Initially, he didn’t care for it. He stood against it to the point of persecuting those that would name the name of Christ until he learned who Christ was, not who he thought Christ was. The conversion of Saul to Paul in chapters nine and twenty-two of Acts teaches us that nobody is too far gone. We see his change from great disdain to great care and love for the church, the body of Christ. This is highlighted in his relationship with the church in Ephesus. As Paul was closing down his work in Asia Minor and making his way to Jerusalem, he met with the elders from the church in Ephesus. In his message to them (found in Acts 20), we can notice six things about him.
First, we can see his person (Acts 20:17-19, 33-35). He highlights his humility, tears and trials. He also mentions that he was self-sufficient, coveted no man’s gold and worked with his hands.
Second, we can see his preaching (Acts 20:20-21). He did not shy away from teaching the whole counsel of God, from house to house and to Jew and Gentile. He was not a respecter of persons but understood the message was for all.
Third, we can see his purpose (Acts 20:22-24). He tells the elders there that he knows what awaits him in Jerusalem. However, it is the ministry that was given to him, and he will see it through to the glory of God and the betterment of the church.
Fourth, we can see his purity (Acts 20:25-27). Because he was diligent to preach to all the message of Christ, he was free from the guilt of all men. He would no longer see them again. His responsibility toward them had been fulfilled. In that sense, he was pure from guilt.
Fifth, after declaring his purity, we can see a prophecy concerning the leadership in Ephesus (Acts 20:28-31). He told them to stay alert and on guard, for even among them there would be some that would lead people away. He told them to remember the teaching and the tears he shed on their behalf.
Finally, we can see his plea (Acts 20:32). In his leaving, he commends them or places them alongside God and the word of His grace. If you could not be with people you dearly loved, who would you want with them? How about God and the message that we can be saved because of His grace.
They cried when Paul left, and I imagine he did, too. What do you say to someone you will never see again this side of the promise? Remember my example, stay true to the word, stay alert, go with God and His grace. May we all keep these in mind as we live our lives, that those we love we may see one day on the other side of the Jordan, in the Promised Land.