Acts 20:28-32
Trustworthy Shepherds: Why an Undefended Flock Is Vulnerable - Acts 20:28-32
Acts 20:28-32 (NIVUK)
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.
I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.
So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
'Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Commentary
Revd. Mark Fletcher: He’s worried about the legacy of that church in Ephesus. He knows what can happen. An undefended flock will always be vulnerable to predators. And so for all of us in positions of leadership and responsibility in various ways within the church, we need to take seriously this responsibility to defend the people of God from those, did you hear, who would distort the truth in order to gain a following for themselves. The people of God need trustworthy shepherds in the likeness of Jesus who will protect the flock from those who would lead people astray for their own personal gain. Beware of those who are seeking a following for the sake of having a following. Those who cause division in order to gain disciples.