I always find the account of Eutychus, a young man, falling from a third story window, having fallen asleep during a long preach from Paul, a strange thing to be included by Luke (the most probable author of the Book of Acts). Paul though, uses this unfortunate accident to show the love and power of God. Eutychus is brought back to life and then Paul breaks bread. All the Glory is given to God.

Paul leaves Ephesus to go to Jerusalem, to arrive by the day of Pentecost. He knows it’s going to be tough, as the Holy Spirit has warned him of imprisonment there. He spends many days reaching Jerusalem, visiting and meeting people on the way. His one focus is to ensure that everyone hears the good News of Jesus Christ.

Paul’s farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus.

(v.18-21) Being a Christian is not an easy road. Paul knew the Gospel was important and never missed an opportunity to share it.

For us: I miss opportunities, but I do my best! We have to remember that Paul was a missionary, specifically gifted to carry out the job God had given him to do. We are not all called to travel around preaching and teaching, but we still need to ask God for the opportunities to talk about our faith and be ready to share the Gospel with others. Paul didn’t have it easy, but God’s blessings outweigh life’s difficulties and it’s a lesson for us too.

(v. 23) Paul had a mission to fulfil and knowing, through the Holy Spirit, that he would be imprisoned, did not deter him. His strong character was a good example to the Ephesian elders, some of whom would also suffer for Christ.

For us: The majority of us will never suffer like Paul! But, there are Christians in the world who are imprisoned for their faith. They are a sobering example of how easy it is to be a Christian in the Western World, so let’s remember that there is nothing stopping us from sharing the Gospel!

(v. 24) Recognition in life, money and success can become all too important for us. Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God’s work. What he put in to life was far more than what he got out!

For us: What we do and what we have are all given to us from God. We must make sure that these ‘gifts’ are not worth more than how we use them. Everything we have can be used for God’s Glory. We need to focus on what we do have and not on what we don’t have.

(v.20:31/36-38) Paul’s relationship with these Christian believers is a beautiful example of Christian fellowship. He cared for them and loved them and even cried over their needs. They responded with love and care for him and sorrow over his leaving. They had prayed together and comforted one another.

For us: Our relationships with other Christians can be like this. It’s a two way thing and we should make ourselves open and vulnerable. Paul Did. We will gather others around us only by giving ourselves away to them. Let’s re-examine our priorities and put God first!

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Loving God, thank you for Paul’s excellent example of Christian living. Instil in us the right priorities when enjoying our homes, jobs and possessions. Teach us how to use what you have gifted us with. Grow in us compassion and love for others. Show us what it means to be vulnerable and to really believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Amen.