“… I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you” (Acts 20:20).
These words, stated by the apostle long ago, should bring great comfort to all who seek the Lord. The Lord always keeps his part.
God and Christ have kept nothing back that would be profitable to men. They have done everything and provided all that is necessary for the salvation of mankind. After living a perfect life, Christ died on the cross, was raised from the dead, and sent his apostles into the world to preach the gospel to men through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through this means, they provided man with all the knowledge necessary concerning salvation.
The apostles kept nothing back that was necessary for men to know. Everything they received they delivered to others so the listeners could gain knowledge and be convinced of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The text shows that these men endured all sorts of tribulations, even torture and death, while taking the words of eternal life to men. They kept nothing back but preached Christ and him crucified. They were determined to know nothing except Christ and to proclaim the truth to men. They lived for him and died for the truth.
Today, this is just as true: men who know the truth should keep nothing back. They should deliver the truth to the world, preaching the gospel without fear or favor. They should not hold back or soften speeches in order to influence men. They should not refrain from speaking all of the truth. This type of hesitation to remark on sins would allow more sin to creep in. Some men refrain from speaking the whole truth for fear it might offend some, but those who deliver the gospel should keep nothing back.
For the elders, Tony Williams