Acts 20 in the Message and TNIV translations
In chapter 20 we get a picture of Paul's amazing passion for people and for Christ. I read Luke's account of Eutychus falling out of the window as a kind of comic relief story, his way of making fun of Paul for being so long-winded. But beneath that is an immense respect for Paul's devotion. I suspect a lot of people made comments about Paul talking all night, but nobody had to wonder whether he cared about them or whether he was the real deal. People will put up with your shortcomings when they know your heart. I hope that can be said about me.
Verse 20, "I have taught you publicly and from house to house." Paul's investments were in two places: in the community and in the houses of the believers. It's such a far cry from our perception that the gospel is proclaimed mainly in Christian houses of worship, literally and physically separated from the community. As Christians, it's often lost on us that people who aren't inside our buildings on Sunday (which is most people) don't have a clue what happens in there. Or if that does sink in, we think our main goal is to get them in the building. In the first century, Christianity was being proclaimed and lived out in public and in the neighborhood. God is helping us recapture that at the Springs.
They stayed up all night together. Prayed together. Hugged and kissed and shed tears for each other. The city of Ephesus didn't just hear a guy preach Christianity, they watched a community live it. People respond to the message so much more when they see the life.
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