without fear. The practical significance of this exhortation is a call for church leaders to emulate Paul's example by serving selflessly, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others, and ensuring that their ministry remains grounded in Scripture rather than personal ambitions.
Key Quotes
“I have served the Lord with humility. There is no other way to serve him who fills empty vessels and chooses the foolish to confound the wise.”
“I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Neither fear of men nor desire for praise or position nor covetousness have ever led me to leave out portions of Scripture which are offensive to natural men.”
“Your faith stands not in the wisdom of men but in the Lord Jesus Christ. Be not followers of men but of Christ.”
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. abide me: or, wait for me But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. - Acts 20:18-35
Knowing they would see his face no more nor hear his voice proclaim the gospel of the Savior's grace again, he summed up his ministry among them as such:
1. (Vs. 18-19) "I have served the Lord with humility."
There is no other way to serve him who fills empty vessels and chooses the foolish to confound the wise. We are conscious of our own imperfections, aware our gifts are borrowed, and totally dependent on his power.
2. (Vs. 20-21) "I have kept back nothing profitable unto you."
I have declared two essential things; "Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. (Vs. 27) "I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
Neither fear of men, nor desire for praise or position, nor covetousness have ever led me to leave out portions of Scripture which are offensive to natural men.
4. (Vs. 32) "Now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of his grace."
It is God who saved you, not me! Your faith stands not in the wisdom of men but in the Lord Jesus Christ. Be not followers of men but of Christ. “Desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).
5. (Vs. 33) "I have coveted no man's silver, gold, or apparel."
"Those who preach the gospel are to live by the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:14). They must not be influenced nor motivated by fleshly cares or carnal prizes. Your gifts and provisions are appreciated but not sought.
6. (Vs. 35) "I have showed you how that you ought to support the weak."
Pray for one another, encourage the weary, feed the hungry, restore the fallen, cheer the faint, visit the sick. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
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