“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).
The Apostle Paul was a Missionary and Evangelist of the Missionaries and Evangelists! I mean, if you had to compare him among those who’ve had their names placed in the books of effective and memorable service to God he’d be right there around the top of the list. By studying his life and work, as well as that of the other apostles, and especially that of Christ, we have much there to learn.
Paul stated several points for us here in this verse that are worthy of note.
#1) Paul did not keep anything back from the people in his Evangelism work and teaching! He taught the word of God straightly and clearly! He did not hold back any of the truth but instead he decared the full testimoney of God’s word! We should do the same! Teach them clearly and don’t hold back! Teach them! (“Preach like a Lion and visit like a Lamb”)
#2) Paul taught the people publickly. We need to do that as well because we have to get the message out there to a lot of people and gathering them in larger groups is one of the quickest ways to do it! We need to have Christ-centered, Bible-centered, “Three Angel’s Message”-centered meetings and Bible study groups with many people!
#3) Finally, Paul visited the people from house to house. We must do the same as well. Not only can we have the public work, but we must have the personal and private work for people as well. We need to meet with people (in safe places, at appropriate times) and talk with them one on one about God and about the truth that they have been hearing! We need to understand where they are at in processing the holy truth that they have been hearing in our Bible meetings! We need to see if the truth has been clearly set and understood in their minds. Are they under conviction? Are they struggling with anything? What is keeping them from following the Bible’s truth and from surrendering fully to Jesus? Get close to them. Be a friend. Talk and ask politely about things–how they’re doing spiritually, with the various topics, etc. Find out what is hindering them, and then by God’s grace and spirit, help them to overcome their trials and take a firm stand on the side of God and His truth!
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