*Acts 20:13-38
Saying goodbye to Ephesian elders in Miletus, Paul warns them of dangers ahead, encourages them to faithfully lead the church, and shares his impending journey to Jerusalem.
- Paul’s Journey to Miletus:
- Opting to travel by foot, Paul goes ahead to Assos while his companions sail there. He joins them in Assos and they sail together to Mitylene.
- They continue by sea, bypassing Ephesus to save time, as Paul is eager to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost if possible.
- Meeting with the Ephesian Elders:
- Arriving in Miletus, Paul sends a message to Ephesus, summoning the elders of the church to meet him.
- During this heartfelt meeting, Paul discusses his ministry and impending departure.
- Paul’s Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders:
- Paul reflects on his time in Asia, noting his humility, trials, and the persecutions he endured.
- He declares that the Holy Spirit compels him to go to Jerusalem, despite not knowing what will happen there, except that imprisonment and hardships await.
- He emphasizes that his life is worth nothing unless he finishes the race and completes the ministry the Lord Jesus has given him—to testify to the good news of God’s grace.
- Paul warns the elders to be vigilant over themselves and the flock, as fierce wolves (false teachers) will come in after his departure, trying to draw disciples away.
- He advises them to remember his teachings and labor, how he never coveted anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing.
- He encourages them to help the weak and to remember the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
- Paul’s Parting from the Elders:
- After his speech, Paul kneels down with all of them and prays.
- The elders are deeply moved, especially by his statement that they would never see his face again. They weep openly, embrace Paul, and kiss him.
- They accompany him to the ship, sorrowful over his words, but grateful for the time and teachings he shared.
Acts 20:13-38 teaches us to serve God with humility, perseverance, and love. Paul reminded the believers that he had worked hard, shared the truth, and cared for them deeply, even through challenges. He also warned them to stay faithful and to watch out for anything that could lead them away from God. This reminds us to live with purpose, helping and encouraging others while staying true to our faith. We can apply this by serving with sincerity, staying strong in difficult times, and always putting God’s mission above personal gain.
Acts 20:13-38 (WEB)
20:13 But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there; for he had so arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and came to Mitylene. 15 Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the assembly. 18 When they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews; 20 how I didn’t shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus. 22 Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there; 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me. 24 But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.25 “Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching God’s Kingdom, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you today that I am clean from the blood of all men, 27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Take heed, therefore, to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears. 32 Now, brothers, I entrust you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one’s silver, gold, or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me. 35 In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”36 When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 They all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.