Devotional # 28
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” Acts 20:28-31
Apostle Paul after the uproar in Ephesus ceased, he visited Macedonia. He exhorted the disciples and came to Greece and stayed for three months. He reached Troas after the days of unleavened bread from Philippi. As he was desirous of spending the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem, did not stop at Ephesus but rather called for the elders of Ephesus to Miletus.
Paul had spent three years in Ephesus during his missionary work which is much longer period compared to other places. He developed a special bond with Ephesian believers. The revelation he received from God about higher purposes of Church was shared with Ephesian believers.
Accordingly, he also apprehends that after his departure there will more serious challenges for the flock at Ephesus. He called for the elders of the assembly and exhorted them again which he had been for three years while he was there (verse 31).
Apostle Paul was probably careful to avoid any of his own emotions or bond of their affection so that it would not cause him to stay at Ephesus, as he purposed to visit Jerusalem before the day of Pentecost. “And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should his face no more…” Acts 20:36-38.
How carefully one must conduct to avoid any human emotions playing impediment in fulfilling the course of the Lord. Paul exhorts the elders (Presbyters, matured man) of church at Ephesus, firstly reminding them that the Holy Ghost has made them as overseers (Greek-Episkopous, to look intently).
In the first century, there were elders and deacons in churches (Acts 14:23, Philip 1:1). Apostle Paul and Barnabas had ordained elders at the end of their first missionary journey. It appears in apostolic authority they ordained elders in every church (Acts 14:23). Paul was asking Titus, in apostolic authority to ordain elders in Crete assembly (Titus 1:5).
Paul mentioned regarding the Ephesian assembly that the Holy Ghost had appointed elders. The Holy Spirit creates a desire in a believer’s heart to serve in the capacity of an elder in a local assembly. He also bestows the gift of pastoring(ruling) and teaching(feeding), (Ephesians 4:11, 1Timothy3:2) to the person to act in the capacity of an elder. This desire of a believer is attested by the gifts received from the Holy Spirit. This is recognized by Apostles in Acts chapter 14 and Titus chapter 1.
Consequently, they acted to the leading of the Spirit to ordain elders along with the local assembly brothers and sisters who also exercised and recognized the same leading. When a local assembly adheres to the principles laid down in the Scriptures in the process of ordaining elders, they are protected by Heavenly Father from dangers arising from either a one-man leadership or being under an organizational hierarchy. The Holy Spirit foresees the need of the assembly, and accordingly for their protection and autonomy, has laid down the principle of ordaining elders in every local assembly
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