Paul’s meeting with the Ephesian elders reveals much about his desire to spread the good news to all people. It began with his willingness to say everything people needed to hear. He reminded them of his work, saying, “how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:20-21 NKJV). We must be like him because the Lord assigned us the task of taking the Gospel to every person under Heaven (Mark 16:15-16; Ezekiel 3:17-19).
The apostle to the Gentiles was able to speak openly because he did not count his physical life dear. Despite knowing that chains and tribulation awaited him in Jerusalem, he declared, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself” (Acts 20:24). The brethren in Caesarea begged him not to go, but he asked, “…What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). We, too, need to recognize the importance of denying self, taking up our cross and following Jesus (Luke 14:26-27).
Paul’s single purpose was to finish the course the Lord gave him. He expressed his overriding desire, saying, “…so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). The apostle related to Agrippa that the Lord assigned him the task of opening the eyes of the Gentiles to “…turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18). We must set our sights on teaching all with whom we come in contact so that, like Paul, we can look forward to receiving a crown (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
