Verses 18b-21: Paul’s review of his service in Asia include:
- serving
the Lord with all humility of mind
- [serving]
with many tears
- [serving
in] temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews
- I
kept back nothing that was profitable unto you
- [I]
have taught you publickly
- [I
have taught] from house to house
- testifying
both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks
- [testifying]
repentance toward God, and faith toward
our Lord Jesus Christ
Sincere service proceeds from an humble mind (cf. Proverbs 3:34, 11:2; Matthew 23:12; Colossians 3:12; James 4:6; I Peter 5:5-6). On the other hand, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). “Tears” suggest great concern, compassion, and charity (cf. verse 31 and II Corinthians 2:4).
Jews lying in wait for Paul can be noted on several occasions: in Damascus (Acts 9:22-25), in Greece (Acts 20:3), in Jerusalem (Acts 23:12-16, 30; 25:2-3). This reference appears to be to an otherwise unrecorded instance of plotting against him – that happened in Asia, and about which the Ephesian elders knew.
The heart of
Paul’s message was the same for both Jews and Greeks, “repentance toward God,
and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Repentance and faith two sides of the
same coin, In the New Hampshire Baptist Confession of Faith, for example, they
are called “inseparable graces.” For repentance and faith (belief) in
salvation, see also Matthew 21:32; Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18, 19:4, 26:20-23; Romans
10:9-10; II Corinthians 5:20-6:2, 7:10; Hebrews 6:1; II Peter 3:9. Repentance
toward God, proceeded by godly sorrow, is turning toward
him, a turning in his direction, seeing God as right about our sin – and a
Saviour of those who are wrong, sinners. This turning in the right direction
brings one face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ, and embracing him in faith.
Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ is one message
testified to all, both Jews and Greeks.
Bock assesses Paul’s ministry in Ephesus with three characteristics: “faithfulness, direct preaching of all that is necessary, and testimony about Jesus to all people without distinction.”[1]
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