使徒行传20：奔走天路，忠于使命
 
GK611晨祷生命读经 
09.06.2026
主讲：陈炎明牧师


 引言：一场足球赛最关键的往往不是开球，而是最后15分钟？

一、奔行天路；坚固门徒（20:1-6）

以弗所的骚乱平息后，保罗再次踏上牧养之旅，前往马其顿和希腊各地探访信徒，用许多话坚固和劝勉众教会。虽然他原计划乘船返回叙利亚，却因犹太人设计谋害他而改变行程，改道经马其顿返回。一路上有多位来自不同地区的同工同行，显示福音工作已经在各地建立起成熟的门徒团队，也显明保罗对门徒栽培和教会牧养的持续关怀。

真正属神的领袖，不只开拓事工，更专注建立门徒；即使面对拦阻，仍顺服神的带领，持续坚固信徒的生命。计划可以随时按情况作调整。

二、聚会讲道；伴随神迹（20:7-12）

在七日的第一日，即是主日，信徒聚集擘饼敬拜。因保罗即将离开，便把握最后机会长时间教导众人，直到深夜。一位名叫犹推古的少年人在窗台上听道时因困倦睡着，从三层楼跌下，当场死亡。保罗下楼为他祷告，神施行奇迹使他恢复生命。随后保罗继续与众人交通、擘饼和分享信息直到天亮才离开。

这段记载不但显出初代教会对真道的渴慕，也见证神的大能与同在，使众人因神迹和神的话语大得安慰与激励。健康的教会以神的话为中心、以肢体的敬拜交流为生活，而神也乐于在其中彰显神迹大能，顾念每一个生命。

三、使命前行；耶路撒冷（20:13-16）

离开特罗亚后，保罗与同工们继续赶路前往耶路撒冷。在这段旅程中，他刻意不在以弗所停留，免得因与众多弟兄姊妹相聚而耽误行程，因为他心中有一个清楚而坚定的目标，就是尽可能在五旬节前抵达耶路撒冷。虽然前方等待他的将是未知的挑战和患难，但保罗并没有因此退缩，而是专注于神所托付的使命，坚定地向前迈进。

这段经文让我们看见，一个被神呼召的人，会把完成神的旨意放在个人舒适和情感需要之上，以使命为优先，忠心走完神所安排的道路。有使命的人会专注于神的呼召，分辨轻重缓急，不因安逸或拦阻而偏离神所托付的道路。

四、向众领袖，临别赠言（20:17-38）

1. 回顾忠心事奉的榜样（V17-21）
保罗提醒长老们，他在以弗所期间始终谦卑服事主，即使经历眼泪、试炼和逼迫，仍然忠心不懈。他公开讲道，也挨家挨户教导，向犹太人和外邦人传讲悔改归向神、信靠主耶稣的信息。
我们都要学习作真正的领袖，并先以生命作榜样。牧养除了透过讲台，更是在生活和关系中。

2. 为完成使命甘愿摆上（V22-24）
保罗知道圣灵催逼他前往耶路撒冷，也知道前面有捆锁和患难等待着他。然而他并不担心自己的性命，只盼望完成主耶稣所托付的职事，见证神恩典的福音。即是说使命比安逸更重要。属神的人生价值在于完成神的托付。

3. 忠心传讲神全部旨意（V25-27）
保罗坦然表示自己没有对不起任何人，“对众人的血是洁净的”，因为神的旨意，他没有一样避讳不传。他已经尽了传道人当尽的责任。忠心的仆人不会选择性传讲真理。神看重的是是否忠于祂的话语。

4. 要谨慎牧养神的教会（V28）
保罗提醒长老们要先顾念自己，也顾念全群，因为圣灵设立他们作监督，要牧养神用自己宝血所买来的教会。教会属于基督，不属于任何人。领袖必须先管理好自己，才能牧养群羊。

5. 防备豺狼与内部迷惑（V29-31）
保罗预言自己离开后，将有凶暴的豺狼进入教会，不爱惜羊群；甚至教会内部也会有人起来传讲错误教训，引诱门徒跟从自己。教会最大的危机往往是真理被扭曲。属灵领袖必须警醒守望群羊。

6. 交托于神并恩惠的道（20:32）
保罗将长老们交托给神和祂恩惠的道，因为唯有神能够建立他们，使他们与众圣徒同得基业。真正建立教会的是神，不是人。神的话语有能力使人生命成长成熟。

7. 活出无私奉献的生命（V33-35）
保罗见证自己没有贪图人的金银衣服，反而亲手劳碌供应自己和同工的需要，也帮助软弱的人。他引用主耶稣的话：“施比受更为有福。”属灵领袖应当成为舍己与慷慨的榜样。真正蒙福的人生是给予而非索取。

8. 爱中的离别与祷告（V36-38）
讲完之后，保罗与众人一同跪下祷告。长老们因知道以后不能再见保罗，便抱着他痛哭，与他依依惜别，并送他上船。真正的属灵关系建立在爱与生命连结上。忠心服事主的人，会在人的生命中留下深远影响。

总结：我们都领受神都托付
保罗用自己的生命证明：真正成功的事奉，不是拥有多少成就，而是忠心完成神所托付的使命，并把下一代门徒建立起来。愿你起来，一起作主门徒！

忠心完成神所托付的使命、用生命影响生命而建立门徒、持守真道，直到最后。




  

Acts Chapter 20: Running the Heavenly Race, Faithful to the Mission 
 GK611 Morning Devotion 
09.06.2026
Speaker: Rev David Tan


 Introduction: The Most Crucial Part of a Football Match
In a football match, the most critical moment is often not the kick-off, but the final 15 minutes.

I. Running the Heavenly Race; Strengthening the Disciples (Acts 20:1–6) 
After the riot in Ephesus had subsided, Paul resumed his pastoral journey, traveling through Macedonia and Greece to visit believers. He encouraged and strengthened the churches with many words. Although he originally planned to sail back to Syria, he changed his route due to a plot by the Jews to kill him, returning instead through Macedonia. Along the way, several co-workers from different regions accompanied him, demonstrating that the gospel had already produced mature disciples and ministry teams throughout various areas. It also reflected Paul's ongoing commitment to disciple-making and shepherding the churches.
A true leader of God not only pioneers ministries but is also devoted to building disciples. Even when facing obstacles, such leaders submit to God's guidance and continue strengthening the faith of believers. Plans may change according to circumstances, but the mission remains the same.

 II. Worship Service & Sermon Preaching; Accompanied by Miracles (Acts 20:7–12) 
On the first day of the week, Sunday, the believers gathered to break bread and worship. Since Paul was about to depart, he took the opportunity to teach them extensively until midnight. A young man named Eutychus, sitting on a windowsill, became drowsy during the message and fell from the third story to his death. Paul went down, prayed for him, and God performed a miracle by restoring his life. Afterward, Paul continued fellowshipping, breaking bread, and teaching until daybreak before leaving.

This passage not only reveals the early church's hunger for God's Word but also demonstrates God's power and presence. Through both the miracle and the teaching of the Word, the believers were greatly comforted and encouraged. A healthy church centers on God's Word and cultivates worship and fellowship among believers. God delights to manifest His power and care for every life within such a community.

 III. Pressing On in the Mission；Jerusalem (Acts 20:13–16) 
After leaving Troas, Paul and his companions continued their journey toward Jerusalem. During this trip, Paul intentionally avoided stopping in Ephesus because he did not want to delay his journey through extended fellowship with the believers there. He had a clear and firm goal—to arrive in Jerusalem before Pentecost if possible.

Although he knew that unknown challenges and sufferings awaited him, Paul did not shrink back. Instead, he remained focused on the mission entrusted to him by God and pressed forward with determination.

This passage shows us that a person called by God places the fulfillment of God's will above personal comfort and emotional needs. Those who live with a mission remain focused on God's calling, discern priorities wisely, and refuse to be distracted by comfort or obstacles.

 IV. Parting Words to the Leaders (Acts 20:17–38) 
1. Reviewing a Faithful Example of Service (v17–21)
Paul reminded the elders that throughout his ministry in Ephesus, he served the Lord with humility, tears, trials, and persecution, yet remained faithful. He preached publicly and taught from house to house, proclaiming repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles.
We must learn to be genuine leaders who first lead by example. Shepherding is accomplished not only from the pulpit but also through daily life and relationships.

2. Willingly Sacrificing to Fulfill the Mission (v22–24)
Paul knew that the Holy Spirit was compelling him to go to Jerusalem and that imprisonment and suffering awaited him. Yet he did not consider his life precious to himself. His greatest desire was to complete the ministry entrusted to him by the Lord Jesus and testify to the gospel of God's grace.

Mission is more important than comfort. The true value of a godly life is found in fulfilling God's calling.

3. Faithfully Proclaiming the Whole Counsel of God (v25–27)
Paul boldly declared that he was innocent of the blood of all people because he had not hesitated to proclaim the whole will of God. He had fulfilled his responsibility as a preacher.
A faithful servant does not selectively teach the truth. God values faithfulness to His Word above all else.

4. Shepherding God's Church with Care (v28)
Paul urged the elders to watch over themselves and the entire flock. The Holy Spirit had appointed them as overseers to shepherd the church that God purchased with His own blood.
The church belongs to Christ, not to any individual. Leaders must first govern themselves well before they can effectively shepherd God's people.

5. Guarding Against Wolves and Internal Deception (v29–31)
Paul warned that after his departure, savage wolves would come into the church and spare neither the flock nor the truth. Even from within the church, some would arise to distort the truth and draw disciples after themselves.

One of the greatest dangers facing the church is the distortion of truth. Spiritual leaders must remain vigilant in protecting God's people.

6. Entrusted to God and the Word of His Grace (v32)
Paul committed the elders to God and to the word of His grace, which alone is able to build them up and give them an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

It is God, not human beings, who truly builds the church. God’s word has the power to bring about growth and maturity in people’s lives.

7. Living a Life of Selfless Generosity (v33–35)
Paul testified that he had not coveted anyone's silver, gold, or clothing. Instead, he worked with his own hands to support himself, his companions, and the weak. He quoted the words of Jesus:
"It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Spiritual leaders should model sacrificial living and generosity. A truly blessed life is found in giving rather than taking.

8. A Farewell in Love and Prayer (v36–38)
After speaking, Paul knelt and prayed with the elders. Knowing that they would not see him again, they embraced him, wept, and accompanied him to the ship.

True spiritual relationships are built on love and shared life. Those who faithfully serve the Lord leave a profound impact on the lives of others.

 Conclusion: We Have All Received God's Commission
Paul demonstrated through his own life that true success in ministry is not measured by achievements but by faithfully completing the mission God has entrusted to us and raising up the next generation of disciples. May you rise up and become a disciple of Christ!

Let us faithfully fulfill God's calling, build disciples by influencing lives with our own lives, and hold firmly to the truth until the very end.