Bible Study Snacks, Acts 20:13-38

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! I hope everyone had a nice week! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Twenty, Verses 13-38.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

 1) Review Paul's travels from Troas to Miletus.

2) Examine Paul's meeting with the Ephesian elders while in Miletus.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 20:13-38...  

Paul travels from Troas to Assos by foot, while his companions sail there. Paul joins them aboard ship in Assos. Over some four days, they sail to/near: Mitylene, Chios, Samos, and Miletus. Paul decides to sail past Ephesus, as he desires to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. (13-16)

While at Miletus, Paul calls for the elders of the church at Ephesus. Paul reviews his labors (history) with them: he has served the Lord with humility, tears and trials; he taught publicly and house-to-house; he taught Jews and Greeks; and, he taught repentance toward God and faith toward Christ. Paul speaks of his future.  He is to go "bound in the Spirit" to Jerusalem. "Chains and tribulations" await him there.

In light of these things, Paul focuses on his work to continue proclaiming the Gospel. He wants to finish his race "with joy." He tells the elders that they will not see his face anymore. Paul declares that he is "innocent of the blood of all men," as he has not failed to declare to them the "whole counsel of God."  Paul exhorts and warns them as elders; they are to follow his example. Paul admonishes them to "take heed" unto themselves and to all the flock, over which they are overseers. They are to feed the church.

Paul warns them that "wolves" will enter in, "not sparing the flock." Some, even among them, will arise to draw away the flock - "wherefore, watch ye."  Paul reminds them that he had warned them day and night for three years. Paul then commends them to God and to His Word, which is "able to build you up." Paul reminds them of his example of providing for himself and those that were with him; laboring in this way, enables them to provide for the weak. Paul then prays with them and bids them farewell. They are weeping and sorrowful that they will not see him again. They then escort him back to the ship for his departure. (17-38)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) Where did the travelers sail to? How did Paul travel there? (Acts 20:13)
2) List the locations they sailed to/near from Assos to Miletus? (Acts 20:14-15)
3) What was Paul's reason for sailing past Ephesus? (Acts 20:16)
4) While in Miletus, who did Paul call to meet with him? (Acts 20:17)
5) Briefly list Paul's history with the Ephesians that he reviewed with them. (Acts 20:18-21)
6) What did Paul say was in his future? (Acts 20:22-27)
7) How did Paul exhort and warn the elders? Whose example were they to follow? (Acts 20:28-35)
8) After Paul exhorted and warned the elders, what did he do? (Acts 20:36)
9) What were they especially grieved over? (Acts 20:37-38)

After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!  

Sheri