“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28
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Seminary was the first time I wrestled with Acts 20:28 and its implications for pastors. I had read it numerous times and even heard a sermon or two from it, but it wasn’t until my class on pastoral ministry that I began to think through what it meant for me and my ministry. Over the past ten years in ministry, few passages have shaped my understanding of ministry like Acts 20:28.
For context, Paul is in Ephesus but is about to sail to Jerusalem where he knows imprisonment awaits. He’s pouring out his heart to the Ephesian elders because he loves them and knows he will never see these dear brothers again. Paul reminds them of the example he lived before them (Acts 20:18–21) while encouraging them in their ministry and warning them of dangers ahead.
Here are three lessons that pastors can learn from Acts 20:28.
The church of God was purchased with the blood of Christ. Paul’s words to the pastors at Ephesus expound the weightiness of ministry. Pastors are called to shepherd God’s people, whom he purchased with his own blood. As pastors, we must never forget that the men, women, and children we serve belong to God. The Son was slain and by His blood ransomed every believer from sin and death (Rev. 5:9). Even the most tiresome and frustrating church member we have is worth our very best solely because they belong to God. Every day, we get the privilege of overseeing the sons and daughters of God, purchased with the blood of Christ. When we grow tired and weary and want to give up, we need to remember how glorious our calling really is.
The Holy Spirit appoints pastors to be overseers. Pastors lose heart and leave ministry for a number of reasons. I believe one of the main reasons is, pastors forget they have been called, empowered, and set apart by the Holy Spirit. Pastoral ministry can be lonely sometimes, especially when things are going wrong. Overseeing others is difficult work. When ministry gets tough, it’s easy to become disillusioned and begin to doubt God’s calling on our lives. But an important part of persevering in ministry is the assurance that our calling was no mistake; God Himself has appointed us to ministry.
The call to shepherd is a call to be on guard. Real-life shepherds are always on guard. Their safety, along with the safety of their entire flock, depends on their ability to pay careful attention to themselves and their sheep. Predators prowl, sickness spreads, and sheep wander off. If a shepherd loses focus, it’s just a matter of time before things go wrong for them and their flock.
Similarly, pastors must remain on guard against the dangers they and their flock face. Notice that Paul warns the pastors in Ephesus to guard themselves and their flock. We expect Paul to exhort the pastors to guard their flock because that’s what it means to pastor the people entrusted into our care. Whether it be division, immaturity, or false teachers, pastors have to keep a close eye on the health of their flock. But Paul takes it a step further and reminds the pastors of the importance of guarding their own life. The truth is, if a pastor fails to guard their own life, they are of no use to their flock. If a pastor neglects to keep watch over their own holiness, they will fall. If they don’t watch over their family, they will be compromised. If they don’t strive for joy, they will eventually burn out or give up. Day in and day out, pastors must be on guard against the dangers around them.
Acts 20:28 is one of the most instructive passages in God’s Word regarding pastoral ministry. In just one verse, we find the motivation, the assurance, and the task. Pastor, be on guard for yourselves and your flock, overseeing the people the Holy Spirit has entrusted into your care, pouring yourself out for those Christ died to purchase.
