Future responsibility of the elders

“And now behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.” (1) In verse 24, Paul said that he does not consider his life of any account as dear to himself, if he may testify solemnly of the gospel of God’s grace. Then, in verse 25, he states, “I went about preaching the kingdom.”  This shows the connection between “the gospel of grace” and “the kingdom.” The gospel Paul preached declares that Gentiles, too, are saved by grace through faith and granted the privilege of entering the Millennial Kingdom. We who believe in Jesus Christ are partakers of this privilege. (2) Furthermore, Paul states, “You will no longer see my face.” Here, he seemed to anticipate his death in Jerusalem but fortunately, this prediction did not come to pass. Later, he was apparently given the opportunity to visit Ephesus again (ref. 1 Tim. 3:14; 4:13). “Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all people. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” (1) Paul declares that he is not responsible for the judgment that others may face. (a) He is not denying the sin of persecuting the church of Christ in the past. (b) This is a declaration that he faithfully carried out his ministry in Ephesus. “This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10). (2) Here, Paul is making a declaration of innocence in the manner of the prophet Ezekiel (ref. Ezek. 33:1-9, especially v 8-9). The mission of a prophet is to faithfully deliver the word of God. The responsibility for the results rests with God. (3) “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” This does not mean Paul taught every single verse of Scripture but rather that he conveyed the full scope of God’s plan, from creation to eschatology. Therefore, how one responds to God’s calling becomes the responsibility of the listener. Teaching the entirety of God’s plan is the top priority for pastors and evangelists. Understanding the full scope of God’s plan is essential for living a healthy Christian life. No matter what trials we face, God’s plan is steadily moving forward. Hallelujah!