What qualities of Paul's ministry in Acts 20:17 should we emulate?

The Verse in View

“From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.” (Acts 20:17)

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Core Qualities to Emulate

• Intentionality

 – Paul does not “happen” upon ministry opportunities; he creates them.

 – Philippians 3:13-14 shows the same determination: “I press on toward the goal…”

 – Emulate by calendaring purposeful encounters, not relying on chance.

• Prioritizing Leadership Development

 – He singles out “the elders of the church,” focusing on those who shepherd others (1 Peter 5:1-3).

 – Model: invest in leaders who will multiply ministry impact.

• Relational Investment

 – The summons signals a relationship strong enough that the elders will travel miles to meet him.

 – 1 Thessalonians 2:8 captures Paul’s relational heart: “We were delighted to share with you… our own lives as well.”

• Accountability and Transparency

 – By calling the elders, Paul submits his life and doctrine to peers (cf. Galatians 2:1-2).

 – Healthy ministry seeks review rather than avoiding it.

• Geographic Flexibility

 – Paul adapts to circumstances (ship itinerary places him in Miletus), yet still fulfills pastoral duty.

 – 2 Timothy 4:2: “Be ready in season and out of season.”

 – We emulate by refusing to let busyness cancel shepherding moments.

• Focus on the Local Church

 – Though an apostle to the nations, Paul’s heart remains tethered to a specific congregation.

 – Hebrews 10:24-25 underscores the same local commitment.

 – Imitate by valuing and serving a concrete church body, not merely abstract “ministry.”

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Putting It Into Practice

• Schedule monthly or quarterly check-ins with emerging leaders.

• Invite trusted believers to ask hard questions about life and doctrine.

• Keep travel or work interruptions from excusing disengagement—use phone, video, or letters as Paul used messengers.

• Tie every wider ministry dream to the up-building of an identifiable local fellowship.

These simple but profound traits flow from a single verse yet outline a robust pattern for modern ministry.