Back to the Bible Podcast – Episode 125: Acts 20:17-38

Host: Larsen Plyler
Date: September 28, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Larsen Plyler leads a deep study of Acts 20:17-38, focusing on the Apostle Paul’s emotional farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church. The session explores both historical context and practical application, emphasizing the authority of the Bible, the model of faithful ministry, the responsibilities of church leaders, and the reality of spiritual dangers. Plyler guides listeners through Paul’s poignant address, highlighting its relevance for believers and church leadership today.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (01:55)

• Paul’s Journeys Reviewed:
  • First missionary journey emphasized work in Galatia (modern Turkey), starting in Cyprus (03:30).
  • Second journey centered on Corinth and included major cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, and Corinth itself (05:30).
  • Third journey focused on Ephesus, where Paul served for about three years—the longest stay recorded on his missionary trips (07:25).

2. Paul’s Route Back to Jerusalem (09:05)

• Paul sails past Ephesus on his return, aiming to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost.
• He chooses not to visit Ephesus directly to avoid being delayed by deep connections there.
• Insightful Note:
  • “If he goes to Ephesus, the connections that he has there are going to occupy him to an extent that he's not going to be able to get out and go back to Jerusalem.” (10:12)

3. Paul Calls the Ephesian Elders to Miletus (12:13)

• Although hurried, Paul is deeply concerned for the Ephesian believers.
• He gathers the elders (overseers, pastors, shepherds) for a final address (13:15).

4. Paul’s Farewell Speech: Structure & Core Themes

a. Paul’s Example of Ministry (Acts 20:18-21; 14:30)

• Paul served “with all humility and with tears, and with trials…through the plots of the Jews” (15:00).
• He didn’t shrink from teaching “publicly and from house to house,” calling all to repentance and faith in Jesus.
• Personal sacrifice and boldness are central to his ministry model.

b. Facing Suffering for Christ (Acts 20:22-24; 18:40)

• Paul is “bound by the Spirit…not knowing what will happen,” aware that “chains and afflictions await.”
• “I do not make my life of any account nor dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I receive from the Lord Jesus.” (20:10)
• Connects to his calling in Acts 9:15-16: Suffering is integral to his mission.

c. Innocence through Faithful Warning (Acts 20:25-27; 21:45)

• Paul asserts responsibility: “I am innocent of the blood of all. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” (22:12)
• Echoes Ezekiel’s image of the watchman; responsibility to warn means freedom from guilt if the warning is heeded or not (25:00).

d. Responsibility of the Elders (Acts 20:28-31; 27:30)

• Strong admonition: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.” (28:30)
• Foretells challenges: “Savage wolves will come in among you…even from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things.” (29:15)
• All terms—elders, overseers, shepherds/pastors—refer to the same office, emphasizing various aspects of church leadership (32:05).
  • “Those words all refer to the same office…emphasizing different aspects of an elder’s work.”

e. Final Commendation (Acts 20:32-35; 34:00)

• Paul “commends” the elders to God and the word of his grace—trusting God’s care after his departure.
• “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the inheritance among all who have been sanctified.” (34:25)
• Paul models selflessness and generosity: “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes.” (35:30)
• Invokes Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (36:10)

5. Emotional Farewell (Acts 20:36-38; 37:00)

• Paul kneels and prays with the elders.
• They “began to weep aloud…being in agony especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again.” (37:50)
• The depth of relationship and gratitude surfaces powerfully.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Paul’s Courage and Purpose:
  • “I am going with the knowledge that suffering is waiting, because my purpose is to testify to Jesus Christ.” (19:15)
• Responsibility for the Flock:
  • “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.” (28:35)
• Charge to Elders:
  • “Elders, overseers, shepherds, presbyters, bishops, pastors…all parallel, all emphasizing different aspects.” (32:05)
• Paul’s Example of Sacrifice:
  • “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. … These hands ministered to my own needs and to those who were with me.” (35:30)
• Selflessness and Giving:
  • “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Jesus, as recalled by Paul (36:10)
• Emotional Departure:
  • “They were heartbroken at the idea that they would never see him again. And then they walked Paul to the ship.” (38:00)
• Model for Listeners:
  • “What courage, what faithfulness. And we need to model that in our own day of faithfulness to the word of God.” (39:00)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Context & Introduction: 00:00–11:45
• Context of Paul’s Journeys: 01:55–09:30
• Return Route & Ephesus Background: 09:05–13:15
• Paul’s Speech to Elders Begins: 14:30
• Structure of Paul’s Farewell (three “And now’s”): 17:00–34:00
  • Paul’s Example: 14:30–18:40
  • Facing Suffering: 18:40–21:45
  • Innocence through Warning: 21:45–28:30
  • Responsibilities of Elders: 28:30–34:00
• Final Commendation & Legacy: 34:00–37:00
• Farewell, Tears, and Departure: 37:00–39:30

Summary & Takeaways

• Paul’s farewell in Acts 20 provides a powerful model for ministry: selfless service, bold teaching, willingness to suffer, and a deep sense of responsibility for the spiritual well-being of others.
• Church leaders are called to vigilance, care, and defense of their congregations against both external and internal threats.
• Faithful teaching is freeing—Paul’s innocence is rooted in delivering “the whole counsel of God.”
• A spirit of generous giving, as commended by both Paul and Jesus, remains a central Christian ethic.
• Emotional bonds in the faith community should be cherished—Paul and the Ephesian elders exemplify mutual love and sacrifice.

This episode is a rich reminder to “go back to the Bible for it all”—for authority, teaching, and the pattern of Christian life and leadership.