The central teaching that Pastor David Jang delivers from Acts 20 is the pastoral spirit of “humility and tears” which is revealed in Paul’s missionary journey—from Troas, through Assos, and finally to Miletus. This spirit most clearly appears in the fact that, despite countless hardships he endures while preaching God’s Word, Paul never retreats but remains faithful to the end, and at the same time never loses his deep love for his fellow believers. While explaining this passage, Pastor David Jang emphasizes that the road Paul walked across Asia Minor was not merely geographical movement but had profound spiritual significance. On that road, Paul met people who had just received the gospel of Jesus Christ or communities already established within the church but still beset with weakness, and he demonstrated humility and devotion in person. Above all, what is most important is that Paul was “bound by the Spirit,” clearly understanding and obeying the path he was called to walk.
When Pastor David Jang explains the background of Acts 20, he notes that Paul, on this journey, revisits the regions he could not visit during his second missionary journey, and he strengthens and encourages the churches where he had previously planted the gospel. He describes Paul’s pastoral heart in doing so. Paul had his companions board a ship ahead of him and deliberately walked the long distance from Troas to Assos on foot. Pastor David Jang interprets this as Paul’s precious time facing creation—walking the earth while examining himself and meditating before the Creator God. From a human perspective, it would have been much quicker and more convenient to take the boat, yet Paul chose to walk a long distance (at least 40–50 km, and likely far more grueling given the road conditions of that era), humbling himself even more before God and renewing his urgent love for the already established churches as well as for those who had yet to hear the gospel.
The scene of Paul traveling from Troas down to Assos on foot symbolically reveals his spiritual concentration and determination. Building on this passage, Pastor David Jang underscores how missionaries or church ministries should interpret and overcome various difficulties encountered along the way. Sometimes, the worker of the gospel may feel isolated, and from a worldly perspective may think they receive no appropriate reward for their efforts. Yet, just as Paul silently walked that long distance in obedience to God’s calling, so also do ministers need time on the road to be alone with God in reflection, examining their inner state. Pastor David Jang holds such “meditation on the road” in high regard, teaching that all servants of the gospel and believers should entrust themselves first to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, long before they look for visible fruit. That, he says, is the true pilgrimage of faith.
Later, Paul rejoins his companions at Assos and travels through Mitylene, Chios, and Samos, finally arriving at Miletus. The style of Luke’s writing that records this schedule is extremely detailed and specific. Pastor David Jang points out that Luke was a physician and thus wrote meticulously, and that he traveled together with Paul (using the pronoun “we”), stressing that the Book of Acts is not merely an abstract religious history or doctrinal text but a vivid account taking place in real time and space—a living record of missionary work. This indicates how crucial it is for the church not to overlook or fail to record precious moments. Missionaries, pastors, and believers the church sends out move day by day under God’s providence, and such records accumulate to become church history—ultimately a living testimony for future generations.
Pastor David Jang explains that the reason Paul wanted to head to Jerusalem “without delay” was to be there in time for the Day of Pentecost. Paul respected the pious Jewish tradition of observing the festivals. For him, the meaning of these feasts went beyond an annual event; it expressed a spiritual solidarity with the Jerusalem church and a heartfelt commitment to participate in God’s ordained holy seasons. Pastor David Jang says that from Paul’s attitude, we can learn how important it is to observe feasts and worship times together in a faith community. Today, such gatherings are sometimes treated merely as “events” in the church, but they are in fact precious opportunities that provide spiritual strength and community cohesion for believers. Though Paul decided not to stop in Ephesus but to proceed directly to Miletus, upon arrival he summoned the elders of the Ephesian church to leave them with a final exhortation. This shows that, rather than going to the church in person, he wanted a more focused conversation with its leadership.
The exhortation Paul shares with the elders in Miletus is an exceedingly important scene in Acts. Pastor David Jang calls it Paul’s “Sermon to Ephesus” or “Final Testament to the Ephesian Elders.” Because in that brief address, we see distilled Paul’s attitude toward life as he served in Ephesus, the essence of the gospel he preached, and the core principles the church leaders should hold onto in the future. Pastor David Jang explains that this discourse by Paul is a model all church leaders and believers should meditate on for a lifetime.
Paul first reminds them how he lived from the very first day he arrived in Asia, summarizing it in the words “all humility and tears.” Pastor David Jang notes that these two words Paul confesses are precisely the prototype of serving in the church. Humility is the posture one takes before God—not pride, craving honor, or self-exaltation, but unceasingly lowering oneself and submitting to the Lord’s will. Tears are an expression of love for fellow believers. Outwardly, Paul may appear strong—even returning to a city after being stoned—yet at the same time he was capable of weeping with compassion for his brothers and sisters in their weakness. Pastor David Jang reflects on church history, observing that true leaders have always cared for the flock with humility and tears. Therefore, genuine spiritual leadership does not begin with charismatic speaking or managerial skill; it begins with thoroughly humbling oneself before God and practicing a love that knows how to weep with others.
Paul also stresses the “trials” that came upon him “through the plots of the Jews,” showing that the path of mission and proclaiming the gospel was by no means smooth. Terrible persecution, false accusations, and the threat of death lay in his path, but Paul endured it all with patience. Pastor David Jang says this passage illustrates the significance of the “chains and affliction” a gospel worker cannot avoid. Church history has always faced pressure from both inside and outside, and missionaries or church leaders inevitably experience attacks that shake them. But a person led by the Spirit does not despair or give up; rather, by “reflecting on the cross of Jesus Christ,” they press on with perseverance and faith. As Paul confesses in Acts 20:24, he does not consider his own life worth clinging to if only he may finish the mission he received from the Lord Jesus, “to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” Pastor David Jang says this is the essence of missions. Because the gospel is the message of “God’s grace,” one’s entire life is not too dear a price to pay for it.
Continuing, Pastor David Jang highlights Paul’s declaration in which he says that although he preached the kingdom of God among them, they would not see his face again. In this scene, we perceive Paul’s solemn resolution and spiritual insight. When he meets the elders in Miletus, Paul realizes that this may well be his final encounter with them in person. He strongly states that if some fall away into sin, they cannot blame him, for he has done all he could. This connects to the watchman’s commission in Ezekiel 33. God entrusts the watchman with sounding the trumpet to warn the people of coming danger. If the watchman gives the warning faithfully, the people’s refusal to heed it is their own responsibility. But if the watchman fails to sound the alarm and the people are destroyed, God holds the watchman accountable. Paul, having preached and taught the gospel tirelessly in Ephesus for three years, declares that he is “innocent of the blood of all men.” Pastor David Jang especially applies this passage to pastors and church leaders, underscoring that they must proclaim the truth clearly. Sometimes the gospel seems like a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but it must never be compromised or sugarcoated. If a leader seeks only approval and praise from people, they cannot call out sin or summon genuine repentance. But just as Paul bore witness equally to Jews and Gentiles about “repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ,” so too must the church remain unshakable in declaring the gospel in every circumstance. Once a person discerns that the gospel is life itself, they will turn from sin and injustice to bow down before God. This is the unique mission the church must fulfill in the world.
Paul then tells the Ephesian elders, “The Holy Spirit has made you overseers,” exhorting them to shepherd the church which God purchased with His own blood. According to Pastor David Jang, this points to a critical definition of what the church really is. It’s not a social club people join based on personal preference or need; rather, it is God’s possession, bought at the price of Christ’s shed blood on the cross. Therefore, an overseer (elder or pastor) literally has the duty to “watch over” the flock. They must stay alert so that the sheep are not endangered and guard against heretical teachers or false doctrines. Pastor David Jang notes that, in fact, heretical teachings infiltrated the Ephesian church after Paul’s departure, and warns that churches today must vigilantly guard against various forms of false teaching and divisive influences.
Among the greatest dangers in the church is the possibility that “savage wolves” might come in from outside to harm the flock, but just as serious—and sometimes more fatal—is internal confusion when distorted teachings or conflicts arise within. Such challenges constantly faced the early church after the Book of Acts as well. To ward off such turmoil, Pastor David Jang says we must continually surrender to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and stand firm on the Word of God’s grace. It’s not just church leaders but all believers who must endlessly recall the essence of the gospel and remember the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” By looking at how Paul made tents and provided for his own expenses and even those of his companions, we see that a church leader must never pursue money or fame. Instead, they must overcome their own greed and devote themselves fully to helping the weak. This is the very core of genuine Christian service.
In conclusion, Pastor David Jang points out that all these teachings culminate in the scene where Paul “kneels down and prays together” with the elders. Their final prayer includes a fellowship of tears, shared until the very end. They weep bitterly, embracing and kissing Paul, and escorting him to the ship. This image symbolizes the abiding love between a pastor and his people, and a genuine bond of faith within the Christian community. Pastor David Jang teaches that we must restore this kind of love in the church. Though modern society may be full of individualism and division, if we remember the prototype of the early church and the heart of Christ, the church can once again become a fellowship that prays together and weeps together in heartfelt love.
Therefore, Pastor David Jang asserts that the journey Paul took from Acts 20:13 to 38, the exhortation he gave, and the intense fellowship he shared with the elders offer vital lessons for churches and believers today. Just as Paul’s life was filled with humility, tears, repentance, faith, and testimony of the grace of Jesus Christ, we too must walk this path of faith. Since the church belongs to God, purchased with His blood, both church leaders and believers must humble themselves, love one another, and firmly resist any falsehood that opposes the gospel. This, indeed, is the path Paul took and the “true church” that Pastor David Jang lifts up for us to emulate.
Pastor David Jang’s central insight concerning pastoral theology, drawn from Acts 20, is that the fusion of “humility and tears” and “total commitment to preaching the gospel,” demonstrated by Paul, is the mightiest force sustaining the church. Humility is the posture before God; tears originate in love toward neighbors. When these two merge, true gospel ministry is born. Pastor David Jang points out that as long as the Ephesian church clung to these two elements, it never wavered in crisis; once it lost them, schism, strife, and eventually heretical infiltration began. How, then, should the church today apply this passage in Acts and what path should it take?
First, Pastor David Jang proposes that we deeply meditate on the obedient attitude of being “bound by the Spirit,” which Paul exhibited. In Acts 20:22, Paul declares, “And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there.” Being “bound in spirit” signifies following the compelling leading of the Holy Spirit. It implies that everything a minister or believer does in daily life must be grounded in the Spirit’s guidance. Many fear the risks and trials of preaching the gospel or think first of their own safety and comfort. But once we are gripped by the Holy Spirit, rather than backing down in the face of danger, we gain even greater courage and devotion. Pastor David Jang insists that contemporary churches yearn for this powerful Spirit-led direction. When churches settle into institutional security or material prosperity, spiritual complacency creeps in. We must long for the Holy Spirit’s overwhelming presence so that in every undertaking, we inquire of God first and respond sensitively to His call—this was the key source of vitality for the early Christian community.
Second, Pastor David Jang re-examines Paul’s message of “repentance and faith.” In Acts 20:21, Paul proclaims that he testified “to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Repentance and faith form the core structure of the gospel message. Repentance involves confessing one’s sins before God and altering the course of one’s life. Faith is receiving Jesus Christ as Lord, obtaining new life through His cross and resurrection. However, Pastor David Jang points out that sometimes the church neglects the aspect of repentance, emphasizing only faith, or weakens faith by treating it merely as a private belief with no connection to deeds or fruit. The gospel that Paul preached always forcefully addressed sin and made clear that without genuine repentance, true faith cannot be established. Church leaders, therefore, must not omit the call to repentance in their sermons and teachings just because it may be uncomfortable. For the church to be the church, each believer must continue the spiritual struggle to turn from deeply rooted sin and, in doing so, experience the grace of Jesus Christ—only then can authentic faith be formed.
Third, Pastor David Jang stresses the role required of modern church leaders in light of Paul’s charge to the Ephesian elders: “Remember that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” Overseers (elders, pastors) must tend the church community and its flock. Such care goes beyond administrative management or coordinating worship services. It involves standing guard, like spiritual watchmen, against savage wolves and corrupt teachers who would harm the church. Pastor David Jang says that anyone aspiring to serve as overseer must thoroughly examine themselves by God’s Word, remembering with holy fear that they are entrusted with “His sheep, not their own.” Churches often focus on organizational or financial growth, yet Paul teaches that the genuine growth God desires is manifested in awakened souls firmly holding onto God’s Word. If a leader is distracted by worldly success or ambition and neglects caring for souls, conflict will soon take root. Indeed, Paul warns, “From among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” While the leader looks away, some may try to set themselves up as a quasi-guru within the church, leading congregants astray. Thus, a church leader must remain ever vigilant, safeguarding biblical truth that the church must uphold.
Fourth, Pastor David Jang draws on Paul’s words that he is “innocent of the blood of all” because he has acted as a faithful watchman, challenging the church to consider its responsibility to the world. The church is called to serve as a watchman in the world—not a sheltered community seeking its own comfort but rather a sentry blowing the trumpet to warn humanity and proclaim the gospel. If the church remains indifferent or silent as the world plunges deeper into sin, God will hold the church accountable. Paul’s words “I am innocent of your blood” come from the fact that he spoke all that had to be spoken, admonishing sin and calling for repentance. Pastor David Jang says that the modern church must imitate Paul’s stance, preserving the value of life proclaimed in the gospel. Even if the church faces rejection or ridicule, it must proclaim the necessary message resolutely and call people into the grace of Christ.
Fifth, Pastor David Jang revisits Paul’s statement, “I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel,” to highlight the need for church leaders to have a proper view of material wealth and embody the virtue of simplicity. In the world today, churches often face various financial pressures and temptations to worldly indulgence. Yet Paul, when establishing churches, supported not only himself but also his companions by making tents. This was highly unusual at the time. Jewish rabbis traditionally relied on their disciples for their daily needs, and Greek philosophers also frequently received sponsorship. Yet Paul earned his own living, demonstrating through his example the teaching of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Pastor David Jang warns that a church can easily fall into worldly logic concerning “profit” when managing its finances, and that a leader’s pursuit of personal gain can quickly erode the church’s spiritual power and invite sharp criticism. Therefore, Paul’s spirit of contentment and frugality, and the priority of directing resources toward missions, charity, and caring for the vulnerable, must guide all churches today. If the church fails to manage money with integrity and transparency, the “twisted words” and “savage wolves” that Paul warned of will seek to devour the church for monetary gain. Hence, the church must carefully practice financial accountability and, like Paul, exhibit sacrificial labor as an example whenever necessary.
Ultimately, all of these exhortations culminate in a fellowship of love. The image of Paul and the Ephesian elders kneeling together in prayer on the shore at Miletus transforms Acts 20 into a sublime portrait. Pastor David Jang asserts that for the church “to truly be alive,” preachers and congregations, or pastors and believers, must open their hearts to one another and be able to weep together in fellowship. Modern churches grow larger and host more programs, yet honest fellowship among believers is often lacking. The bigger the church becomes, the greater the risk of losing intimate spiritual gatherings and burning compassion. By contrast, in the early church—often in the form of house churches—believers frequently shared meals, looked after each other’s circumstances, prayed, and wept together. The Ephesian community, lovingly nurtured by Paul, was bound by that same love, so they wept aloud and grieved deeply when sending Paul on his way. These tears were not just personal emotion but represented a profound spiritual bond formed by the gospel. Pastor David Jang maintains that if the church genuinely intends to go out and impact the world, it must first be a community where tears of love remain alive. A fellowship indifferent to one another can never practically share the gospel with the world. Instead, the world will simply scoff at the church as “all talk and no substance.”
In conclusion, Pastor David Jang asserts that Acts 20:13–38, containing Paul’s journey to Miletus, his final exhortation, and the intense fellowship with the Ephesian elders, is a definitive passage for teaching how the church must re-equip itself with its essence. In this compressed scene, Paul displays an unreserved proclamation of the gospel throughout his extended missionary travels, the pastoral spirit signified by humility and tears, complete obedience to the Holy Spirit, and the solemn duty of a watchman. He also admonishes church leaders to beware of false teachers, care for the flock, and above all to stand firm in “the message of God’s grace.” This is not just a task for the first-century Ephesian church. Today, in the twenty-first century, the church must cling to and learn anew from this same exhortation.
Pastor David Jang continually reminds us that the Book of Acts is an “unfinished book,” and he uses the metaphor that the church is writing Acts 29 and 30. In other words, the pure faith and communal life of the early church continues into our present, and the modern church is called to carry forward the history of God’s kingdom, building on the mission foundation laid by the gospel. To do so, we must live out those core values Paul embodied—love and devotion, repentance and faith, obedience and vigilance, generosity and prayer—in unity. If the church loses these essentials, no matter how big it grows outwardly, it becomes an empty shell without spiritual vitality.
Finally, Pastor David Jang urges all believers and pastors who cherish Acts 20 to reenact today the scene of Paul and the Ephesian elders kneeling in prayer. Embracing each other and weeping, crying out for the Lord’s mercy—this is where the church is truly restored. In that moment, the church inscribes God’s redemptive work into its very marrow, awakening anew to the fact that it is “purchased with God’s own blood.” That realization renews the church to stand as a true witness in the world, “salt and light.” This is the fundamental message Pastor David Jang wants to convey to faith communities today as he explores Acts 20. The church must never lose humility and tears, never let its zeal for the gospel grow cold, and—above all—must pray and build up one another in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s “final sermon” at Miletus and the tearful prayer that accompanied it do not remain locked in the first century. They continue to ring out as words of life, renewing our faith and leading the church forward even now. Pastor David Jang believes that as more believers heed this call, the church will be further renewed, and prepare the way for the Lord’s return.