These Good-byes Are Killing Me!

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These Good-byes Are Killing Me!

• Viewing Acts Chapter 20
• Prepared by Soon Siak. July 2010

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Snooze Break
Fill in the blanks for the part (A-F) given to
you Today we are looking into one of the oddest
sleeping episodes of all time.
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Paul Journeys through Macedonia and Greece

• Have you ever fallen asleep, or felt like
  sleeping, in an inappropriate place?

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Paul Journeys through Macedonia and Greece

• After spending more than two years in Ephesus,
  Paul was moving on (v1-6). He wanted to head back
  to Jerusalem. Why did he go there in such a
  roundabout way?

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• Paul did a roundabout way instead of heading
  straight for Syria. Why? (v1-6)

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Paul Journeys through Macedonia and Greece

• To avoid a plot either to seize him when
  embarking or to assassinate him on shipboard on
  way to Syria, by changing his plans and returning
  through Macedonia (pg 101).
• To encourage believers there as he knew he
  probably wouldnt be in this region again and
  saying bye-bye to his friends in these areas.

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Paul at Troas

• Can you identify with Eutychus (v7-12)? Why or
  why not?
• Listening to Paul, he fell asleep, tumbled off
  a windowsill, and died. Ironically, the name
  Eutychus meant fortunate. Fortunately, Paul
  brought him back to life, and then continued to
  speak until daylight!
• Whats been your most embarrassing moment at
  church? Suppose Eutychus wrote a blog one week
  after this event. What would he write?
• SPM 1994(B), 1999(A), 2001(B), 2003(A),
  2007(B)

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Raising of Eutychus from the dead (v7-12)
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Coast Voyage to Miletus

• Paul was still in a hurry to get to Jerusalem,
  and his change of plans had slowed him down. He
  had already said good-bye to the disciples in
  Ephesus (v1), so when he came back through he
  didnt want to go back into the towns and do it
  all again. Instead he called the elders of the
  church to come to a nearby town and meet with him
  (v13-17) for what might be the last time.
• Relax as we view a short clip on Ephesus

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Pauls Charge to the Elders from Ephesus

• What did he have to say about the past they
  had spent together (v18-21)?
• He wanted them to be assured that he had been
  completely open and honest with them.
• Substance of Pauls preaching is the two
  doctrines Repentance and Faith (v21)

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Pauls Charge to the Elders from Ephesus

• What did he have to say about the past they
  had spent together (v18-21)?
• He wanted them to be assured that he had been
  completely open and honest with them.
• Substance of Pauls preaching is the two
  doctrines Repentance and Faith (v21)

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Pauls Charge to the Elders from Ephesus

• What did Paul have to say about the current
  situation (v22-27)?
• He wanted to make a smooth transition as he
  left. And though he fully expected to face
  suffering in Jerusalem, he was confident that God
  was still in control. Consequently, Paul would
  continue to finish the race and complete the
  task that Christ had given him. (Philippians
  37-11 II Timothy 47)

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Pauls Charge to the Elders from Ephesus

• What did Paul have to say about the churchs
  future in Ephesus (v28-31)?
• He wanted to prepare them for their own hard
  times. Paul knew that persecution and distortion
  of truth were in store for Gods people. It would
  be the elders responsibilities to be prepared
  for this.
• What are some of the savage wolves that try
  to lead people astray today?
• New Age philosophies cults people who say
  that all Christians should be healthy, wealthy,
  and successfully etc.

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Pauls Charge to the Elders from Ephesus

• Based on verses 32 through 38, how would you
  describe Pauls work among the Ephesians and his
  relationship with them?
• Paul was hardworking, honest, and giving. His
  relationship with the people of Ephesus must have
  been very close, as evidenced by their tearful
  parting. Prayer also played a key role in their
  relationship.
• When have you found it very hard to say
  good-bye to someone? What were your feelings as
  you left that person or group for the last time
  (or for a long time)?

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Analysis of Pauls Address to the Elders at
Ephesus (pg 105-106)

• (a) Retrospection
• (1) Pauls personal life at Ephesus
  (v18,19)
• (2) Pauls preaching at Ephesus (v20,29)
• (b) Anticipation
• (1) Concerning himself (v22-27)
• (2) Concerning the Church (v28-31)
• ( c) Commendation to God (v32-35)
• (1) Commends them to God (v31)
• (2) By his own example (v33-35)
• a feeling of excitement about something that is
  going to happen in the near future

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Announcements

• 14th SPM Inter-school Quiz 2010!
• SPM BK Quiz Luke and Acts (GNB).
• 14th August, 2010 at SMJK Katholik PJ, 7am-1pm
• More details www.su.org.my and www.tcfmy.org
• Organised by the Malayan Christian Schools
  Council
• Preparation for the SPM BK is by committing
  to memory the entire two books of Luke and Acts.