The elders knew that Paul was no designing, self-seeking man. Those who would in any office
serve the Lord acceptably, and profitably to others, must do it with humility. He was a plain preacher,
one that spoke his message so as to be understood. He was a powerful preacher; he preached the
gospel as a testimony to them if they received it; but as a testimony against them if they rejected
it. He was a profitable preacher; one that aimed to inform their judgments, and reform their hearts
and lives. He was a painful preacher, very industrious in his work. He was a faithful preacher; he
did not keep back reproofs when necessary, nor keep back the preaching of the cross. He was a
truly Christian, evangelical preacher; he did not preach notions or doubtful matters; nor affairs of
state or the civil government; but he preached faith and repentance. A better summary of these
things, without which there is no salvation, cannot be given: even repentance towards God, and
faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, with their fruits and effects. Without these no sinner can escape,
and with these none will come short of eternal life. Let them not think that Paul left Asia for fear
of persecution; he was in full expectation of trouble, yet resolved to go on, well assured that it was
by Divine direction. Thanks be to God that we know not the things which shall befall us during the
year, the week, the day which has begun. It is enough for the child of God to know that his strength
shall be equal to his day. He knows not, he would not know, what the day before him shall bring
forth. The powerful influences of the Holy Spirit bind the true Christian to his duty. Even when he
expects persecution and affliction, the love of Christ constrains him to proceed. None of these
things moved Paul from his work; they did not deprive him of his comfort. It is the business of our
life to provide for a joyful death. Believing that this was the last time they should see him, he
appeals concerning his integrity. He had preached to them the whole counsel of God. As he had
preached to them the gospel purely, so he had preached it to them entire; he faithfully did his work,
whether men would bear or forbear.
Verses 28–38
If the Holy Ghost has made ministers overseers of the flock, that is, shepherds, they must be
true to their trust. Let them consider their Master's concern for the flock committed to their charge.
It is the church He has purchased with his own blood. The blood was his as Man; yet so close is
the union between the Divine and human nature, that it is there called the blood of God, for it was
the blood of Him who is God. This put such dignity and worth into it, as to ransom believers from
all evil, and purchase all good. Paul spake about their souls with affection and concern. They were
full of care what would become of them. Paul directs them to look up to God with faith, and
commends them to the word of God's grace, not only as the foundation of their hope and the fountain
of their joy, but as the rule of their walking. The most advanced Christians are capable of growing,
and will find the word of grace help their growth. As those cannot be welcome guests to the holy
God who are unsanctified; so heaven would be no heaven to them; but to all who are born again,
and on whom the image of God is renewed, it is sure, as almighty power and eternal truth make it
so. He recommends himself to them as an example of not caring as to things of the present world;
this they would find help forward their comfortable passage through it. It might seem a hard saying,
therefore Paul adds to it a saying of their Master's, which he would have them always remember;
“It is more blessed to give than to receive:” it seems they were words often used to his disciples.
The opinion of the children of this world, is contrary to this; they are afraid of giving, unless in
hope of getting. Clear gain, is with them the most blessed thing that can be; but Christ tell us what