Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• After everything settles down in Ephesus, Paul head northwest into Greece and down the peninsula, visiting and encouraging all the churches he had previously planted. He is about to sail to Syria when he hears of a plot to take his life. 
• In Troas (the west coast of modern Turkey) Paul spends a lot of time teaching the disciples. 
• Paul continues on to Miletus (also on the west coast of Turkey) and decides to meet with the leadership from the Ephesian church. He tells them he is going to Jerusalem and isn't sure what to expect. He can only assume more of what he had received in every city, which was persecution, opposition and imprisonment. But that didn't stop him from doing what he felt the Holy Spirit had told him to do.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• Everywhere Paul went he faced trouble. But he was okay with that, because he knew what his life was about. He told the Ephesians in verse 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." At Verve, we call that being a grace wholesaler, someone who loves other people and tries to help them know and receive God's grace.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Do you think you could be as bold and determined as Paul? Can you say you consider your life worth nothing? Is your life only about finishing the task God has given you? What task would that be? You have a unique calling from God.
• We all have the task of telling others about the good news of God's grace. How are you doing with that? Start looking for ways to grow in your ability and for opportunities to share God's grace with others.