Commended to Christ

As we continue in the story of the book of Acts, we come to Paul's farewell address to the Ephesians elders. Paul speaks to the elders and says, "And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:22-24). Paul seeks encourage and build up the elders who are entrusted with overseeing and caring for or shepherding the flock of God. Ben frames the text around three main headers:

1) The Edification of Elders

2) The Defense Against Distraction

3) The Commendation to Christ

From the text, we are encouraged to pray for and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance as we seek to affirm godly leadership and form an elder team. We can seek to encourage one another to focus on Christ and keep Christ at the center of our lives. We can trust in God and the word of his grace, which is able to build us up and give us

the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:32).