Acts 20: Fierce Wolves are Coming; Guard the Flock

Alexander Strauch is widely renowned for his profound work on biblical eldership, and *Acts 20: Fierce Wolves are Coming; Guard the Flock* stands as a vital companion piece to his foundational texts. This book delves deeply into Paul's critical farewell address to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:17-38, illuminating the often-neglected yet indispensable responsibility of church leaders: protecting the flock from internal and external dangers. Strauch masterfully unpacks Paul's urgent warning about "fierce wolves" (false teachers and divisive individuals), underscoring the elders' calling to vigilance, discernment, and courageous defense of truth. What makes this book a "best" selection for Strauch's bibliography is its unparalleled focus on the defensive aspect of pastoral ministry, an area often glossed over in discussions of leadership. It doesn't just describe the problem of spiritual danger but provides practical, biblically-rooted guidance on how elders can fulfill their mandate to "guard the flock of God" and equip the saints for discernment. By emphasizing both the urgency of the threat and the elder's divinely-appointed role in safeguarding the church, Strauch provides invaluable wisdom that remains essential for every generation of church leaders navigating the ever-present challenge of preserving doctrinal purity and congregational health.