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the Word for themselves and set an example before their own people. They have seen Paul at
his best and worst and know of his love for the Lord and for the people.

PAUL COMMENDS THE PASTORS TO GOD (32-38)

Paul exhorts the pastors to take care of themselves and the flock which has been entrusted to
them. He warns them about “wolves” in their midst and those who would pervert the truth.
Paul prays with the elders gathered and then bids them farewell.

Act 20:32 "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able
to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

And now, brethren, I commend (paratithemi: deposit, commit) you to God, and to the word of
his grace, which is able to build you up (epoikodomeo: build upon), and to give you an
inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Paul deposits these men with the Lord and His grace after he holds back nothing. Their blood is
not on his hands, and he can trust them with God (verse 26). The keeping of these men also
lies in the Word of God as well as the grace of God. The Word alone does not build you up;
faith is necessary for this to occur. Paul is like a father turning his sons over to God before they
go into the world or into marriage (Proverbs 18-9; 6:20-23).

SEVEN DEPOSITS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. Salvation, life deposited with the Lord (2 Timothy 1:12).
2. The Word in us (2 Timothy 1:14).
3. Our cares and problems with the Lord (1 Peter 4:19; 5:7; Psalm 55:22).
4. The gospel with unbelievers (Romans 1:14).
5. The Word with other believers by the pastor (2 Timothy 2:2).
6. Finances with God (Philippians 4:15-19).
7. The results of your labors in others lives (Acts 20:32).

By studying and applying the Word, these pastors will receive an inheritance from the saints.
The main function of a pastor is to study the Word. Pastors not only have rewards from God in
heaven (1 Peter 5:4), but also from the changed lives of believers on earth.

PAUL’S MOTIVATION FOR THE MINISTRY

Act 20:33 I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.

Paul has received many offerings during his travels. He has often received gold, silver (money),
and clothing (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6). However, Paul is not in the ministry for money. If money
is his motivation, he would have quit in Corinth when it was necessary for him to make tents to
support himself. Paul covets souls, maturity, and spiritual blessings.