Because I have not shunned to declare to you

.... the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Paul had just testified that he is innocent of the blood of all men, and he know this because he had not shunned .... etc. (26). He had warned the Ephesian elders night and day “with tears,”  that “after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (29-31). About his innocence, no doubt Paul was recalling the Lord warning to us as watchmen, that if we do not warn this wicked world the guilt of their blood will be upon us (Ezekiel 3:18). His advice in light of these things Paul commands the elders to “take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (28).

We would also do well to not shun declaring the whole council of God either out of fear, or timidity, or the desire to be popular. But what is the whole council of God?  Well doctrinally we tend to be creatures of imbalance. There is a divide for example,  among those who emphasize the primacy of the Word,  and those who emphasize the primacy of the Spirit. It is not one or the other, it is both the Word and the Spirit.  Part of the whole council of God is missing from those who preach the gospel of riches,  or of cheap grace, that is once saved,  you can do what you want!  For sure we are not saved by works, but we are called to good works and  to take up our cross daily and follow the way of the cross (Ephesians 2:8-10; Luke 9:23). Some emphasized love at the expense of truth,  others truth at the expense of love. But in Christ steadfast love and mercy have kissed (Psalm 85:10).

This last part is particularly relevant to the issues of the day.  The gospel is eternal and unchangeable, in  the application of it to the  changing issues of the day, we need to search the Scripture  anew for wisdom. In declaring the whole council we need to heed Peter's warning that the scriptures “contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, ....  to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). We are not talking here about such things as denominational distinctives,  or of church governance. Rather,  about how the Bible councils us in the issues of the day such as the scantily of life from conception in the womb,  to the final breath (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:14-16);  about our sexuality and the consequences of permanent deviation  (1 Corinthians 6:9; Hebrews 10:26 NIV);  of the mercy on those who have done such things, but have repented  (1 Corinthians 6:11).  In order to declare the whole council of God, we need to know the Word of God!  And the ignorance of it,  even among Christians is appalling! We need to study to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15, 16). 

Father, as Paul knew well it costs to be obedience in this area. But You gave Your life for mine, I need to give my life for others too.  Please give us Your courage, wisdom,  grace and endurance,   and Your love for this world that rails against all sound judgement.  And we will give you all the honour,  glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen