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Acts 20:17–38 | Pt. 3 – Qualities of Shepherds

  1. Paul warns the Ephesian elders about “savage wolves” after his departure (Acts 20:28–31).
    According to Paul’s letters to Timothy, what forms did these “wolves” take in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3–7; 1 Timothy 6:3–5; 2 Timothy 2:16–18)?
    How do you see similar distortions of truth showing up in the church today?

  2. Paul says the answer to wolves is faithful shepherds (Acts 20:17, 28).
    Why does Paul describe aspiring to eldership as a “noble work” (1 Timothy 3:1), and how does Psalm 23 shape our understanding of shepherd leadership?
    What makes shepherding “God-like” rather than merely organizational?

  3. Paul emphasizes that shepherds must not be new believers and must be tested over time (1 Timothy 3:6; 1 Timothy 5:22–25).
    Why is patience and proven character so important in spiritual leadership?
    How does this protect both the individual leader and the church as a whole?

  4. A major theme of the sermon is that shepherds must be “above reproach” in both home and public life (1 Timothy 3:2–5, 7).
    How does Paul connect leadership in the home with care for God’s church?
    Why does a good reputation with outsiders matter for the mission and witness of the church (1 Timothy 3:7; Proverbs 20:3)?

  5. Paul warns that greed and false teaching often go together (1 Timothy 6:3–10), while true shepherds must be able to teach and guard the truth (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:13–16).
    How does contentment protect leaders—and all believers—from becoming “wolves” instead of shepherds (1 Timothy 6:6–8, 17–19)?
    In what ways can our group pray for and support our elders as they shepherd us through “the valley of the shadow of death” toward the coming age (Acts 20:32)?