Stay Alert: Paul’s Final Words Still Matter

[David]

(Acts 20:17–38)​

Paul was about to leave for Jerusalem, and he knew hard times were coming. So he called the elders of the church and gave them one last message. He didn’t sugarcoat anything. He reminded them how he lived among them, serving the Lord with humility, facing trials, and never holding back the truth. He said, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable,” and that he taught “publicly and from house to house.” That kind of boldness is rare today, but it’s what we need.

He preached one simple message: repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. That lines up with what Jesus said from the very beginning, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Repentance isn’t optional, and it’s not a work, it’s a turning to God. Paul gave the same message to everyone, Jew and Gentile. No favoritism, no twisting.

He warned them that he wouldn’t see them again. But he wasn’t worried about his safety. He said, “I do not account my life of any value… if only I may finish my course.” That sounds just like Revelation 12:11, where it says believers “loved not their lives unto the death.” Paul’s only goal was to finish the mission God gave him, to preach the gospel of the grace of God.

Then came the warning. He said wolves would come in, not from outside only, but even from among their own group. That matches exactly what Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Paul also said, “from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things.” That’s the same thing Peter warned about, “There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies” (2 Peter 2:1). This isn’t a small issue. It’s a guaranteed threat.

That’s why Paul said, “Be alert.” He had spent three years warning them night and day with tears. This wasn’t cold doctrine. This was a shepherd fighting for the flock. He told them he was innocent of their blood because he didn’t hold back, he declared the whole counsel of God. That connects to Ezekiel 33:6, where the watchman is held responsible if he sees danger but says nothing. Paul wasn’t going to be guilty of that. He blew the trumpet loud and clear.

He reminded them that the church didn’t belong to them. It was bought “with His own blood.” That’s how serious this is. Peter said the same thing, that we are not redeemed “with corruptible things, as silver and gold… but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18–19). The church is not a social club. It’s God’s possession, paid for at the highest price.

Paul also said he wasn’t in it for money or fame. He worked with his hands and helped the weak. Then he quoted Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Real ministry doesn’t take from people, it gives, even when it’s hard. That’s the opposite of what you see with many self-serving leaders today.

When he finished speaking, they cried and hugged him. They knew they’d never see him again, but they also knew he had given them everything they needed, the Word of God and a clear warning. That’s real love. That’s real leadership.

So here’s the lesson: Be alert. Teach the whole truth, not just the parts that feel good. Warn others. Watch out for false teachers. Stay faithful, even when it costs. And remember what Paul said elsewhere, “Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Because when you stand before God, it won’t matter how popular you were. It will matter whether you stood for the truth.