By Tony Williams, for the eldership
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you (Acts 20:20).
The Lord always does His part. The words the apostle stated long ago should bring great comfort to all who seek the Lord.
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. Christ died on the cross after a perfect life, and was raised from the dead. By sending His apostles to preach the gospel (through the guidance of the Holy Spirit), He provided all the knowledge man needs to know concerning salvation.
The apostles kept nothing back that men needed to know. Everything they had received they delivered to others so they may have knowledge and be convinced of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The text shows these men endured all sorts of tribulations, even torture and death, while taking the words of eternal life to men. They kept back nothing from men 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.
Men who know the truth today should keep nothing back. They should deliver the truth to men who need to know. They should preach 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. Hesitation to rebuke sin would allow more sin to creep in. Some men refrain from speaking the whole truth for fear it might offend some, but the one who delivers the gospel should keep nothing back.