“Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. ” Acts 20:28

The words Paul speaks makes a greater impression on the Ephesus Church leaders because Paul tells them they will never see his face again because he goes to Jerusalem to be arrested and will die while under arrest. Spirit affirms within their hearts this is truth. Then Paul tells them that he is ‘not responsible’ for their blood. This is because he preached Christ Resurrected and salvation in Him.

Paul does not and has not been timid about the purpose Jesus laid on his heart. He’s been bold, honest, direct, clear, responded with faith’s accuracy to questions, and woven the entire whole purpose of God in Jesus Christ for them. Spirit has spoken through him and is guiding him all the time. Spirit and Paul are tight together. “Keep watch,” he warns them. Paul’s alert is for us now too. Shepherd the Church.

What is next? Savage wolves will come among their Church, but it has not happened yet. These are false apostles who separate congregations for their own means. You know them because of their self serving interests, not of Christ’s interests. He warns them so they will be alert, as are we. Wolves attempt to tear apart unity found in Jesus Christ and scoff at God’s Agape Love.

Believers and leaders speak the truth from God’s Word and live in Christ’s abundant blessings. Yet, there is to be a battle, prepare. Later Paul will write from prison about battling by putting on the Armor of God– the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of Truth in Christ, the sword of the Holy Spirit, shoes ready to proclaim the gospel of Peace, shield of faith in Christ, and the helmet of salvation in Christ. (Ephesians 6:10-20)