The Responsibility of Elders | Acts 20:28–31

Summary

In Acts 20, Paul charges the Ephesian elders to pay careful attention to themselves and to the flock God has entrusted to them. Elders are called by the Holy Spirit to steward a church that belongs to Jesus, remaining qualified themselves while caring for and protecting his people. Whether or not you are called to the office of elder, the invitation is to pray for your elders, gladly receive their shepherding, and, through the transforming power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit, grow into an elder-like follower of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• Elder is an office. An elder is not simply someone who is older or respected. Scripture describes eldership as an official role within the local church, held by a plurality of qualified men (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1).
• Elder is an office in Jesus’ church. The church belongs to Jesus. He purchased it with his blood, and he is its head (Acts 20:28; Colossians 1:18). Eldership is a responsibility to steward what belongs to him.
• The office of elder is a calling. Paul says the Holy Spirit made the Ephesian elders overseers (Acts 20:28). While aspiring to the office is a noble desire (1 Timothy 3:1), serving as an elder means accepting responsibility for the church in both joyful and difficult seasons.
• The office of elder is reserved for men who remain qualified. Elders are called to pay careful attention to themselves. Scripture emphasizes their character, relationships, self-control, hospitality, leadership at home, reputation, and faithfulness to God’s Word (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).
• Elders are responsible for shepherding the flock. Elders are called to know, lead, feed, care for, correct, and protect the people entrusted to them. Paul warns that threats can come from both outside and inside the church, so elders must remain alert and guard the church from teaching that draws people away from Jesus (Acts 20:28–31).

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• Paul tells the elders to pay careful attention to themselves before telling them to care for the flock. Where do you need to pay closer attention to your own character, relationships, or walk with Jesus?
• The qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 describe maturity that every follower of Jesus should pursue. Where have you seen the Holy Spirit growing you? Where is there still an opportunity for repentance or growth?
• Jesus purchased the church with his own blood. How should remembering that the church belongs to him shape the way you view your role in it?
• How well do you receive spiritual guidance, care, or correction from others? Where might resistance, distrust, or independence make it difficult for you to be shepherded?
• What would it look like for you to become more “elder-like” in your character through the transforming work of the gospel and the Holy Spirit? What is one practical step you can take this week?
• Take time to pray for Watermark’s elders: their marriages and families, character, wisdom, unity, protection, and dependence on Jesus.