Acts chapter 20

vs 31

It is so important to Paul that they heed his message about false teaching. They have to stick to the faith, or else all is lost. Right from the beginning he obviously knew that this danger was a clear and present one.

Did Paul spend a whole three years there? Funny how time flies in the Bible narratives.

vs 32

These are obviously final words. As always, Paul's focus is on the gospel, and the power contained in it, which is for the eternal inheritance. But it's also about relationship with the family of God.

vs 33

That is, he has lived within the means he provided for himself.

vs 34

Here again is evidence of the tentmaking ministry of Paul, which he so obviously used to supply his needs during ministry. It brings up an interesting question. Paul himself says that a worker is worth their wages. But yet he turns down payment. Or does he? If he does, then it means that the church was either too small to support him, or too poor, or that he was afraid that the culture of the thing would make a negative impact on the gospel.

vs 35

Ahhh, so Paul in fact makes out that his unwillingness to receive payment is a show to the church of the necessity for the church to help the weak. Paul came and sacrificially gave of himself to help the church there, and in so doing modelled for them the way they should work for the weak.

vs 36

Ooh, a verse about kneeling to pray! Haven't ever noticed that before.

vs 37

Funny how some people think it's absolutely necessary to pray on their knees, but how many weep and embrace and kiss each other in a situation like this?

vs 38

I can imagine that it can get like this on the mission field, when a missionary leaves. All the people probably get really upset, because they are seeing their spiritual messenger leave, and to never come back! And I'm sure Paul did his fair share of weeping too.