Dr. Robert Martin

Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (20:21).

In this segment of our study, we are considering Paul’s example as an able and faithful preacher of the Scriptures. In the last chapter we looked at Paul’s claim concerning the scope of his preaching, as described in the words: “I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable” (20:20), “I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God” (20:27). In this chapter, we come to . . .

Dr. Robert Martin

To testify the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).

In the last chapter we began to consider the foci and recurring themes of Paul’s preaching. We examined Acts 20:21, where Paul speaks of his “testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” And we saw that in this statement, he identifies a primary focus and recurring emphasis in his preaching, i.e., the themes of repentance and faith. In this chapter, we continue this study by examining the words in verse 24 that he uses to summarize and characterize the ministry that he received from the Lord Jesus: “to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Dr. Robert Martin

I went about preaching the kingdom (Acts 20:25).

In this chapter we continue our study of the foci and recurring themes of Paul’s preaching. At verse 25, he characterizes his ministry as “preaching the kingdom.”¹ What, however, does this mean?

Dr. Robert Martin

I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable. . . . I go bound in the spirit . . . I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself . . . I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:20, 22, 24, 26-27).

In previous chapters, we have been considering Paul’s example as an able and faithful preacher of the Word of God. Thus far we have looked at the scope of his preaching and its focus and recurring themes. In this chapter, we will consider the courageous manner of his preaching and its fruit in his own conscience.