Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)

Preacher: Ps. James Tang

Date: 1st March 2026

Passage: Acts 20:1-38

Sermon Summary:

At this point in Acts, Paul is nearing the end of his life. The

gospel has made its way through Jerusalem, Judea, and

Samaria—even swaths of Asia, just as Christ promised.

(Acts 1:8)—and yet Paul shows no sign of slowing down.

If anything, this week’s passage of Acts 20:17-38 speaks to Paul’s immense love for Christ and his impeccable

character: he admits that he knows nothing about what

awaits him in Jerusalem (v.22), yet recounts the constant

trials he has faced in his attempts to preach the gospel.

(v.19) It is almost certain that Jerusalem will be no

different, as the Spirit testifies to him in each city of the

imprisonment and affliction that await him (v.23), but he

cares not for his own life. He wants only to complete the

mission God has given him. (v.24)

Even so, there is immense love in his heart for the people

God has called him to. Knowing that it would be the last

time for those from the church of Ephesus to see him, Paul

gathered the elders of the church to him and shared with

them his final testimony. (v.17) As he recalls how he served

the Lord amongst them with all tears and humility (v.19),

how he did not hesitate to speak to them the truth (v.20-

21), and how his heart and mind were focused fully on the

things of God and His commandments (v.33-35); he urges

them to be “imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1)

And what of you, church? As you set out to follow Christ,

can you say that you have sought to imitate Paul—or even

better yet, Christ—in all things? What is the call or mission

that God has given you to shepherd or steward? Have you

listened? Have you obeyed? How are you being called

higher to know, love, obey, and enjoy Him in all things? Will you listen? Will you obey?