Acts #84 Paul Reveals a Pastor's Love for His Flock

A shepherd’s love for his sheep is revealed in his dedication to protect them from predators that would scatter and destroy them even at the expense of his own safety. The Lord Jesus declares concerning Himself this very truth in John 10:11-12. The hireling flees when it becomes dangerous, but the Good Shepherd (and all faithful shepherds) will not leave the flock vulnerable to the attack of wolves. Why? For one reason: He loves the sheep and desires their safety more than his own (John 15:13-14). Warning and protecting the sheep Christ has entrusted to a faithful shepherd (pastor) is one of the chief evidences of the love that he loves the sheep.
This truth is likewise declared by the Apostle Paul in his fervent farewell speech to the elders and pastors from Ephesus who will see his face no more. These are the parting words of their spiritual father in the faith to men who had been converted and trained under his ministry. What is especially on Paul’s mind? It is the safety of the sheep. His concern is not for himself, though he has already said “bonds and afflictions” await him in Jerusalem. That is the heart of a faithful shepherd: the welfare of the sheep at the expense of his own.
The main points from our text this Lord’s Day are: (1) A Faithful Shepherd Warns and Protects the Sheep (Acts 20:29-32); (2) A Faithful Shepherd Sacrifices This World’s Comforts for the Sheep (Acts 20:33-38).