Watch over yourselves
Read in your Bible: Acts 20–21.
Paul meets the Ephesian elders and recalls a ministry of teaching, tears and practical work. His charge begins with care for themselves before care for the flock. The journey then continues toward Jerusalem, where warnings and misunderstanding accompany his resolve.
Leadership requires personal vigilance as well as attention to others. A ministry's importance does not place its servants beyond exhaustion, correction or accountability. Paul's farewell also values generosity, showing that care is not merely protecting an organisation but seeking the good of people Christ has redeemed.
Review one neglected boundary or responsibility in your own life before adding another demand to others. Offer support to a leader without making them untouchable. If you lead, make it possible for people to raise concerns safely.
Related reading and source notes.
Read the Bible passage first. These notes identify related Ellen G. White chapters; a related reading is not a claim that she wrote this interpretation. Any direct quotations are marked separately. The explanations and applications are The Earl Project’s own.
1The Acts of the Apostles · Chapter 37—Paul’s Last Journey to JerusalemAA, chapter 37
White’s chapter on Paul’s last journey to Jerusalem is related reading on his farewell counsel and the responsibilities of those caring for the church.
Read alongside: Acts 20–21
Read the original chapter on EGW Writings ↗A question to sit with
What part of my own conduct or well-being needs attention before I ask more of others?
Address one neglected personal responsibility and make one channel for honest feedback easier to use.
Let us pray
Shepherd of the church, keep our leaders and communities attentive to truth and care. Help me accept healthy limits, welcome accountability and serve people rather than merely preserve the appearance of a successful ministry. Amen.
Your quiet reflection
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An original interpretation from The Earl Project, written from an Adventist understanding of Scripture. It is not an official church publication. Read alongside the beliefs that inform these reflections. Scripture quoted from the King James Version. Ellen G. White sources are cited separately from The Earl Project’s original interpretation.