A Life Placed on the Altar (Acts 20:17-25)

Scripture: Acts 20:17-25

Today’s Word

17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. 22 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. 25 Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.”

Background

Key Terms Made Simple

• Elders: Spiritual leaders in the early church who cared for and guided the congregation, similar to pastors today.
• Compelled by the Spirit: A clear leading from God’s Spirit. This wasn’t just a feeling but a definite sense of God’s will.
• Living sacrifice: In the Old Testament, animals were killed and offered on altars. In the New Testament, Christians offer their entire living selves to God.

Key Expressions to Notice

1. “I consider my life worth nothing to me”
2. “If only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me”
3. “None of you will ever see me again”

Main Points of the Text

1. Testimony of an Authentic Life: Paul reflects on his life of humble service with tears in Ephesus. His teaching was consistent with how he lived.
2. Obedience Despite Death: Paul heads to Jerusalem despite the Spirit’s warnings. Following God’s will mattered more to him than his own safety.
3. Devotion to Mission: Paul valued the mission of spreading the gospel more than his own life. This was him living out the “living sacrifice” he wrote about in Romans.

Applying to My Life

1. Alignment of Words and Life: What do we say and confess to believe? Is that faith being proven in our actual lives? Like Paul, we must live out what we believe.
2. Decision to Sacrifice: Consider the mission God has given you. What are you willing to give up for it? Are you ready to lay down your safety, comfort, and reputation?
3. Examining Priorities: What matters most to you? Your life and safety, or what God wants to accomplish through you? Paul chose the latter.

Think About It

1. Paul wrote about “living sacrifice” in Romans and now proves it with his life. Am I actually living out what I say I believe?
2. Just as Paul walked alone from Troas to Assos for three days in prayer, don’t I need time to deeply commune with God and make important decisions?
3. Paul’s confession “I consider my life worth nothing” wasn’t just empty words. Shouldn’t my faith confessions also lead to genuine life decisions?