Acts 20:35 Themes and Topics

tell them to be bountiful, rich in good works, open-handed and generous, Verse Concepts

Do not forget beneficence and charity, either; these are the kind of sacrifices that are acceptable to God. Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

contribute to needy saints, make a practice of hospitality. Verse Concepts

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men and in particular to the household of the faith. Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Even if anyone is detected in some trespass, brothers, you are spiritual, you must set the offender right in a spirit of gentleness; let each of you look to himself, in case he too is tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Let your brotherly love continue. Never forget to be hospitable, for by hospitality some have entertained angels unawares. Remember prisoners, as if you were in prison yourselves; remember those who are being ill-treated, since you too are in the body.

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the presbyters of the church. When they came to him, he said, "You know quite well how I lived among you all the time ever since I set foot in Asia, how I served the Lord in all humility, with many a tear and many a trial which I encountered owing to the plots of the Jews, read more.
how I never shrank from letting you know anything for your good, or from teaching you alike in public and from house to house, bearing my testimony, both to Jews and Greeks, of repentance before God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Now here I go to Jerusalem under the binding force of the Spirit. What will befall me there, I do not know. Only, I know this, that in town after town the holy Spirit testifies to me that bonds and troubles are awaiting me. But then, I set no value on my own life as compared with the joy of finishing my course and fulfilling the commission I received from the Lord Jesus to attest the gospel of the grace of God. I know to-day that not one of you will ever see my face again ??not one of you among whom I moved as I preached the Reign. Therefore do I protest before you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you; I never shrank from letting you know the entire purpose of God. Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you guardians; shepherd the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his own blood. I know that when I am gone, fierce wolves will get in among you, and they will not spare the flock; yes. and men of your own number will arise with perversions of the truth to draw the disciples after them. So be on the alert, remember how for three whole years I never ceased night and day to watch over each one of you with tears. And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace; he is able to upbuild you and give you your inheritance among all the consecrated. Silver, gold, or apparel I never coveted; you know yourselves how these hands of mine provided everything for my own needs and for my companions. I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" With these words he knelt down and prayed beside them all. They all broke into loud lamentation and falling upon the neck of Paul kissed him fondly, sorrowing chiefly because he told them they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

contribute to needy saints, make a practice of hospitality. Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

to the weak I have become as weak myself, to win over the weak. To all men I have become all things, to save some by all and every means. Verse Concepts

We beseech you, brothers, keep a check upon loafers, encourage the faint-hearted, sustain weak souls, never lose your temper with anyone; Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

We who are strong ought to bear the burdens that the weak make for themselves and us. We are not to please ourselves. Verse Concepts

For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you entertained me, I was unclothed and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you visited me.'

Welcome a man of weak faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his scruples. Verse Concepts

He is ruined, this weak man, ruined by your 'enlightened mind,' this brother for whose sake Christ died! Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

When they reached Ephesus, Paul left them there. He went to the synagogue and argued with the Jews, who asked him to stay for a while. But he would not consent; he said goodbye to them, telling them, "I will come back to you, if it is the will of God." Then, sailing from Ephesus,

This was because Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, to avoid any loss of time in Asia; he wanted to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the presbyters of the church. When they came to him, he said, "You know quite well how I lived among you all the time ever since I set foot in Asia, read more.
how I served the Lord in all humility, with many a tear and many a trial which I encountered owing to the plots of the Jews, how I never shrank from letting you know anything for your good, or from teaching you alike in public and from house to house, bearing my testimony, both to Jews and Greeks, of repentance before God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Now here I go to Jerusalem under the binding force of the Spirit. What will befall me there, I do not know. Only, I know this, that in town after town the holy Spirit testifies to me that bonds and troubles are awaiting me. But then, I set no value on my own life as compared with the joy of finishing my course and fulfilling the commission I received from the Lord Jesus to attest the gospel of the grace of God. I know to-day that not one of you will ever see my face again ??not one of you among whom I moved as I preached the Reign. Therefore do I protest before you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you; I never shrank from letting you know the entire purpose of God. Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you guardians; shepherd the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his own blood. I know that when I am gone, fierce wolves will get in among you, and they will not spare the flock; yes. and men of your own number will arise with perversions of the truth to draw the disciples after them. So be on the alert, remember how for three whole years I never ceased night and day to watch over each one of you with tears. And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace; he is able to upbuild you and give you your inheritance among all the consecrated. Silver, gold, or apparel I never coveted; you know yourselves how these hands of mine provided everything for my own needs and for my companions. I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" With these words he knelt down and prayed beside them all. They all broke into loud lamentation and falling upon the neck of Paul kissed him fondly, sorrowing chiefly because he told them they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

For you know quite well how to copy us; we did not loaf in your midst, Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Model yourself on the sound instruction you have had from me in the faith and love of Christ Jesus. Verse Concepts

Copy me, brothers, one and all of you, and notice those who live by the example you get from me. Verse Concepts

Then imitate me, I beg of you. Verse Concepts

I would like all men to be as I am. However, everyone is endowed by God in his own way; he has a gift for the one life or the other. Verse Concepts

Copy me, as I copy Christ. Verse Concepts

Practise also what you have learned and received from me, what you heard me say and what you saw me do; then the God of peace will be with you. Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Model yourself on the sound instruction you have had from me in the faith and love of Christ Jesus. Verse Concepts

I obtained mercy, for the purpose of furnishing Christ Jesus with the chief illustration of his utter patience; I was to be the typical instance of all who were to believe in him and gain eternal life. Verse Concepts

Copy me, brothers, one and all of you, and notice those who live by the example you get from me. Verse Concepts

Then imitate me, I beg of you. Verse Concepts

Copy me, as I copy Christ. Verse Concepts

Practise also what you have learned and received from me, what you heard me say and what you saw me do; then the God of peace will be with you. Verse Concepts

I would like all men to be as I am. However, everyone is endowed by God in his own way; he has a gift for the one life or the other. To the unmarried and to widows I would say this: it is an excellent thing if like me they remain as they are.

For you know quite well how to copy us; we did not loaf in your midst, we did not take free meals from anyone; no, toiling hard at our trade, we worked night and day, so as not to be a burden to any of you. Not that we have no right to such support; it was simply to give you a pattern to copy. read more.
We used to charge you even when we were with you, 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

(You know how gracious our Lord Jesus Christ was; rich though he was, he became poor for the sake of you, that by his poverty you might be rich.) Verse Concepts

Now then, you are to the front in everything, in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all zeal, and in love for us ??do come to the front in this gracious enterprise as well. Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

We beseech you, brothers, keep a check upon loafers, encourage the faint-hearted, sustain weak souls, never lose your temper with anyone; Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

And you, my true comrade, lend a hand to these women, I beg of you; they have fought at my side in the active service of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Verse Concepts

Even if anyone is detected in some trespass, brothers, you are spiritual, you must set the offender right in a spirit of gentleness; let each of you look to himself, in case he too is tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

We who are strong ought to bear the burdens that the weak make for themselves and us. We are not to please ourselves. Each of us must please his neighbour, doing him good by building up his faith. Christ certainly did not please himself, but, as it is written, The reproaches of those who denounced Thee have fallen upon me. ??4 All such words were written of old for our instruction, that by remaining stedfast and drawing encouragement from the scriptures we may cherish hope.

Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Let the thief steal no more; rather let him work and put his hands to an honest task, so as to have something to contribute to the needy. Verse Concepts

Better cleanse what is within; then nothing will be unclean for you. Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

He replied, "Let everyone who possesses two shirts share with him who has none, and let him who has food do likewise." Verse Concepts

With regard to the collection for the saints, you must carry out the same arrangements as I made for the churches of Galatia. Verse Concepts

Charge the rich of this world not to be supercilious, and not to fix their hopes on so uncertain a thing as riches but on the living God who richly provides us with all the enjoyments of life; tell them to be bountiful, rich in good works, open-handed and generous,

Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Let the thief steal no more; rather let him work and put his hands to an honest task, so as to have something to contribute to the needy. Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the presbyters of the church. When they came to him, he said, "You know quite well how I lived among you all the time ever since I set foot in Asia, how I served the Lord in all humility, with many a tear and many a trial which I encountered owing to the plots of the Jews, read more.
how I never shrank from letting you know anything for your good, or from teaching you alike in public and from house to house, bearing my testimony, both to Jews and Greeks, of repentance before God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Now here I go to Jerusalem under the binding force of the Spirit. What will befall me there, I do not know. Only, I know this, that in town after town the holy Spirit testifies to me that bonds and troubles are awaiting me. But then, I set no value on my own life as compared with the joy of finishing my course and fulfilling the commission I received from the Lord Jesus to attest the gospel of the grace of God. I know to-day that not one of you will ever see my face again ??not one of you among whom I moved as I preached the Reign. Therefore do I protest before you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you; I never shrank from letting you know the entire purpose of God. Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you guardians; shepherd the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his own blood. I know that when I am gone, fierce wolves will get in among you, and they will not spare the flock; yes. and men of your own number will arise with perversions of the truth to draw the disciples after them. So be on the alert, remember how for three whole years I never ceased night and day to watch over each one of you with tears. And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace; he is able to upbuild you and give you your inheritance among all the consecrated. Silver, gold, or apparel I never coveted; you know yourselves how these hands of mine provided everything for my own needs and for my companions. I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" With these words he knelt down and prayed beside them all. They all broke into loud lamentation and falling upon the neck of Paul kissed him fondly, sorrowing chiefly because he told them they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Pure, unsoiled religion in the judgment of God the Father means this: to care for orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself from the stain of the world. Verse Concepts

I was unclothed and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Verse Concepts

as it is written, He scatters his gifts to the poor broadcast, his charity lasts for ever. Verse Concepts

After spending some time there he went off on a journey right through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples. There came to Ephesus a Jew called Apollos, who was a native of Alexandria, a man of culture, strong in his knowledge of the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and he preached and taught about Jesus with ardour and accuracy, though all the baptism he knew was that of John. read more.
In the synagogue he was very outspoken at first; but when Aquila and Priscilla listened to him, they took him home and explained more accurately to him what the Way of God really meant. As he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers wrote and urged the disciples there to give him a welcome. And on his arrival he proved of great service to those who by God's grace had believed, for he publicly refuted the Jews with might and main, showing from the scriptures that the messiah was Jesus. It was when Apollos was in Corinth that Paul, after passing through the inland districts, came down to Ephesus. There he found some disciples, whom he asked, "Did you receive the holy Spirit when you believed?" "No," they said, "we never even heard of its existence." "Then," said he, "what were you baptized in?" "In John's baptism," they replied. "John," said Paul, "baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." When they heard this, they had themselves baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and after Paul laid his hands on them the holy Spirit came upon them, they spoke with 'tongues' and prophesied. They numbered all together about twelve men. Then Paul entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out fearlessly, arguing and persuading people about the Reign of God. But as some grew stubborn and disobedient, decrying the Way in presence of the multitude, he left them, withdrew the disciples, and continued his argument every day from eleven to four in the lecture-room of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the inhabitants of Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. God also worked no ordinary miracles by means of Paul; people even carried away towels or aprons he had used, and at their touch sick folk were freed from their diseases and evil spirits came out of them. Some strolling Jewish exorcists also undertook to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches!" The seven sons of Sceuas, a Jewish high priest, used to do this. But the evil spirit retorted, "Jesus I know and Paul I know, but you ??who are you?" And the man in whom the evil spirit resided leapt at them, overpowered them all, and belaboured them, till they rushed out of the house stripped and wounded. This came to the ears of all the inhabitants of Ephesus, Jews as well as Greeks; awe fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Many believers would also come to confess and disclose their magic spells; and numbers who had practised magic arts collected their books and burned them in the presence of all. On adding up the value of them, it was found that they were worth two thousand pounds. Thus did the word of the Lord increase and prevail mightily. After these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to travel through Macedonia and Achaia on his way to Jerusalem. "After I get there," he said, "I must also visit Rome." So he despatched two of his assistants to Macedonia, Timotheus and Erastus, while he himself stayed on awhile in Asia. It was about that time that a great commotion arose over the Way. This was how it happened. By making silver shrines of Artemis a silversmith called Demetrius was the means of bringing rich profit to his workmen. So he got them together, along with the workmen who belonged to similar trades, and said to them: "My men, you know this trade is the source of our wealth. You also see and hear that not only at Ephesus but almost all over Asia this fellow Paul has drawn off a considerable number of people by his persuasions. He declares that hand-made gods are not gods at all. Now the danger is not only that we will have our trade discredited but that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will fall into contempt and that she will be degraded from her majestic glory, she whom all Asia and the wide world worship." When they heard this they were filled with rage and raised the cry, "Great is Artemis of Ephesus!" So the city was filled with confusion. They rushed like one man into the amphitheatre, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were travelling with Paul. (Paul wanted to enter the popular assembly, but the disciples would not allow him. Some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, also sent to beg him not to venture into the amphitheatre.) Some were shouting one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and the majority had no idea why they had met. Some of the mob concluded it must be Alexander, as the Jews pushed him to the front. So Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to defend himself before the people; but when they discovered he was a Jew, a roar broke from them all, and for about two hours they shouted, "Great is Artemis of Ephesus! Great is Artemis of Ephesus!" The secretary of state then got the mob calmed down, and said to them, "Men of Ephesus, who on earth does not know that the city of Ephesus is Warden of the temple of the great Artemis and of the statue that fell from heaven? All this is beyond question. So you should keep calm and do nothing reckless. Instead of that, you have brought these men here who are guilty neither of sacrilege nor of blasphemy against our goddess. If Demetrius and his fellow tradesmen have a grievance against anybody, let both parties state their charges; assizes are held and there are always the proconsuls. Any wider claim must be settled in the legal assembly of the citizens. Indeed there is a danger of our being charged with riot over to-day's meeting; there is not a single reason we can give for this disorderly gathering." With these words he dismissed the assembly. When the tumult had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples and encouraged them; he then took leave of them and went his way to Macedonia. After passing through the districts of Macedonia and encouraging the people at length, he came to Greece, where he spent three months. Just as he was on the point of sailing for Syria, the Jews laid a plot against him. He therefore resolved to return through Macedonia. His company as far as Asia consisted of Sopater of Beroea (the son of Pyrrhus), Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, Timotheus, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. They went on to wait for us at Troas, while we sailed from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and joined them five days later at Troas. There we spent seven days. On the first day of the week we met for the breaking of bread; Paul addressed them, as he was to leave next day, and he prolonged his address till midnight (there were plenty of lamps in the upper room where we met). In the window sat a young man called Eutychus, and as Paul's address went on and on, he got overcome with drowsiness, went fast asleep, and fell from the third storey. He was picked up a corpse, but Paul went downstairs, threw himself upon him, and embraced him. "Do not lament," he said, "the life is still in him." Then he went upstairs, broke bread, and ate; finally, after conversing awhile with them till the dawn, he went away. As for the lad, they took him away alive, much to their relief. Now we had gone on beforehand to the ship and set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul on board there. This was his own arrangement, for he intended to travel by land. So when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and got to Mitylene. Sailing thence on the following day we arrived off Chios; next day we crossed over to Samos, and [after stopping at Trogyllium] we went on next day to Miletus. This was because Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, to avoid any loss of time in Asia; he wanted to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the presbyters of the church. When they came to him, he said, "You know quite well how I lived among you all the time ever since I set foot in Asia, how I served the Lord in all humility, with many a tear and many a trial which I encountered owing to the plots of the Jews, how I never shrank from letting you know anything for your good, or from teaching you alike in public and from house to house, bearing my testimony, both to Jews and Greeks, of repentance before God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Now here I go to Jerusalem under the binding force of the Spirit. What will befall me there, I do not know. Only, I know this, that in town after town the holy Spirit testifies to me that bonds and troubles are awaiting me. But then, I set no value on my own life as compared with the joy of finishing my course and fulfilling the commission I received from the Lord Jesus to attest the gospel of the grace of God. I know to-day that not one of you will ever see my face again ??not one of you among whom I moved as I preached the Reign. Therefore do I protest before you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you; I never shrank from letting you know the entire purpose of God. Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you guardians; shepherd the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his own blood. I know that when I am gone, fierce wolves will get in among you, and they will not spare the flock; yes. and men of your own number will arise with perversions of the truth to draw the disciples after them. So be on the alert, remember how for three whole years I never ceased night and day to watch over each one of you with tears. And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace; he is able to upbuild you and give you your inheritance among all the consecrated. Silver, gold, or apparel I never coveted; you know yourselves how these hands of mine provided everything for my own needs and for my companions. I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" With these words he knelt down and prayed beside them all. They all broke into loud lamentation and falling upon the neck of Paul kissed him fondly, sorrowing chiefly because he told them they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship. When we had torn ourselves away from them and set sail, we made a straight run to Cos, next day to Rhodes, and thence to Patara; as we found a ship there bound for Phoenicia, we went on board and set sail. After sighting Cyprus and leaving it on our left, we sailed for Syria, landing at Tyre, where the ship was to unload her cargo. We found out the local disciples and stayed there for seven days. These disciples told Paul by the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem; but, when our time was up, we started on our journey, escorted by them, women and children and all, till we got outside the town. Then, kneeling on the beach, we prayed and said goodbye to one another. We went on board and they went home. By sailing from Tyre to Ptolemais we completed our voyage; we saluted the brothers, spent a day with them, and started next morning for Caesarea, where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist (he belonged to the Seven, and had four unmarried daughters who prophesied). We stayed with him. While we remained there for a number of days, a prophet called Agabus came down from Judaea. He came to us, took Paul's girdle and bound his own feet and hands, saying, "Here is the word of the holy Spirit: 'So shall the Jews bind the owner of this girdle at Jerusalem and hand him over to the Gentiles'." Now when we heard this, we and the local disciples besought Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul replied, "What do you mean by weeping and disheartening me? I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the sake of the Lord Jesus." As he would not be persuaded, we acquiesced, saying, "The will of the Lord be done." After these days we packed up and started for Jerusalem,

and as he belonged to the same trade he stayed with them and they all worked together. (They were workers in leather by trade.) Verse Concepts

Silver, gold, or apparel I never coveted; you know yourselves how these hands of mine provided everything for my own needs and for my companions. I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'"

Now here I go to Jerusalem under the binding force of the Spirit. What will befall me there, I do not know. Only, I know this, that in town after town the holy Spirit testifies to me that bonds and troubles are awaiting me. But then, I set no value on my own life as compared with the joy of finishing my course and fulfilling the commission I received from the Lord Jesus to attest the gospel of the grace of God. read more.
I know to-day that not one of you will ever see my face again ??not one of you among whom I moved as I preached the Reign. Therefore do I protest before you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you; I never shrank from letting you know the entire purpose of God. Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you guardians; shepherd the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his own blood. I know that when I am gone, fierce wolves will get in among you, and they will not spare the flock; yes. and men of your own number will arise with perversions of the truth to draw the disciples after them. So be on the alert, remember how for three whole years I never ceased night and day to watch over each one of you with tears. And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace; he is able to upbuild you and give you your inheritance among all the consecrated. Silver, gold, or apparel I never coveted; you know yourselves how these hands of mine provided everything for my own needs and for my companions. I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" With these words he knelt down and prayed beside them all. They all broke into loud lamentation and falling upon the neck of Paul kissed him fondly, sorrowing chiefly because he told them they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

For you know quite well how to copy us; we did not loaf in your midst, Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Model yourself on the sound instruction you have had from me in the faith and love of Christ Jesus. Verse Concepts

Copy me, brothers, one and all of you, and notice those who live by the example you get from me. Verse Concepts

Then imitate me, I beg of you. Verse Concepts

I would like all men to be as I am. However, everyone is endowed by God in his own way; he has a gift for the one life or the other. Verse Concepts

Copy me, as I copy Christ. Verse Concepts

Practise also what you have learned and received from me, what you heard me say and what you saw me do; then the God of peace will be with you. Verse Concepts

After spending some time there he went off on a journey right through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples. There came to Ephesus a Jew called Apollos, who was a native of Alexandria, a man of culture, strong in his knowledge of the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and he preached and taught about Jesus with ardour and accuracy, though all the baptism he knew was that of John. read more.
In the synagogue he was very outspoken at first; but when Aquila and Priscilla listened to him, they took him home and explained more accurately to him what the Way of God really meant. As he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers wrote and urged the disciples there to give him a welcome. And on his arrival he proved of great service to those who by God's grace had believed, for he publicly refuted the Jews with might and main, showing from the scriptures that the messiah was Jesus. It was when Apollos was in Corinth that Paul, after passing through the inland districts, came down to Ephesus. There he found some disciples, whom he asked, "Did you receive the holy Spirit when you believed?" "No," they said, "we never even heard of its existence." "Then," said he, "what were you baptized in?" "In John's baptism," they replied. "John," said Paul, "baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." When they heard this, they had themselves baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and after Paul laid his hands on them the holy Spirit came upon them, they spoke with 'tongues' and prophesied. They numbered all together about twelve men. Then Paul entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out fearlessly, arguing and persuading people about the Reign of God. But as some grew stubborn and disobedient, decrying the Way in presence of the multitude, he left them, withdrew the disciples, and continued his argument every day from eleven to four in the lecture-room of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the inhabitants of Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. God also worked no ordinary miracles by means of Paul; people even carried away towels or aprons he had used, and at their touch sick folk were freed from their diseases and evil spirits came out of them. Some strolling Jewish exorcists also undertook to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches!" The seven sons of Sceuas, a Jewish high priest, used to do this. But the evil spirit retorted, "Jesus I know and Paul I know, but you ??who are you?" And the man in whom the evil spirit resided leapt at them, overpowered them all, and belaboured them, till they rushed out of the house stripped and wounded. This came to the ears of all the inhabitants of Ephesus, Jews as well as Greeks; awe fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Many believers would also come to confess and disclose their magic spells; and numbers who had practised magic arts collected their books and burned them in the presence of all. On adding up the value of them, it was found that they were worth two thousand pounds. Thus did the word of the Lord increase and prevail mightily. After these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to travel through Macedonia and Achaia on his way to Jerusalem. "After I get there," he said, "I must also visit Rome." So he despatched two of his assistants to Macedonia, Timotheus and Erastus, while he himself stayed on awhile in Asia. It was about that time that a great commotion arose over the Way. This was how it happened. By making silver shrines of Artemis a silversmith called Demetrius was the means of bringing rich profit to his workmen. So he got them together, along with the workmen who belonged to similar trades, and said to them: "My men, you know this trade is the source of our wealth. You also see and hear that not only at Ephesus but almost all over Asia this fellow Paul has drawn off a considerable number of people by his persuasions. He declares that hand-made gods are not gods at all. Now the danger is not only that we will have our trade discredited but that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will fall into contempt and that she will be degraded from her majestic glory, she whom all Asia and the wide world worship." When they heard this they were filled with rage and raised the cry, "Great is Artemis of Ephesus!" So the city was filled with confusion. They rushed like one man into the amphitheatre, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were travelling with Paul. (Paul wanted to enter the popular assembly, but the disciples would not allow him. Some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, also sent to beg him not to venture into the amphitheatre.) Some were shouting one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and the majority had no idea why they had met. Some of the mob concluded it must be Alexander, as the Jews pushed him to the front. So Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to defend himself before the people; but when they discovered he was a Jew, a roar broke from them all, and for about two hours they shouted, "Great is Artemis of Ephesus! Great is Artemis of Ephesus!" The secretary of state then got the mob calmed down, and said to them, "Men of Ephesus, who on earth does not know that the city of Ephesus is Warden of the temple of the great Artemis and of the statue that fell from heaven? All this is beyond question. So you should keep calm and do nothing reckless. Instead of that, you have brought these men here who are guilty neither of sacrilege nor of blasphemy against our goddess. If Demetrius and his fellow tradesmen have a grievance against anybody, let both parties state their charges; assizes are held and there are always the proconsuls. Any wider claim must be settled in the legal assembly of the citizens. Indeed there is a danger of our being charged with riot over to-day's meeting; there is not a single reason we can give for this disorderly gathering." With these words he dismissed the assembly. When the tumult had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples and encouraged them; he then took leave of them and went his way to Macedonia. After passing through the districts of Macedonia and encouraging the people at length, he came to Greece, where he spent three months. Just as he was on the point of sailing for Syria, the Jews laid a plot against him. He therefore resolved to return through Macedonia. His company as far as Asia consisted of Sopater of Beroea (the son of Pyrrhus), Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, Timotheus, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. They went on to wait for us at Troas, while we sailed from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and joined them five days later at Troas. There we spent seven days. On the first day of the week we met for the breaking of bread; Paul addressed them, as he was to leave next day, and he prolonged his address till midnight (there were plenty of lamps in the upper room where we met). In the window sat a young man called Eutychus, and as Paul's address went on and on, he got overcome with drowsiness, went fast asleep, and fell from the third storey. He was picked up a corpse, but Paul went downstairs, threw himself upon him, and embraced him. "Do not lament," he said, "the life is still in him." Then he went upstairs, broke bread, and ate; finally, after conversing awhile with them till the dawn, he went away. As for the lad, they took him away alive, much to their relief. Now we had gone on beforehand to the ship and set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul on board there. This was his own arrangement, for he intended to travel by land. So when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and got to Mitylene. Sailing thence on the following day we arrived off Chios; next day we crossed over to Samos, and [after stopping at Trogyllium] we went on next day to Miletus. This was because Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, to avoid any loss of time in Asia; he wanted to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the presbyters of the church. When they came to him, he said, "You know quite well how I lived among you all the time ever since I set foot in Asia, how I served the Lord in all humility, with many a tear and many a trial which I encountered owing to the plots of the Jews, how I never shrank from letting you know anything for your good, or from teaching you alike in public and from house to house, bearing my testimony, both to Jews and Greeks, of repentance before God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Now here I go to Jerusalem under the binding force of the Spirit. What will befall me there, I do not know. Only, I know this, that in town after town the holy Spirit testifies to me that bonds and troubles are awaiting me. But then, I set no value on my own life as compared with the joy of finishing my course and fulfilling the commission I received from the Lord Jesus to attest the gospel of the grace of God. I know to-day that not one of you will ever see my face again ??not one of you among whom I moved as I preached the Reign. Therefore do I protest before you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you; I never shrank from letting you know the entire purpose of God. Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you guardians; shepherd the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his own blood. I know that when I am gone, fierce wolves will get in among you, and they will not spare the flock; yes. and men of your own number will arise with perversions of the truth to draw the disciples after them. So be on the alert, remember how for three whole years I never ceased night and day to watch over each one of you with tears. And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace; he is able to upbuild you and give you your inheritance among all the consecrated. Silver, gold, or apparel I never coveted; you know yourselves how these hands of mine provided everything for my own needs and for my companions. I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" With these words he knelt down and prayed beside them all. They all broke into loud lamentation and falling upon the neck of Paul kissed him fondly, sorrowing chiefly because he told them they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship. When we had torn ourselves away from them and set sail, we made a straight run to Cos, next day to Rhodes, and thence to Patara; as we found a ship there bound for Phoenicia, we went on board and set sail. After sighting Cyprus and leaving it on our left, we sailed for Syria, landing at Tyre, where the ship was to unload her cargo. We found out the local disciples and stayed there for seven days. These disciples told Paul by the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem; but, when our time was up, we started on our journey, escorted by them, women and children and all, till we got outside the town. Then, kneeling on the beach, we prayed and said goodbye to one another. We went on board and they went home. By sailing from Tyre to Ptolemais we completed our voyage; we saluted the brothers, spent a day with them, and started next morning for Caesarea, where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist (he belonged to the Seven, and had four unmarried daughters who prophesied). We stayed with him. While we remained there for a number of days, a prophet called Agabus came down from Judaea. He came to us, took Paul's girdle and bound his own feet and hands, saying, "Here is the word of the holy Spirit: 'So shall the Jews bind the owner of this girdle at Jerusalem and hand him over to the Gentiles'." Now when we heard this, we and the local disciples besought Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul replied, "What do you mean by weeping and disheartening me? I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the sake of the Lord Jesus." As he would not be persuaded, we acquiesced, saying, "The will of the Lord be done." After these days we packed up and started for Jerusalem,

Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Never forget "Jesus Christ risen from the dead, descended from David" ??that is my gospel, Verse Concepts

Such is my own rule, to satisfy all men in all points, aiming not at my own advantage but at the advantage of the greater number ??at their salvation. Verse Concepts

we work hard for our living; when reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we put up with it; Verse Concepts

you know yourselves how these hands of mine provided everything for my own needs and for my companions. I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'"

tell them to be bountiful, rich in good works, open-handed and generous, Verse Concepts

Do not forget beneficence and charity, either; these are the kind of sacrifices that are acceptable to God. Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

contribute to needy saints, make a practice of hospitality. Verse Concepts

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men and in particular to the household of the faith. Verse Concepts

I showed you how this was the way to work hard and succour the needy, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, 'To give is happier than to get.'" Verse Concepts

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Verse Concepts