Paul's Journey to Jerusalem - Pt. 14: Be Alert and Remember
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 1 day ago
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Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | December 2 2025 | Acts 20:29-31
KEY VERSE: “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31, NKJV)
MESSAGE:
When we thought Paul had finished urging the Ephesian leaders to be vigilant, he added another strong reminder in today’s key verse. The word “therefore” shows that verse 31 flows directly from what he had already said.
In verse 29, Paul foretells the coming of false teachers who would harm the Church. He calls them savage wolves—people who appear to be part of the flock but are not. As far back as Matthew 7:15, Jesus had warned His disciples about such people. There, we learn of their deceptive nature. They come in sheep’s clothing, but their intentions are far from the heart of God.
Paul adds more details in verses 29 and 30. He describes them as fierce wolves who will spare neither the flock nor themselves. Even more troubling, Paul says that some of them will rise from within the Church itself. From verse 30, we learn they will distort the truth. They will also draw people to themselves for selfish reasons.
Knowing these dangers, it is no surprise that Paul warned the Church with such intensity. He urged the Ephesian leaders to stay alert. What Paul warned about eventually happened. His letters to Timothy describe the rise of false teachers, and Jesus’ own words to the Ephesian church in Revelation reveal the later consequences and the struggles the leaders faced in handling the situation. This stands in clear contrast to Paul and his team in Acts 15, who firmly and immediately resisted false teaching. Jude also spoke strongly against such deception.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
False teachers have always posed real challenges to the Church. The modern Church faces many forms of them, and every believer must learn to stay alert, grounded in Scripture, and guided by the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, help Your Church stand firm against false teachings and deceptive voices. Like Paul, please help us give them no space to operate, and like Jude, help us contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: WATCH The word “watch” comes from the Greek verb γρηγορεῖτε (gregoreō). It means to stay awake, stay alert, be attentive, keep watch, remain ready. It carries the idea of a person whose eyes are open and heart is aware. This word is not about fear. It is about awareness. Paul wanted the leaders to stay spiritually awake so nothing harmful would quietly grow among the people. It calls for steady attention, prayer, and wisdom.
Reflect on this
God invites us to live with open eyes and
hearts. Staying watchful helps us guard our minds, protect our faith, and support the people God has placed in our lives.
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