At the time, Paul didn’t know how much time he had left on earth as he did later when he was awaiting his martyrdom in a Roman dungeon (2 Tim 4:6). However, he sensed that this would be the last time for him to meet with the elders of the Ephesian church (25). In that context, his farewell message to them was “Be shepherds of the church of God.” But how?

First, Paul reminded them of his own example. He preached the gospel with a sense of urgency that without repentance and faith his sheep would be subject to damnation (26). He proclaimed the whole will (or “counsel;” NKJV) of God instead of picking and choosing the parts of Scriptures that his Bible students’ itching ears would love to hear (27). Paul set an example of hard work, supplying his own needs and those of his sheep as well (34,35).

Second, Paul admonished them not to be complacent spiritually because “savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock…So be on your guard!” (29). They had to be spiritually alert. But also, their protection would be in God and the word of his grace, to which Paul committed them (32).
Application: Father, please make me a shepherd of God’s flock as you want me to be.
One Word: To give is more blessed than to receive