We’ve invested several lessons in Acts chapter 20, the fullest view of Paul’s Pastoral Theology that we possess. In other words, “how” Paul approached his ministry, practically speaking.
And we still may have one more day (lesson) taken from this marvelous Text. But this morning … “And now, brethren, I (Paul) commend you to God, and to the Word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Acts 20:32
Wow!
That verb translated “to build you up” is lovely! (Yes, a Bible verb can be that, “exquisite.” Latin meaning “sought out!”) In Greek it is spelled “epoikodomeo.”
Let me show you the different “parts” of this word: “Demo” means “to build,” particularly a dwelling, but specifically that “finishing touch” the carpenter applies to it … literally the very “dome” or “roof!”
Then “oikos” means “house,” the structure where you live. Comparing our spiritual growth to the various stages of development in a building! We are, after all, the “temples” of the Holy Spirit, according to 1 Corinthians 6:19.
Then the prefix, “epi,” (a preposition) simply means “upon.” Something (or Someone) Who is working “on” us … shaping us into this (spiritual) house that will bring glory to the Lord Who saved us! Also … “epi” at the front of a verb can intensify its action, its thrust, its power! REALLY build you up!
What an action word, what effectiveness!
Yet there’s remains a question …
What can do such? Exactly what “is able” to so build us up, to so mature us as Christians? Now we’re looking at the verb “dunamai,” one derivative of which is our English noun “dynamite!” What “power” that is!
Spiritual dynamite!
A spiritual work (construction) crew!
Again I ask … what is being described?
Whatever it is, Paul is commending (“placing” literally, but our verb “recommending” in essence) the Ephesians into its hands!
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Our Lesson Text once again, Acts 20:32, King James Version.
The answer … “The Word of His (God’s) Grace!”
That’s the BIBLE, dear friends. The Word (“logos”) of God … period! But here specifically called “the Word of His Grace,” so lovely! (I wanted to say “exquisite” again.)
Note as well that Holy Scripture can “save” us … James 1:21 references such: “The engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” Amen! I use this terminology regarding Acts 20:32 because we are specifically told God’s Word can give us an “inheritance” among the “sanctified!” Neither of which can be realized apart from “salvation!”
Wow!
Paul is leaving his beloved Christian friends in Ephesus directly “in the hands” of the upbuilding “Word of God!”
The Grace-emphasizing “Word of God!”
Yes, Paul is leaving them.
But the Word of God will never leave them!
Paul has helped them … to a point.
The Word of God will finish the job!
Let’s stop writing/reading the Lesson today … and spend some time in the Word itself! My “project” this Saturday is investing some time in Mark chapter 12 … what’s yours?
The all sufficient Word of God!
Hallelujah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
By the way, that’s the Spirit-inspired Word of God! The Holy Ghost and Scripture … always found Hand-in-Hand!
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