2. Acts 20:8-9 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. When a large room was needed to host large gatherings, the usual way was to build a large upper room with the floor area equal to the whole lower story of the house. Acts 20:8-9 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. When a large room was needed to host large gatherings, the usual way was to build a large upper room with the floor area equal to the whole lower story of the house. Large Upper Room (Jerusalem)

3. This probably explains why in every case where the church or large groups of disciples assembled indoors, the place is mentioned and it is not in the temple area, it was always an upper room. This building’s upper room was probably extra large because the building had three stories. Do you think Eutychus became famous because of his experience? Some commentators have had questions about whether Eutychus was really dead or if he had just been knocked unconscious. I think those people knew what dead was. This probably explains why in every case where the church or large groups of disciples assembled indoors, the place is mentioned and it is not in the temple area, it was always an upper room. This building’s upper room was probably extra large because the building had three stories. Do you think Eutychus became famous because of his experience? Some commentators have had questions about whether Eutychus was really dead or if he had just been knocked unconscious. I think those people knew what dead was.

4. Why could people of this time listen to preaching for hours but today people usually begin to complain if preaching lasts for more than 20 minutes? Why could people of this time listen to preaching for hours but today people usually begin to complain if preaching lasts for more than 20 minutes?

5. Acts 20:9-12 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted. What could have been a tragedy became a joyful occasion. Paul had again demonstrated the power of an Apostle of Christ. Acts 20:9-12 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted. What could have been a tragedy became a joyful occasion. Paul had again demonstrated the power of an Apostle of Christ.

6. Acts 20:13-15 13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Kios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. Acts 20:13-15 13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Kios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus.

7. I don’t think Paul had been preaching to these people all week. But he preached all night because he knew he would not be passing that way again, as he later told the Ephesian elders. If I had preached all night I would have spent most of the next day asleep. Not Paul, he left that morning and walked overland from Troas to Assos, about twenty miles. His companions went by ship to Assos and there took Paul on board. Why he wanted to walk that twenty miles alone no one knows for sure. I don’t think Paul had been preaching to these people all week. But he preached all night because he knew he would not be passing that way again, as he later told the Ephesian elders. If I had preached all night I would have spent most of the next day asleep. Not Paul, he left that morning and walked overland from Troas to Assos, about twenty miles. His companions went by ship to Assos and there took Paul on board. Why he wanted to walk that twenty miles alone no one knows for sure. Assos – Temple of Athena (Reconstructed) )

8. Acts 20:16 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. Paul knew that if he stopped in Ephesus all his many friends would want to spend time with him and he would find it hard to leave in time to get to Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost. Acts 20:16 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. Paul knew that if he stopped in Ephesus all his many friends would want to spend time with him and he would find it hard to leave in time to get to Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost. Site of Ancient Assos

9. The city of Miletus had an ancient and storied history. The Wikipedia online free encyclopedia has a descriptive article worth reading about Miletus.Miletus. I don’t know what accommodations Paul had for meeting with these Ephesian elders. There was a very large public assembly hall in Miletus called the Boueluterion. Paul might have used it. Boueluterion If there was a congregation at Miletus, the New Testament does not mention it. We know from later histories that a congregation was there in Byzantine times The city of Miletus had an ancient and storied history. The Wikipedia online free encyclopedia has a descriptive article worth reading about Miletus.Miletus. I don’t know what accommodations Paul had for meeting with these Ephesian elders. There was a very large public assembly hall in Miletus called the Boueluterion. Paul might have used it. Boueluterion If there was a congregation at Miletus, the New Testament does not mention it. We know from later histories that a congregation was there in Byzantine times Ruins of the Bouleuterion at Mileus

10. Acts 20:17-19 17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. Some of these men must have been among his first converts at Ephesus. They knew what he was talking about. Acts 20:17-19 17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. Some of these men must have been among his first converts at Ephesus. They knew what he was talking about. Bouleuterion Reconstruction (model)

11. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 1. Real personal involvement

12. 1 Thess. 2:7 But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 2 Cor. 3:1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? 2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.

13. Paul Reviewed His Work: V19 He served the Lord with humility V19 He did that with many tears V19 And with many trials by the plotting of the Jews V20 He kept back nothing that was profitable V20 He taught publicly V20 He taught from house to house V21 He testified to Jews and Gentiles the need for repentance towards God and faith in Christ.

14. Paul’s Great Statement of Faith and Love: 1)None of these things moved him. 2)He didn’t count his own life dear to himself. 3)He just wanted to finish the Christian race with joy (cf.Heb. 12:1-4). 4)And to complete his ministry of preaching the Gospel of Christ.

15. Acts 20:20-21 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. Unlike many of our big name religious preachers of today, Paul didn’t hesitate to tell the whole truth, not just what was non controversial. Acts 20:20-21 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. Unlike many of our big name religious preachers of today, Paul didn’t hesitate to tell the whole truth, not just what was non controversial. Bouleuterion Reconstruction (model)

16. 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, [see also vs. 27 “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”] 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, [see also vs. 27 “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”] Courage to declare the truth Balanced

17. He had also used every opportunity to teach. He had been an excellent example to these elders. He continues: (Acts 20:22-23) 22 "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. Paul knows he is heading for prison but still wants to go to Jerusalem. He is willing to suffer if it is necessary to take the gospel to Rome. He had also used every opportunity to teach. He had been an excellent example to these elders. He continues: (Acts 20:22-23) 22 "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. Paul knows he is heading for prison but still wants to go to Jerusalem. He is willing to suffer if it is necessary to take the gospel to Rome. Ancient Miletus - Reconstruction

18. Acts 20:24 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Paul knew his days of service in this world were numbered. He was not concerned about prolonging his life but about finishing the work God had given him to do. All God’s great servants of the past had served their generation and passed on to their reward. Paul would be no different. Acts 20:24 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Paul knew his days of service in this world were numbered. He was not concerned about prolonging his life but about finishing the work God had given him to do. All God’s great servants of the past had served their generation and passed on to their reward. Paul would be no different.

19. Acts 20:25-27 25 "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. How many preachers of today can make this affirmation? How many tell alien sinners to “pray the sinner’s prayer,” a command of men, instead of commanding baptism in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins? Acts 20:25-27 25 "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. How many preachers of today can make this affirmation? How many tell alien sinners to “pray the sinner’s prayer,” a command of men, instead of commanding baptism in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins?

20. Acts 20:27-31 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Acts 20:27-31 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.  Some wolves among the flock are easy to spot.  Others are a little harder.

21. 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. Infiltration & counterfeit Spiritual Warfare

22. Savage Wolves and Distorted Teachings The Assembly after my departure savage wolves shall come in among you Also from among yourselves men shall arise, speaking distorted teachings, “After my departure….”

23. 1 Thess 5:12 “. respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.” (NIV) How are elders to “oversee” Christians (20:28)?

24. 1Peter 5:2–3; “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (NIV) “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (NIV)

25. Titus 3:9; “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” (NIV) Jude 3 “... I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” (NIV)

26. How does the church distinguish between guarding against people distorting the truth spoken of here but yet keep away from useless controversies and arguing about words spoken of in 2Tim 2:14 and Titus 3:9 (20:30)? How does the church distinguish between guarding against people distorting the truth spoken of here but yet keep away from useless controversies and arguing about words spoken of in 2Tim 2:14 and Titus 3:9 (20:30)?

27. 2 Tim 2:14 “... Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. “ (NIV) 20:30:“Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth...” (NIV)

28. 2 Tim 3:16:“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (KJV)2 Tim 3:16:“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (KJV) 20:32; “ Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (NIV)

29. “Overseer” or “Bishop” “A man charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly; and guardian or superintendent” (Thayer).

30. Elder’s Responsibilities: 1)Ensuring that the sound doctrine of God’s word is provided as spiritual food (cf. Titus 1:9). 2)Overseeing the activities of the local church by implementing God’s word properly (cf. 1 Pet. 5:2). 3)Administering discipline where necessary (cf. 2 Thes.3:6,14,15).

31. Elder’s Responsibilities: 4) Protecting the congregation from spiritual enemies (cf. :29-31, Titus 1:9-14). 5) Taking care of those who are spiritually sick (cf. 1 Thes. 5:12-14) 6) Bringing those back who have strayed from the Gospel (cf. Titus 1:9-14).

32. Paul warns these shepherds of Jesus’ flock to watch themselves to keep themselves from believing and teaching doctrinal error. Then they were to watch the flock and be sure there are no false teachers among them causing harm to the flock. Paul’s warning that from among the elders themselves would arise men teaching false doctrines to draw away followers soon came true. A great apostasy began when one elder was elevated above the others and called the bishop of the church.bishop Paul warns these shepherds of Jesus’ flock to watch themselves to keep themselves from believing and teaching doctrinal error. Then they were to watch the flock and be sure there are no false teachers among them causing harm to the flock. Paul’s warning that from among the elders themselves would arise men teaching false doctrines to draw away followers soon came true. A great apostasy began when one elder was elevated above the others and called the bishop of the church.bishop

33. We know from other scriptures that a congregation was to have more than one elder and that the words presbyter means elder, pastor, means shepherd, and bishop meaning overseer were all names for the same church officers. One man is described at the same time as an elder, a shepherd and an overseer. Translators don’t like to translate denominational titles out of the Bible. They would get serious complaints from those who want to use such titles with their unscriptural traditional meanings. We know from other scriptures that a congregation was to have more than one elder and that the words presbyter means elder, pastor, means shepherd, and bishop meaning overseer were all names for the same church officers. One man is described at the same time as an elder, a shepherd and an overseer. Translators don’t like to translate denominational titles out of the Bible. They would get serious complaints from those who want to use such titles with their unscriptural traditional meanings. Elders, Church of Christ, Olympia, Washington

34. The unscriptural exaltation of the bishop as a separate office above the other elders is usually traced to the writings of Ignatius of Antioch who was born in 35 AD and martyred sometime between 98 and 117 AD.Ignatius The unscriptural exaltation of the bishop as a separate office above the other elders is usually traced to the writings of Ignatius of Antioch who was born in 35 AD and martyred sometime between 98 and 117 AD.Ignatius The martyrdom of Ignatius of Antioch c. 100 AD

35. A Source of Danger to the Church: 1)Men would arise from within the eldership. 2)They would speak perverse things. 3)Their purpose would be to lead Christians away to follow them. 4)A study of church history reveals that this is exactly what happened in the early church. 5) Men arose from within the eldership to claim more and more power for themselves.

36. A Source of Danger to the Church: 6) This continued until one man claimed power over all others in his position as “pope” in 666 A.D. Paul did not CEASE to warn everyone Night and Day, With tears.

37. Jesus purchased the church with His own blood. The church of course is made up of individuals, each redeemed by the blood of Christ. Paul’s point is that the elders do not own the church. They were feeding and protecting Jesus’ flock. They must answer to Him if any sheep wander away into habitual sin or error and they don’t do their best to bring them back into the fold. Preventing this from happening in the first place was crucial. So, teaching or “feeding the flock” was an essential duty of an elder. Jesus purchased the church with His own blood. The church of course is made up of individuals, each redeemed by the blood of Christ. Paul’s point is that the elders do not own the church. They were feeding and protecting Jesus’ flock. They must answer to Him if any sheep wander away into habitual sin or error and they don’t do their best to bring them back into the fold. Preventing this from happening in the first place was crucial. So, teaching or “feeding the flock” was an essential duty of an elder.

38. Acts 20:32-34 32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 “I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.” I can imagine Paul holding up his work- callused hands when he said this. Acts 20:32-34 32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 “I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.” I can imagine Paul holding up his work- callused hands when he said this. Financial Integrity

39. Paul had a trade that he could practice anywhere, which he often must have done. As you know, he was a tentmaker. Tents are always in demand even today. I don’t think there was a surplus of skilled tentmakers in the Greco-Roman world. I’m sure Paul always had all the jobs he could handle. How many preachers and teachers today do you know who support themselves and their helpers by laboring with their hands? Paul had a trade that he could practice anywhere, which he often must have done. As you know, he was a tentmaker. Tents are always in demand even today. I don’t think there was a surplus of skilled tentmakers in the Greco-Roman world. I’m sure Paul always had all the jobs he could handle. How many preachers and teachers today do you know who support themselves and their helpers by laboring with their hands? Model of Ancient Tent

40. But preachers can be supported by churches too (1 Timothy 5:17 & 18; Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:3- 14). On several occasions Paul did accept support from churches (Philippians 4:14-19). He didn’t have to support himself by making tents but he wanted to so he did. His point to the Ephesian elders was that he hadn’t worked among them just for the money as some modern televangelists are often accused of doing. But preachers can be supported by churches too (1 Timothy 5:17 & 18; Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:3- 14). On several occasions Paul did accept support from churches (Philippians 4:14-19). He didn’t have to support himself by making tents but he wanted to so he did. His point to the Ephesian elders was that he hadn’t worked among them just for the money as some modern televangelists are often accused of doing. Unmuzzled Oxen Treading the Grain

41. Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Paul was always a good example of his teaching. If all preachers exhibited the wisdom of their teachings in their daily lives their words would become much more effective in saving souls and changing lives. Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Paul was always a good example of his teaching. If all preachers exhibited the wisdom of their teachings in their daily lives their words would become much more effective in saving souls and changing lives. Not self - centered

42. Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” might not be a direct quotation. It might be like Matthew’s statement (Matthew 2:23), “And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene." Nowhere in scripture can this quotation be found. The prophets did say He would be a “root” or a “sprout.” Everyone from Nazareth was a “root” because “Nazareth” in Hebrew means “city of roots.” Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” might not be a direct quotation. It might be like Matthew’s statement (Matthew 2:23), “And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene." Nowhere in scripture can this quotation be found. The prophets did say He would be a “root” or a “sprout.” Everyone from Nazareth was a “root” because “Nazareth” in Hebrew means “city of roots.” Feeding the Homeless

43. Jesus spoke often about the rewards that would come to the unselfish, caring person who gave to help others (Matthew 6:2-7). So one might say that Jesus did say that it WAS more blessed to give than to receive. But Jesus must have told Paul many things in person during the three years in Arabia (Galatians 1:15-17) that were not recorded in the four gospels. This might have been one of them. Jesus spoke often about the rewards that would come to the unselfish, caring person who gave to help others (Matthew 6:2-7). So one might say that Jesus did say that it WAS more blessed to give than to receive. But Jesus must have told Paul many things in person during the three years in Arabia (Galatians 1:15-17) that were not recorded in the four gospels. This might have been one of them. Glass of Cold Water Matthew 10:42

44. Acts 20:36-38 36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. This must have been a solemn, sad occasion because they knew this was the last time they would see Paul on this earth. Acts 20:36-38 36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. This must have been a solemn, sad occasion because they knew this was the last time they would see Paul on this earth.

45. Paul will sail on to Palestine and the elders will return to Ephesus and faithfully do their jobs until God calls them home. That is what all Christians of whatever position in the church must faithfully do. When Jesus addresses the Ephesian church in one of His letters to the seven churches of Asia, it had left its first love or the love it had at the first. How that happened and whether it was the fault of one or more of these elders we may never know in this life. Paul will sail on to Palestine and the elders will return to Ephesus and faithfully do their jobs until God calls them home. That is what all Christians of whatever position in the church must faithfully do. When Jesus addresses the Ephesian church in one of His letters to the seven churches of Asia, it had left its first love or the love it had at the first. How that happened and whether it was the fault of one or more of these elders we may never know in this life.

46. Conclusion Conclusion Paul has taken the gospel out into the Roman world. He has established churches all over Asia Minor, Macedonia and Greece. He has collected monetary and other resources for the famine-stricken saints in Judea. He travels there now with his many helpers to carry this to the poor among these Jewish saints. He knows he will be arrested in Jerusalem and sent to Rome as a prisoner. But he is willing to suffer this indignity if it allows him to carry the gospel to Rome. Paul has taken the gospel out into the Roman world. He has established churches all over Asia Minor, Macedonia and Greece. He has collected monetary and other resources for the famine-stricken saints in Judea. He travels there now with his many helpers to carry this to the poor among these Jewish saints. He knows he will be arrested in Jerusalem and sent to Rome as a prisoner. But he is willing to suffer this indignity if it allows him to carry the gospel to Rome.

47. He Served His Generation (The Apostle Paul) by Ellis Jones Acts 13:36 When Paul had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. (The Apostle Paul) by Ellis Jones Acts 13:36 When Paul had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.

48. He served his generation, With kind unselfish love. He preached and traveled widely On orders from above. He served his generation, With kind unselfish love. He preached and traveled widely On orders from above.

49. He never hesitated To tell men all God said. For that he suffered often, And once was left for dead. He never hesitated To tell men all God said. For that he suffered often, And once was left for dead.

50. His friends were good and many, With most lifelong and true, Like Timothy and Titus And Luke, to name a few. His friends were good and many, With most lifelong and true, Like Timothy and Titus And Luke, to name a few.

51. Death was no concern of his, Of it he had no fear. In faith he always strongly Yearned for Jesus to appear. Death was no concern of his, Of it he had no fear. In faith he always strongly Yearned for Jesus to appear.

52. He was a good example Of what we all should be. That’s why he was effective In setting sinners free. He was a good example Of what we all should be. That’s why he was effective In setting sinners free.

53. I want to hear his stories And those of all the blessed Who served their generation And entered into rest. I want to hear his stories And those of all the blessed Who served their generation And entered into rest.