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In Acts 20:28–31, <note to="" lt:="" please="" hyperlink="" or="" add="" hover-over="" verse=""> Paul gives this instruction to the church in Ephesus: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock . . . after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you . . . Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth . . .” (NIV). Why was Paul so sure “wolves” would arise from among them? What “wolves” do you need to watch out for? What measures can you put in place to keep watch over yourself and those who help you lead?</note>
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25 Replies
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Paul was sure “wolves” would arise in the church because of his experiences with false teachings and the understanding of human nature’s potential for distortion and division. To guard against such threats, it’s essential to engage in regular self-examination, provide ongoing education for leaders, encourage open communication, establish clear guidelines for conduct, and promote a culture of prayer. These measures can help protect both individual leaders and the community as a whole.
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Paul knows about wolves because he used to be one himself, persecuting Christians. He is aware of the tactics he used and can spot those same tactics used by people who are trying to invade the flock and harm them. The measures that I can put into place to keep watch over myself and those I lead include spending time reading God’s Word, listening to His voice, and staying in close communion with other Christ-followers who can keep me and my sheep accountable.
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During Paul’s time and in the following centuries the greatest threats of “wolves” came from Jews, Gnostics, and false teachers. There would be a strong threat of disunity among believers. The enemy of our souls lies in wait for an opportunity to devour any one of us. Today, there are many Celtic followings that would lie to us of an empty faith. From Mormons to Jehovah’s Witnesses, we must be on our guard against false teachings. Many have said they know when the hour will be, only to be proven wrong. For me and my house, we bounce everything against the word. If it doesn’t align, it’s gotta go. Also, we have hundreds of denominations, and they fail to come together regularly. We must develop true relationship with our Lord.
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Paul knew about other people, especially the Jewish leaders who did not see Jesus as Messiah. Wolves is a term that means evil or wicked people. We even use this term today, “no you are new to this job, so we will not send you out with the wolves yet.” Measures that the Bible offers as principles for living. Jesus taught and demonstrated how we are to live in a unbelieving world. The people who live for themselves only are of the world we live in. That does not mean we are subject to that live style. The kingdom of God exists when Christians speak and act as Jesus would. Leading by example is the best way to influence others, those whom you are responsible for, to follow Jesus and live a holy life.
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Paul is the spiritual leader. He know the world he lived in is very hostile and he killed his master, Jesus Christ. He know satan is active in the world who does not want people to be save. He warned people because he was led by the Holy Spirit. The wolves are people who can arise from within the congregation or come outside your congregation. The wolves Paul warned us to watch out are those who their intention is only money, power and abusing women in the form of having sex with them. The only measure would be to be watchful, relay on God’s word and let His spirit guide us in our walk with Him.