Think, Act, Be Day 39 – Acts 20:17-24
Serving the Lord with all humility and with tears.
I don’t know how you imagine Paul’s normal behavior as a man. Acts gives us an emotional portrayal of the apostle. When he says farewell to the Ephesian leaders, he reminds them of the risks, spiritually and personally, that he takes. He bursts into tears and expresses his humility and respect.
In a world where leaders are often defined by assertiveness, confidence, and quick wittedness, Paul reminds us what godly character is all about. He’s a vulnerable man not looking for fame, but to glorify God—no matter the cost.
From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. 18 When they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, enduring the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. 20 I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus. 22 And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. 24 But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.
Acts 20:17-2