It really wasn’t about “if” . . . it was about “when.” Paul warns the elders of the church of Ephesus that it’s going to happen. Men will arise from among their own congregation and put their own spin on the gospel. Their motivation will be less about good news and more about getting disciples. It wasn’t if they would surface with their twisted truth, but when. Paul said they were “fierce wolves” . . . and Paul exhorted the elders to be faithful shepherds.

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert . . .    (Acts 20:28-31a ESV)

Paul had testified to all “of repentance toward God and of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (20:21). He had preached abroad “the gospel of the grace of God” (20:24). He did not shrink from declaring “the whole counsel of God” among them (20:27). But, though Paul didn’t know the details, the Spirit had revealed to him that he was about to enter into a “new season” of life . . . can anyone say Roman prison? And so Paul desires to meet with the elders of Ephesus (20:17). He knows this will be his last meeting with these under-shepherds of Ephesus (20:25). And of primary concern to this beloved apostle are God’s beloved people. And so he exhorts the elders concerning their care for the flock.

The flock over which the Spirit had called them to be overseers. The body of believers, bought with the blood of Christ, which had been entrusted to these men called from among the flock . . . men, just like them, sinners saved by grace. And God, through the active agency of His Spirit, had set within their hearts the desire to care for His people (1Tim. 3:1). So, they were to shepherd the flock . . . to feed them . . . to lead them . . . to serve them . . . and, as Paul now encourages, to protect them.

The church needs leaders with a protective mindset. Men who can rightly handle the word of God . . . men who have interacted with the gospel of grace . . . men who are so familiar with the truth that they recognize the counterfeit when it arises. Not if it arises . . . but when. Men who are not snoozing at the wheel but diligently keeping watch over the souls for which they will give account (Heb. 13:17). Men who will be bold enough to address the “slight twists” of error when it surfaces in their midst. Not lording it over the flock (1Peter 5:3) . . . yet dealing decisively with the wolves.

And those who are the “from among you” has grown in these latter days. With the Internet there are many voices contending for the ears of the sheep. Many “celebrities” who have gained quite a following. I was reading a blog from a well known Christian author this week that caused me to ask the Lord, “Wolf?” He’s never attended our gathering . . . never been to our home . . . yet his is a well known voice among many of the sheep. The truth he was selling was concerning. Be alert you who shepherd the flock.

Not that we should see wolves behind every corner . . . nor should we approach every difference of interpretation as heresy. But the shepherds of the flock must “contend for the faith that was once delivered to all saints” (Jude 1:3). The gospel and the essentials of our faith must be defended. It is part of caring for the church of God.

O’ that God would protect His people from fierce wolves . . . that within His church He would raise up faithful shepherds.

By His grace . . . for His glory.