…to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28
Paul’s greatest concern was to preach the gospel of Christ no matter where he ministered, he preached boldly in public places and went from house to house, testifying to Jew and Gentile alike, of the need of repentance towards God and faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was deeply concerned for the spiritual well-being of all people. Paul preached the whole counsel of God so that he could stand unashamed before the Lord, knowing that he had fought a good fight, he had kept the faith and finished the good work that God had prepared for him to do. But he also knew that after his departure savage wolves would enter the church and not spare God's little flock, and so he encouraged the church elders in Ephesus, to stand firm in the faith; to guard their spiritual well-being; to care for God's people and to feed the flock of God. And they were also exhorted to shepherd the Body of Christ, which is the Church – reminding them, and us that we were purchased with His own precious blood, on Calvary's cross.