When controversy occurs, it is very easy to shrink back and move on silently. I am one of those people who hate contention or confrontation. Yet, there is a time and a place when we need to stand up, confront, and contend for the truth. Sometimes, it can be done in a loving way, and it will be received well, but if not, we are to stand for truth even in adversity. We are not to shrink back but move forward.
In Acts chapter 20, Paul is nearing the end of his third missionary journey. His ship had stopped at Miletus, probably to take on supplies. Paul took advantage of the opportunity to call for the elders of the church at Ephesus. This would have been about 30 miles from Miletus. This would be the last time that Paul spoke to those from the church at Ephesus. Some scholars believe there were some in the church, as was the case in many other churches, where Paul’s name was being slandered. He wanted to set the record straight. In verse 18, he reminds them that from the first time he was in Asia and throughout his ministry, he was consistent with his message of the gospel, and his lifestyle was a reflection of that. He served with humility. He did not teach with a spirit of pride, arrogance, or as a dictator, but rather a servant leader. A servant leader whose life was constantly in danger by the plots the Jews had made to kill him.
Act 20:17-19 “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.”
In verse 20, Paul reminds them that he kept back nothing that would help them grow in their faith in Christ. While his teachings were scrutinized and highly objectionable to the Jewish leaders, Paul never shrunk back from proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew his mission was to tell others and win them to Christ. He understood the big picture of eternity and his soul longed to see people turn from ritualistic religion to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In verse 22, he is saying his goodbyes. He would not shrink from the duty of proclaiming the gospel in Jerusalem. He did not know what he would be facing, but even if it meant death, he would press on because of his love for Jesus and for those Christ died for.
Act 20:20-22 “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:”
Paul did not know what trials he would suffer when he went to Jerusalem, but for the sake of the gospel and the souls that needed Jesus, he was willing to risk his life. In II Corinthians 11:23-27, Paul mentions some of the trials and sufferings he experienced, yet he did not quit.
II Corinthians 11:23-27 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews, five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watching’s often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.
What will it take to keep you moving forward in declaring the gospel to those God brings in your path? Do you shrink back when those at work talk about things that are contrary to the Bible? Do you keep your knowledge of Jesus to yourself, thinking that the workplace is not the place to discuss it? While I agree you are being paid to work, don’t pass up the opportunity to speak up for God. What about in your neighborhood, do you search out people to witness to? We only have one life, and only what is done for Christ will last forever. Paul set a great example for us, but we must choose to obey and follow. Will you shrink or move forward? It is your choice.
