Paul the Apostle spoke these words to a group of preachers and other leaders of the Ephesian Church: “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to WARN every one night and day with tears.” Acts 20:31

The initial verb “watch” carries the idea of “waking up” from sleep. Do not be sluggish, always keenly alert. And of course it is here framed as a command!

The verb “remember” (not now an imperative, just a present participle … but still suggesting on-going action, habituality) means “to be mindful,” not forgetting something.

Then Paul inserted a temporal marker, clause. “By the space of three years I ceased not.” The other Church Paul served (voluntarily) an extended period of time … was Corinth. (Acts 18:11, “a year and six months”) So he was twice as long in Ephesus! (Looks like he got twice as much work done as well, to the Glory of God. This Ephesian Church was perhaps the most mature of all Paul’s Assemblies.)

There’s a hint in today’s verse also about the intensity of Paul’s labors. “Night and day, with tears” he preached and taught! Chronological and emotional aspects of Paul’s “pastoral theology!” The man was “on fire” for his Lord!

The secret of pastoral success may lie in the shepherd just “being with” his people when they have needs! Standing or sitting “by their sides.” Loving them and praying for them and comforting them. Far more successful is this mindset than simply sharing the “knowledge” one has accrued or the “rhetorical success” he has achieved! Paul is here reminding the Church that he was regularly “with” them, “hand-in-hand” or “arm-in-arm” so to speak, incessantly!

But now (finally) to the point of today’s lesson … Paul WARNED his congregations! (I am presuming that the way he pastored at Ephesus is largely typical of his whole ministry.)

Back to the verse of the hour … “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I CEASED NOT TO WARN EVERY ONE night and day with tears.” Acts 20:31

The verb “warn” here is not as stringent (harsh) as it first sounds. In Greek it is “noutheteo,” a blend of two other words. “Nous” means one’s “mind.” And “tithemi” means “to set in place.” The resultant definition: “constantly emphasizing and regularly bringing to mind” certain vital truths concerning life in Christ! Keeping God’s Word “before” a congregation!Preaching being paramount now!

Really this is not an “or else” ultimatum (not here) … as much as it is a “don’t forget,” pronouncement. Sort of a “let me tell you again” situation!

A whole field of Christian service has developed around this word, called “nouthetic” counseling or “nouthetic” ministry!

Tell me again … then again … and again!

Keep me aware!

Don’t let me drift!

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Perhaps some Christians are “above” the need for such daily exhortation. Far more mature? But Paul took it for granted that all Christians need to be warned time and time again! And God sure blessed the Apostle’s approach, didn’t He? By the way, Hebrews 3:13 is still in the Bible … “Exhort (essentially a synonym of “warn”) one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

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