Paul’s Last Journey to Jerusalem
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The apostle admonishes his brethren: “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 pur-
chased with his own blood.” Could ministers of the gospel constantly
bear in mind that they are dealing with the purchase of the blood of
Christ, they would have a deeper sense of the solemn importance of
their work. They are to take heed unto themselves and to the flock.
Their own example must illustrate and enforce their instructions. Those
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who teach others the way of life should be careful to give no occasion
for the truth to be evil spoken of. As representatives of Christ, they are
to maintain the honor of his name. By their devotion, their purity of
life, their godly conversation, they should prove themselves worthy of
their calling. By a right example they may exert an influence which
words alone could not have, to encourage faith and holiness, fervent
love, devotion, and integrity among those for whom they labor. God
requires of all his servants fearlessness in preaching the word, fidelity
in exemplifying its precepts, however it may be despised, reviled,
opposed, or persecuted. Every faithful teacher of the truth will at the
close of his labors be able to say with Paul, “I am pure from the blood
of all men.”
The Holy Spirit revealed to the apostle the dangers which would
assail the church at Ephesus: “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.” Paul trembled for the church as he looked
forward to the attacks which they must suffer from external and internal
foes. It is while the husbandman sleeps that tares are sown; while the
shepherds are neglecting their duty, the wolf finds entrance to the fold.
With solemn earnestness he bids his brethren guard vigilantly their
sacred trust. He points them for an example to his own unwearied
labors: “Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three
years I ceased not to warn every one night and day and with tears.”
“And now, brethren,” he continued, “I commend you to God, and
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to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you
an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no
man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.” Some of the Ephesian brethren were
wealthy; but Paul had never sought to receive personal benefit from
them. It was no part of his message to call attention to his own wants.