Scripture
28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
Reflection
These two verses form part of the future responsibilities of the elders in Ephesus (vv. 28-35). Paul explains the need for the command to elders to guard themselves and the flock (v. 28). False teachers, called savage wolves, would enter the flock, or even some of their own would distort the truth. This warning is attested by subsequent references to the church at Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:6–7, 19–20; 4:1–7; 2 Tim. 1:15; 2:17–18; 3:1–9; Rev. 2:1–7). Paul urges the leaders to be on their guard!
By addressing the elders in such a way, Paul expected the elders to (1) take care of themselves spiritually and (2) the people in the church.
Even though Paul was addressing mainly the elders in this parragraph, the lay congregant in SCF can also learn from these instructions namely: (1) it’s our responsibility to also take care of our own spiritual growth and (2) to take care of our fellow congregants in SCF.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Be silent today.
