Acts 20:27

Shunned. See on v. 20. No fear or unworthy desire for popularity, resulting in suppression of unpopular truths, marred Paul’s ministry. There was no disguising or withdrawing of truth.

Counsel of God. That is, the plan of God for saving men. This plan Paul had probably first heard through the preaching of Stephen (see ch. 7:54-58) and then had learned from Christ Himself (Acts 9:4-6; Gal. 1:15-20). He laid before the people the purpose in Christ’s death upon the cross, His resurrection and ascension, His work as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, and His promise to return at the close of His mediatorial work to take His people to Himself. This is the plan that Paul outlined clearly in the Epistle to the Romans.