Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage. Paul’s journey to Miletus shows true leadership through humble service, heartfelt teaching, and bold warning against false doctrine. He displayed perseverance under pressure, cared deeply for his people, and shared responsibility with other elders, modeling how a spiritual leader courageously protects, nurtures, and guides the church community even through trials and emotional challenges. Genuine ministry means serving with love, honesty, and unwavering faith.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 20, Acts 19:21-22, Romans 15:25-26, Acts 18:22-23, Acts 14:23, Acts 20:17, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 5:17, Titus 1:5, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:4-9, Acts 20:27-35, 1 Peter 5:1-4, John 21:15-17, Revelation 12:5, Revelation 2:26, Revelation 3:20-21, Isaiah 48:10-11, Hebrews 12:29, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 3:11-12, Matthew 8:5-12, Matthew 10:8, Matthew 5, Romans 14:5, Colossians 2:14-15, Hosea 2:11, Mark 16:1-2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1, 1 Corinthians 15:23, Leviticus 23:9-17, 1 Corinthians 11:33, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Acts 21:18,
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Introduction to Acts Chapter 20
Tonight, we’re looking at Acts chapter 20. It’s a good chapter with some great truths we can draw from it. It might not be as packed as some of the other chapters we’ve studied, but it still has a lot to teach us.
What’s interesting is that Paul was actually a long-winded preacher. When he was at Troas, he kept those believers listening until midnight. One young man even fell asleep, tumbled out of a window, and fell three stories. That’s quite a scene, but I’d better stop before I get carried away with that story.
My Outline
Ministry in Macedonia Acts 19:21-22; 20:1-5
Ministry in Greece Acts 20:5-12
Ministry at Miletus Acts 20:13-38
Message to the Elders Acts 20:18-38
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Paul’s Journey and Ministry
Paul moved on to Macedonia, then to Greece for three months. After that, he traveled to Troas, where the church gathered on the first day of the week. Paul preached until midnight, and Eutychus fell out of the window.
Next, Paul called for the Ephesian elders, who walked thirty miles to see him. It’s striking that they made a long journey, while today many won’t go far for church. We learn more about Paul and how he preached the kingdom of God. We are warned about false teachers—grievous wolves—who would come from among the elders and try to lead others away. There’s also the sad moment when Paul parted from the Ephesian elders. They cried and embraced him because they knew it was the last time they’d see him.
Acts 19:21-22
21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Paul spent a short time in Antioch before leaving to travel through Galatia and Asia, eventually reaching Ephesus. With just those two verses, we cover the start of the journey and the churches along the way, ending back at Ephesus.
Ministry in Ephesus and Greece
Last week, we started at Ephesus, focusing on those who received the Holy Spirit, as told in Acts 19. Ephesus was also home to the goddess Diana and many who worshipped her. Today, we leave Ephesus and go all the way to Greece. Paul didn’t travel by ship; he walked. The text doesn’t say much about his journey to Achaia and Corinth, only that he went there.
We will look briefly at this route. Afterward, Paul returns the same way, then sails to Ephesus. He meets with the ministers from Ephesus at Miletus. In this lesson, we’ll follow Paul as he goes to Greece and returns to Ephesus.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Paul’s Resolve and Calling
Acts 19:21-22
21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
We’re now looking at the Ministry in Macedonia, focusing on Acts 19, verses 21 and 22. Paul had finished his work and decided in his spirit. He planned to travel through Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem, and after that, he resolved to see Rome. Nobody told Paul to go to Rome. He chose in his spirit that Rome was his destination, believing that was where God wanted his ministry to lead.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
This reminds me of a time years ago when I was teaching Sunday school. I decided in my spirit that I would not do that forever. I aimed to be involved with the fivefold ministry: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. That’s my goal—to be part of the work God wants to do. I want to ask you: what have you purposed in your spirit? What is your “Rome”? What is your goal in ministry? I hope to encourage you and stir something within you. God has a place for you, a ministry destination, just as He did for Paul.
Deacons and Elders Must Be Servants
Another truth we see in these verses comes from verse 22. Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia. The word for ministered here is “diakoneo,” the same root as “deacon.” A deacon is first and foremost a servant. I’ve taught several messages about this: a deacon isn’t just someone who sits on a board; he must be a servant. If someone isn’t serving, he isn’t truly a deacon.
Tonight, we’ll talk about both deacons and elders. These are not just titles given to people. They must be servants first. If someone is not willing to serve, he isn’t a true elder or deacon. The key point is that Timothy and Erastus ministered to Paul—they served his ministry. You cannot have a true New Testament church without deacons and elders. Ministry needs support. I am grateful to be in a place where I am not just seen as having a job, but as someone you minister to, just as I minister to you.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
I want to share something with you. At the church where I served before entering the ministry, we sold our building to another congregation. We had a meeting with them, and their pastor came along. Our pastor led the conversation. When we tried to engage their pastor, he said he was only there to listen because the chairman of their board led everything. This made me think about how church leadership should be organized according to the Bible. There’s a divine order for church government, and we will talk more about that tonight. Ministry needs to be nurtured and supported.
God’s Placement and Ministry Calling
I am grateful that God has put me in a place where I can minister and also be ministered to. Sometimes, churches look for someone just to fill a position. I was once approached about pastoring a church, but it didn’t feel right. The Lord showed me it wasn’t my place, so I declined. God always has the right place for you.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Paul stayed for three months, ministering and encouraging the people. Now let’s talk about ministry in Greece, Achaia, and Corinth. When Paul was about to leave Corinth, he learned that some Jews were planning to kill him. He had traveled through the region, planning to sail away to Syria, Jerusalem, and Antioch. But when he heard about the plot, he changed his route and traveled by land back around to Troas.
Paul had a reason for traveling by land the first time. He was collecting offerings to help other churches. That’s why he took that route, and maybe we should take a moment to look at Romans 15:26 to understand it better.
Churches Helping the Saints—Romans 15
Romans 15:25-26
25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
At this time, Paul wrote his letter to the Romans while staying in Corinth. In Romans 15, verses 25 and 26, we see that he planned to go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints there. The believers in Macedonia and Achaia had decided to send a contribution to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem. I think that’s special.
Today, many churches focus on keeping what they have, but here we see churches helping churches. The Gentile churches in Macedonia got together and sent financial help to the Jewish church in Jerusalem. It’s striking, especially considering that some in Jerusalem insisted on keeping old traditions like circumcision, while other churches that didn’t believe in circumcision still wanted to help them. That’s amazing to me.
Helping Struggling Churches
As we grow and are blessed, I believe we should help struggling churches and saints wherever we can. That’s why Paul traveled by land—he went to collect offerings for the poor believers in Jerusalem. However, the Jews wanted to kill him for his ministry.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
The Jews, religious people who believed in God, refused to accept what God was doing through Jesus. Many today are the same—they cling to tradition and resist change. God is still saving people. He is still baptizing in water and the Spirit, but He is forming a group of strong believers who will overcome. Tradition often blinds people, making them think they are right no matter what. Some will fight and argue—even over doctrines like the rapture—holding too tightly to their views.
Moving to the next point, Paul was joined by representatives from the churches he started. These men traveled with him, officially bringing contributions to Jerusalem.
Ministry at Troas
Now, let’s look at the ministry at Troas in Acts chapter 20, starting with verse 5 and then verse 7.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Acts 20:5-7
5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.
6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
The scripture says that on the first day of the week, the disciples gathered to break bread. Paul preached to them on that day. What day was it? The first day—Sunday. Some people can be very strict about worshiping on Sunday, just like others are about the Sabbath. If we’re not careful, we can focus too much on the day itself, instead of what it represents.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
What I want us to see is why the early church met on the first day of the week, not the Sabbath. Why did they move away from all the Old Testament laws about the Sabbath and start worshiping Jesus on Sunday? Let’s look for the reasons. The church was leaving the old covenant behind and embracing the new one. They moved from the tabernacle of Moses to the tabernacle of David.
Feast Days and Prophetic Types
Let’s look at some prophetic types. In Leviticus 23:9-14, the text discusses the sheaf of the first fruit. This is connected to Israel’s feast days, especially the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. There were three essential feasts: Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits.
At the conclusion of these feasts, the people brought a sheaf of the first fruit as an offering to God, often barley at this time of year. Before they could eat their own crops, they gave the first portion to God. The priest lifted the sheaf and waved it before God. He didn’t do this on the Sabbath, but on the first day of the week—Sunday. This is one of the prophetic signs indicating that the first day is special.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
1 Corinthians 15:23
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
Let’s see who the first fruit is. 1 Corinthians 15:23 explains that Christ is the first fruit. The verse says that every man will be raised in his own order—Christ the first fruits, then those who belong to Him when He comes. When the priest lifted the sheaf of first fruits as an offering, it was a picture of Christ being raised from the dead.
The Resurrection on the First Day
What day did the priest lift the first fruit offering? It was on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. In Matthew 28:1, it also says that the resurrection happened at dawn on the first day of the week. These points further explain why the early church gathered on Sunday.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Matthew 28:1
1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
Jesus was raised from the dead on the first day of the week. The Gospels make it clear: John 20:1, Mark 16:1-2, and Luke 24:1 all tell us that it was the first day when Mary Magdalene and others found the empty tomb. This is the same day as the Feast of First Fruits in the Old Testament. On the day the priest raised the first fruit offering to God, Jesus was raised from the dead, fulfilling this scripture.
There’s another critical detail from Leviticus. Right after the first fruits, verses 15-17 mention two wave loaves. This was part of the feast of Pentecost, which happened fifty days after the first fruits. The timeline is clear: after the day of the first fruit, they counted seven Sabbaths, which is forty-nine days, then added one more day to reach fifty. That extra day was the first day of the week—Sunday. At Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2:1-4, the Holy Spirit came on the first day.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Why Sunday Was Chosen—Summary
By Jesus’ rising on Sunday and the Holy Spirit coming on Sunday, both events seal the first day as special. That’s why we gather to worship on Sunday and not Saturday. If you need to explain it to others, both the resurrection and the coming of the Spirit happened on the first day of the week, not the Sabbath. The Sabbath was part of the law and had ended with these new events. The first day is marked by both the Son of God and the Holy Spirit.
Overcoming Tradition—Sabbath and Feast Days
Still, it’s important not to get overly strict about Sunday just as some do about the Sabbath. The early Christians met even more often, sharing meals and prayers daily. But the emphasis on the first day comes from the fulfillment of these scriptures.
Now, let’s look at another scripture, Hosea chapter 2, verse 11.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Hosea 2:11
11 I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.
God says, “I will also cause all her joy to stop—her feast days, her new moons, her Sabbaths, and all her sacred feasts.” Isn’t it something that people today still argue about feast days and the Sabbath? Yet, God clearly says these things would come to an end.
Freedom from Old Ordinances
Let’s look at one more passage, this time from the New Testament—Colossians chapter two.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Collosians 2:14
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
This passage says God wiped out the handwriting of ordinances that were against us. He removed what was contrary to us and nailed it to His cross. When something is nailed to the cross, it’s meant to die. The same goes for our flesh—crucify it and don’t try to take it back down from the cross. I know I’m not the only one who has struggled with that.
Verse 15 says that Jesus defeated principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them. He triumphed over them. Then Paul tells us, Don’t let anyone judge you in what you eat or drink, or about holy days, new moons, or Sabbath days. These things were just shadows of what was to come.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Living in Freedom, not Shadows
All the offerings, feasts, and ceremonies were types pointing to Jesus. Now that he has come, we’re not supposed to be controlled or held back by those old rules anymore. Paul is telling us to live in the freedom Christ gave us.
Romans 14:5-6
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
This passage explains how we view special days. Verse 5 says: some people honor one day above another; others see every day the same. Each person should be fully convinced in their own mind.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
If someone honors a day, they do it for the Lord, and if someone doesn’t, that’s also for the Lord. If you eat, you eat for the Lord and give thanks, and if you choose not to eat, that is also for the Lord.
Don’t Judge Over Traditions
So what is this saying? You should not get stuck on a particular day. You can’t judge someone who does, and they can’t judge you if you don’t. That’s what Paul is teaching here.
Romans 14:10
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. You can be just as rigid about Sunday as others are about the Sabbath. That’s not the point. The reason for worshiping on the first day is the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit—both happened on Sunday. That’s why the church kept meeting on that day, and yes, it became a tradition, just as the Sabbath became a tradition. But Paul’s message is clear: don’t get stuck in traditions so much that you ignore the real meaning of God’s word.
The early church moved from keeping the Sabbath to enjoying the privilege of worshiping on the first day of the week. They broke bread together and gathered on Sunday for a reason. That’s what the scripture shows us.
Paul’s Midnight Sermon and Eutychus Falls
Acts 20:7
7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Acts 20:7 shows us the disciples met on the first day of the week. In 1 Corinthians 11:33, Paul talks at length about the Lord’s Supper, which also took place on the first day. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul tells them to set aside their offerings on the first day of the week, so that’s when they collected their gifts.
Jesus was raised on the first day of the week, and every Gospel confirms it. The Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost on the first day, when Pentecost had fully come.
Acts 20:9
9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
On the first day of the week, the disciples gathered to break bread. Paul preached to them and kept going until midnight. He spoke for hours—much longer than I speak! Midnight in scripture marks the end of one day and the start of another. It also represents the close of one age and the beginning of a new one. Paul’s message continued into midnight, meaning the gospel of the kingdom must be preached until the end of this age.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
The Symbolism of Eutychus and Spiritual Challenge
There were many lights in the upper room where they met. Their lights were lanterns, so it was nice and warm. In that room, a young man named Eutychus sat in the window. As Paul preached at length, Eutychus fell into a deep sleep and collapsed from the third loft. He fell three stories and was dead.
Eutychus is a kind of picture or type for us. He represents someone who wants to reach the third level, like the three sections in Moses’ tabernacle. Some believers really seek to enter that Holy of Holies and reach a deeper place with God. But the third loft was hot. Many lamps and torches filled the place with heat. Eutychus found a window, looking for relief.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
The Spiritual Meaning of Eutychus’s Fall
Sometimes Christians do the same. When things get challenging, i.e., hot, they look for a cooler, easier place, maybe in another church. They end up drifting off. The message Paul shared was powerful and demanding—it got hot! Most Christians stay in the outer court where things are easier and cooler, away from the heat and challenge of true sacrifice.
If you move into that next realm, the holy place, it gets warmer. There is the altar of incense and the candlesticks burning with oil. It’s a smaller space, closed in, and there’s no breeze, so it gets hotter. But if you step into the third loft, or the Holy of Holies, it’s even more intense. Hebrews 12:29 tells us that our God is a consuming fire. The closer you get to Him, the hotter it gets. All of you is burned away by the time you reach Him. Only the gold, silver, and precious stones remain. Everything useless is burned up.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Eutychus couldn’t handle this third level. It was too much, so he found a cool window and fell asleep during Paul’s powerful message. This message is hot—it’s life-changing. Many today do what Eutychus did. When it gets challenging, they check out, looking for a comfortable place instead of facing the heat of God’s presence.
Paul preached for a long time because he had something important to share. He had a revelation and wanted to pour life and light into the people listening. Paul believed that if someone listened long enough, it would change them. If you listen long enough, it will change you, too. The truth in God’s Word can help you know the outcome of situations. It can fill you with life and understanding.
But the message is hot. Many people today, like Eutychus, don’t want that kind of challenge. They don’t want the fire that purifies. But in 1 John 3, it says those who have hope in Christ purify themselves, just as Jesus is pure. What purifies us? Fire. Jesus came to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
God Chooses in the Furnace of Affliction
Isaiah 48:10
10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Isaiah 48:10-11 says that God chooses people out of the furnace of affliction. Jesus also said, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Maybe that’s because many don’t want to face the furnace—they avoid the heat. Most people prefer the outer court, because it’s cooler and easier there. Some will enter the holy place, which gets warmer. Very few are willing—or chosen—to reach the third loft, where it’s hot.
The gospel of the kingdom is not easy—it’s a hot gospel. It shows us we can’t always do what we want. Our flesh cannot be in control; we have to crucify it. If you want to reach that deeper place, the Holy of Holies, you must live like Paul did. He said, “I am dead, and my life is hidden with Christ in God. I am crucified with Christ.” He was burned up. Only Christ lived in him. That’s the third loft. How many do you think today are more like Eutychus than Paul?
Eutychus will always look for a window when it gets hot. The third level—the Holy of Holies—is where the presence of God is. In the outer court, everything is comfortable and breezy. The holy place is warmer with the candlestick burning. But in the Holy of Holies, there is no breeze, just intense heat. God is a consuming fire. The closer you get to Him, the hotter it gets.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Jesus and True Faith—A Matthew 8 Example
Now I want to share something from Matthew chapter 8, while this thought of Eutychus is fresh. I hope it helps show what the Lord might be teaching us about being willing to enter that deeper, hotter place with God.
The Faith Demonstrated in Matthew 8
Matthew 8:5-13
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
The Lesson from the Centurion’s Faith
In Matthew chapter 8, a centurion comes to Jesus. He’s not a Jew, but a Gentile from the nations. Jesus is amazed at his faith and says He hasn’t seen such great faith in all Israel. Then Jesus teaches that many will come from the east and west to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But He also says the children of the kingdom will be cast into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Jesus is talking about the natural Jews who won’t inherit the kingdom just because of their nationality. The real people of God are those with faith, even from nations that weren’t Israel. But notice, Jesus uses the Greek word “weos” for children of the kingdom. This means a mature son—a believer who has grown and reached the higher places, the third level. Yet, even some who get there can fall, like Eutychus, who fell from the third loft.
The Warning—Don’t Fall Asleep Spiritually
I’m warning you, don’t fall asleep on this message. Don’t look for a cooler place or a window to avoid the heat. Let God burn away the things that don’t matter—the wood, hay, and stubble—and let only the gold, silver, and precious stones remain. The heavenly Jerusalem is built on those things, and we are the city set on a hill. That city is the Lamb’s bride.
Don’t try to escape the fire. Don’t be like a blind man in a furnace searching for the thermostat to cool things down. The Christian world is always looking for comfort. But when you understand God’s plan, you’ll see that He chooses people out of the furnace of affliction. He wants to know how you walk through the fire. So don’t ask God to cool things down. Ask Him to fan the flame.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Matthew 3:11-12
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
The Purpose of God’s Fire
In verse 11, John the Baptist says, “I baptize you with water for repentance.” But he explains that someone greater is coming—Jesus. John says Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Do you see the furnace there? That’s where Eutychus fits in, too. Jesus is the one who brings the fire. Verse 12 says, “His fan is in his hand. He will thoroughly clean his floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
What’s the fan for? Not to cool things down, but to make the fire burn hotter. Jesus wants to purify us. He allows us to go through the furnace of affliction so we can come out as pure gold and silver. That’s how He finds out what we are truly made of. When the pressure comes, what’s inside of us gets revealed. That’s how God works in our lives.
Paul Raises Eutychus and Pastoral Care
Acts 20:10-11
10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Let’s go back to Acts chapter 20 and see what Paul did with Eutychus. Paul didn’t just give up on him. He didn’t say, “He shouldn’t have been in that window” or “He shouldn’t have gone to another church.” Paul saw Eutychus had fallen, but went down and embraced him. He said, “Don’t worry, his life is still in him.”
Ephesians 4:9 says before Jesus ascended, He first descended. He went down into the depths, to those who had fallen like Eutychus. Jesus met people in their hurt and brokenness. Before we can lift others up, we often must go down to their level, show compassion, and meet them in their struggles.
Paul did exactly that. He went down, embraced Eutychus, and then brought him back up. Paul sat with him, broke bread, and talked with him until morning. That’s what we’re called to do with those who fall. We meet them where they are, feed them, and keep sharing hope until new light comes.
The heartbreak is when some won’t come back up with you. They won’t eat the bread or talk until a new day dawns. But our job is to go down, help, and keep pouring out hope.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
The Call to Spiritual Perseverance and Healing
On a natural level, the Bible says there will be a people who overcome the last enemy—death. First Corinthians 15:26 tells us the last enemy to be destroyed is death. The Bible says some will conquer it, though we may not fully understand how. Let’s look at Matthew 10:8 to see what Jesus says about this.
Matthew 10:8
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:8 is in red. Jesus says, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely you have received, freely give.” Raising the dead is just as much a part of preaching the gospel as healing and casting out demons. You can practice healing and deliverance. Raising the dead isn’t something you practice. I’ve only had one opportunity to pray over a dead man. In that moment, I wondered where the power was.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Before Jesus received supernatural power, He went through all the tests and trials in the wilderness, as described in Luke 4. After that, He received the power—dunamis. In Acts 1:8, He told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem. When the Holy Ghost comes, then you receive power. You become witnesses to Him after that. Some people will be the “after that,” but you have to go through the wilderness and the fire first. You need messages that burn away the things that don’t belong.
Paul’s Ministry at Miletus
Paul’s ministry at Miletus. His journey took him down to Miletus by ship. He wanted to stop at Ephesus, but something changed; perhaps the wind was against him. He landed in Miletus, thirty miles south of Ephesus, and sent word to the elders in Ephesus.
They didn’t have buses or cars, only the option to walk or ride a donkey. Thirty miles on foot, at three miles per hour, would take ten hours. Those elders loved their New Testament ministry enough to make the journey. I can’t always get people to drive across town or even across the street for church. It makes you wonder who really values the ministry today the way they did back then.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
I want to say I’m thankful for people in our assembly who travel a long way just to fellowship with us. In the Bible, people would walk thirty miles—ten hours—to hear a New Testament ministry. Yet, some today won’t drive even five minutes. That makes me wonder about our dedication.
New Testament Elders—Definition and Role
Now, let’s talk about elders. The word “elder” comes from “presbyterous,” which means older, a senior, or even an ambassador or ancestor. Vine’s dictionary says it’s a position of responsibility. Elders are those raised up by the Holy Spirit to care for and oversee the churches. The New Testament shows that there were always several elders or bishops in each church, not just one. Leadership was shared—a plurality.
God’s government is not a democracy; it’s a theocracy. But there is still a group leading together. They did not vote on leaders. Instead, elders were appointed with prayer and the laying on of hands by apostles and prophets. That’s different from what we see today, where pastors are often voted in or out.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Elders and deacons work together in the local church. This is shown in Philippians 1:1. So when we talk about elders, we’re also talking about pastors. A pastor is one kind of elder. But today’s church often uses voting and democracy instead of following God’s order.
Let’s go back and look at elders again, primarily how the lexicon defines them—ambassadors, ancestors, and predecessors. According to Webster’s dictionary, elders are referred to as a “court of pastors.” Our usual way of thinking is for one pastor to lead the church, but in the New Testament, it was a group—a plurality—of elders or pastors making decisions together for the body. Don’t worry, I’m just explaining what the New Testament pattern really is: shared leadership, a team of pastors.
The Elder as Ambassador and Ancestor
An elder is also an ambassador. That means you represent your group to others, showing how the church runs and what it believes. Elders are also ancestors and predecessors. They aren’t new believers but people raised up within the local body, part of the family. Elders have a history with the group.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
If you look at Acts 15, you’ll see there were many apostles and elders in the church, all coming together for important decisions. Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James were all there, along with many elders. But even with a group, someone must have final authority so things don’t get out of control. In the early church at Jerusalem, the leader was James, the brother of Jesus, the head elder or bishop. What James decided wrapped up the discussion.
So, while elders and pastors worked as a group, the role eventually came down to one with responsibility. Take Timothy as an example—he was called the first bishop at Ephesus, not just the first pastor. I want you to think about these different terms—it helps us understand New Testament church life better. Remember, the New Testament always had plural elders, but someone had to have the final say.
The Importance of Genuine Eldership
Without elders, the New Testament church cannot function as it should. Acts 14:23 says they ordained elders in every church. Each church must have real elders in place. I thank God that our body recognizes true elders. Without that ministry, we won’t accomplish what God wants us to do. If I’ve clarified anything about New Testament church government, know this—we’re looking at apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, and all of these are elders. This is part of God’s divine order.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Now, Paul’s message to the elders starts in verses 18 through 38. He tells them, “You know all my seasons.” Paul’s life wasn’t just about good times. These elders had seen him through three years, in every season. He worshiped God in winter as well as summer. Even when life was tough and the Spirit’s wind was harsh, Paul worshiped just as deeply.
Paul served the elders with humility and kept a humble mind through many tears and struggles. He points out that the real battle is in the mind—the way we think.
The True Nature of Temptation
There’s a powerful definition of temptation. In Strong’s, it’s number 3996, and Vine’s says it means suffering or affliction. Temptation is really an external influence exerted on your mind, whether that influence is good or evil. It’s something that brings anguish and challenges your thinking. That’s where the spiritual battle is—in your thoughts, not in external enemies. We fight against spiritual forces by bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. That’s the key to overcoming.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Paul’s Mental and Emotional Perseverance
Paul talks about the mental struggles he faced, not just physical ones. He kept his humility of mind even when the Jews tested him and tried to kill him. This led to tears, but the people at Ephesus saw that Paul kept serving the Lord. What about us? When our minds are troubled and emotions rise because of outside pressures, do we keep serving God? Paul did. Faithful New Testament ministry does. Many Christians let tough times affect their giving or church attendance. But Paul kept going, serving God in every season, even under threat.
It discusses repentance. Paul preached repentance and faith. Repentance means a change of thinking—a reversal in your mindset. Are you thinking differently than you did last week? If so, you’re repenting. Repentance is ongoing; it happens every day as you learn more about God. Each new truth causes us to think differently. This leads to faith in Jesus. You start to realize it’s He who saves—it’s not something you can do by your own effort. Only Jesus can do it.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
New Testament ministry will always cause you to think differently. The Jews were religious, just like many of us have been. But even religious people need to repent, to think differently about God. I repent often as I learn more profound truths. Conviction grows stronger when you realize only Jesus can save, not your own works.
Perseverance When Facing Trouble
Something that helped me keep repenting is seeing who stayed and who left. There are more scriptures about repentance and faith. Paul said he was “bound in the spirit.” He knew that trouble and imprisonment waited for him in Jerusalem. Would you go if you knew that type of trouble was coming? New Testament ministry goes forward anyway. When this fiery message gets inside you, it changes you. It’s like leaven in bread—you’re marked by it for life. In Revelation, God’s people are branded with his mark. I want to be branded by the Lord in my mind and my thinking.
Paul says, “None of these things move me.” Even though he knew affliction waited for him, Paul refused to be shaken. He kept preaching the kingdom of God. Did Paul preach about heaven to attract people? Did he scare people with talk of hell? No—he preached the kingdom of God and the love of Christ. He spoke about the blood of the Lamb and entering the kingdom.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Paul knew his message was valid. He said, “I am pure from the blood of all men.” That’s like Ezekiel, the watchman who blew the trumpet. If you don’t share what God tells you, the blood is on your head. If I didn’t teach you last Sunday, that responsibility would be mine. So, if you don’t share what you’re learning, then that accountability falls to you.
We need to sound the trumpet. You might not fully understand everything yet, but keep listening—it will settle in your heart. Now, let’s look at the warning Paul gave the elders. This is important.
Paul’s Charge to Elders—Care for the Flock
Acts 20:28
28 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.
Paul tells the elders to “take heed to yourselves and to all the flock.” This is a warning for two groups—the elders and the sheep, the congregation. The Holy Spirit has made the elders overseers, responsible for feeding the church, which Jesus purchased with his blood.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Paul warns that after he leaves, wolves will come in and harm the flock. Even some from among the elders will rise and lead people away with wrong teaching. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert and remember his warning, which he gave with tears over three years.
The elders are to be overseers—superintendents of the body. Not just one elder, but many. It’s not just my job to feed the flock; if we’re a New Testament church, every elder shares that responsibility.
The Call to Shepherd and Guide
In John 21, Jesus tells Peter three times to feed his sheep and lambs. The words he uses for “feed” have different meanings. One word means simply providing food. The other, “pomanio,” means to feed and also to shepherd, guide, and care for the flock. Elders must do more than preach—they must genuinely care for the people.
We need to change our thinking about ruling and reigning with Christ. It’s not just about sitting on a throne with a rod of iron. Let’s look quickly at Revelation to see what scripture says next.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Revelation 12:5
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
In Revelation 12, we see a woman who brings forth a man-child ministry. This woman is the church, not natural Israel. Israel was never seated in heavenly places, but the church is. The church brings forth a mature ministry—a man-child.
Look at verse 5. The man-child is born and will rule. The word “rule” here is the same word for “feed” used in Acts 20. It doesn’t mean sitting on a throne and ruling with a rod of iron. It means guiding, tending, and caring for others—taking them to pasture and looking after them. Our calling is to care for and help nations, not just rule over them.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
The Overcomer’s Authority—Revelation 2
Revelation 2:26
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Let’s look at Revelation 2:26. This helps us know who the man-child is. In Revelation 12, the man-child rules or tends with a rod of iron. Now, verse 26 says, “He that overcomes and keeps my works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations. He will tend them with a rod of iron.”
So who is the man-child ministry in Revelation 12? It’s the overcomer—the one who remains faithful and keeps Christ’s words to the end. That’s the person who gets authority and responsibility to care for the nations. You don’t enter this ministry casually or without commitment. You have to overcome. Overcomers are the ones chosen to care for and tend God’s people.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
The Promise to the Overcomer—Revelation 3
Revelation 3:20-21
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” He’s speaking to the church, saying He is outside wanting to come in. If anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He’ll come in and share fellowship. The church is the one He’s calling to.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Verse 21 says, “To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, just as I also overcame.” It’s not enough to be part of the church—you have to overcome. Jesus wants people who reflect His image and fullness, people who overcome just as He did.
So feeding — “poimano” in Acts 20 — isn’t just about relaxing for a thousand years in heaven. It means tending to the nations, caring, and making sure people get what they need in God’s Word and in life.
Paul’s Final Warning—Beware Grievous Wolves
Paul gives a warning in Acts 20: “I know this.” He’s certain that after he leaves, grievous wolves will come among the elders, not sparing the flock. Even among the elders themselves, some will distort the teaching and lead others away. The real danger is not just from outside the church, but from the leaders within. The word “perverse” means to distort or corrupt, and Paul says we must be watchful.
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
Acts Series Chapter 20: How to Lead with Humility and Courage
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