Wednesday prior to Easter 4

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Acts 20:17–35—The devil hates Jesus, and hates all whom He has redeemed, that is, the Christian Church. In this farewell address by St Paul to the pastors at Ephesus, where Paul had served for a year and a half, he warns that the devil will try to attack the flock of God by way of false teaching. False teaching slips into a congregation subtly, speaking things which appeal to people and their feelings, shifting the focus from what God has done for us in Christ to what we can do for God. We must ever be on our guard, that the whole counsel of God is taught among us, especially the forgiveness of sins earned for us by Jesus Christ, by the shedding of His own blood.

This passage taken from Acts 20 is given to an entirely Christian audience. It’s Paul’s handoff of ministry responsibility to the Ephesian elders before he departs for Jerusalem.  The LORD gave Paul a message and a mission that created a ministry.  The reading can be broken down in this way.

Paul’s Message (vv.17-21) Paul did not shrink from declaring anything that was profitable.

Paul’s Mission (vv. 22-27) Paul is headed to Jerusalem even though imprisonment and afflictions await him.

This Ministry (vv. 28-35) Be alert, knowing you are commended to God and the word of His grace.

Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter: Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  [2]-

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[1] The Good Shepherd by William Dyce https://www.flickr.com/photos/17903031@N00/7819877018

[2] Collect for Easter 4, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St., Louis