Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 20:4-23:35.
When Paul met with the Ephesian elders in Miletus, he warned them of the dangers that would be coming in the future.
“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears” (Acts 20:29-31).
Paul said that the dangers facing the church would come from two sources:
- Savage wolves coming in from outside the church – This will not happen by a false teacher coming in and taking over the pulpit by force. Instead, this influence is through those coming in secretly (Galatians 2:4) and unnoticed (Jude 4), moving from one household to another (Titus 1:10-11), and using flattering speech which leads to deception (Romans 16:18).
- False teachers arising from within the church – Those who were once trusted by the brethren would change their teaching to “a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6-7) and lead them away from the truth. This could even be done by elders and preachers.
Knowing that such dangers existed, the elders of the church had the responsibility to be on the alert for these threats. Of course, all Christians should be watchful and alert (Romans 16:18); but this particular passage emphasizes the role of the elders in guarding the flock among them.
It is also important to note that Paul warned them about this threat “night and day for a period of three years.” This shows us how critical it was that the church be kept pure from error. This is just as critical in local churches today. Preaching against specific errors and those who promote them may not be popular, but it is vitally important. It is part of “declaring…the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27).
Tomorrow’s reading: Acts 24-26
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
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