What is the meaning of Acts 20:28? Keep watch over yourselves Our first instructions call for elders to guard their own hearts before they guard anyone else. The command is active and continuous—stay alert. - 1 Timothy 4:16 “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching.” Personal holiness protects leader and flock. - 1 Corinthians 9:27 shows Paul disciplining his own body so he is not disqualified. - Galatians 6:1 warns the spiritual to restore others “in a spirit of gentleness,” while keeping watch on themselves. A shepherd who neglects his own walk cannot safely lead anyone else. and the entire flock The shepherd’s concern must extend to every believer under his care. - John 10:14 portrays Jesus knowing each of His sheep. - Hebrews 13:17 describes leaders who “keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account.” - 1 Peter 5:2 calls elders to “shepherd the flock of God that is among you.” Practical outworking: - Feed all the flock with sound doctrine. - Seek the wandering (Luke 15:4-7). - Protect from wolves—false teaching or immoral influence. of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers Authority in the church is a placement of the Spirit. - Acts 13:2—the Spirit sets apart workers. - Ephesians 4:11-12 lists pastors-teachers as Christ’s gifts. - Titus 1:5-9 shows human appointment confirming the Spirit’s choice. Because the Spirit appoints, leaders answer to God first, giving courage to lead and a sober reminder that negligence is rebellion against the Spirit. Be shepherds of the church of God Shepherding blends feeding, guiding, guarding, and caring. The church belongs to God; leaders are stewards, not owners. - 1 Peter 5:2-3 warns against compulsion and domination; shepherds must be examples. - Jeremiah 3:15 promises shepherds after God’s heart who feed with knowledge. - Ezekiel 34:2-4 condemns shepherds who feed themselves and neglect the sheep. Daily shepherding practices: - Feed: teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). - Lead: model Christlike discipleship (Philippians 3:17). - Protect: refute false doctrine (Titus 1:9). - Heal: bind the injured and strengthen the weak (Ezekiel 34:16). which He purchased with His own blood The price tag on the church establishes her value and the gravity of shepherding. - 1 Peter 1:18-19: redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. - Revelation 5:9: the Lamb purchased people for God with His blood. - Ephesians 5:25-27: Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. - Hebrews 9:12: He obtained eternal redemption by His blood. This phrase also affirms Christ’s deity: God shed His own blood—possible only because the Son is fully God. Leaders dare not treat the church lightly; every decision must be weighed against Calvary. summary Acts 20:28 calls spiritual leaders to vigilant self-care, comprehensive care for every believer, humble recognition of Spirit-given authority, faithful shepherding, and constant remembrance of the price Christ paid—His own blood. These literal, enduring commands summon every overseer, and every believer, to Spirit-empowered, sacrificial care for the people God bought at so great a cost. |
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