A Tearful Goodbye — Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Leaders (Acts 20:13–38)
Saying goodbye is never easy—especially when you love the people you’re leaving behind. In Acts 20:13–38, we read about one of the most emotional moments in the life of the Apostle Paul. As he continues his journey, he stops to give a heartfelt farewell speech to the leaders of the church in Ephesus.
Let’s take a closer look at this powerful moment.
Paul Keeps Moving Forward
Paul and his team continued traveling by land and sea. Instead of stopping in Ephesus, Paul decided to sail past it, because he didn’t want to lose time—he hoped to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost (a Jewish festival).
But Paul still deeply cared for the believers in Ephesus. So while he was staying in a nearby city called Miletus, he sent for the elders (church leaders) from Ephesus to come meet him.
Paul Reminds Them of His Example
When the elders arrived, Paul began his farewell message. He reminded them of how he had lived among them:
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He served the Lord humbly and with tears, even through tough times.
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He never held back from telling them the truth, whether in public or in their homes.
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He taught both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) that they must repent, turn to God, and believe in Jesus.
Paul said he had been faithful, even when it was hard.
Paul’s Future Was Uncertain—but His Mission Was Clear
Paul told them that he was now going to Jerusalem, not knowing exactly what would happen to him there. But he expected trouble. He said:
“The Holy Spirit tells me that prison and suffering are waiting for me.”
Still, Paul wasn’t afraid. He said something powerful:
“I don’t care about my own life. What matters most is that I finish the job Jesus gave me—to tell people the good news about God’s grace.”
A Final Warning and Encouragement
Paul knew that this was likely the last time these leaders would ever see him. He gave them some final instructions:
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Take care of yourselves and the church.
Paul said the church belongs to God—it was bought with the blood of Jesus. -
Watch out for false teachers.
Paul warned them that some people would come in like wolves, trying to lead others away from the truth. -
Stay strong in God’s Word.
Paul reminded them that God’s message can build them up and give them strength. -
Be generous and unselfish.
Paul said he had never taken anyone’s money. He worked hard and even helped others in need. He quoted Jesus, saying:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
A Sad and Loving Goodbye
After saying all this, Paul knelt down and prayed with them. Everyone was emotional. They hugged him, kissed him, and cried a lot—especially because Paul had said:
“You will never see me again.”
Then they walked with him to the ship to say one final goodbye.
What We Can Learn from Acts 20:13–38
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Live a life of service
Paul didn’t live for comfort or fame. He lived to serve God and others—with humility, love, and courage. -
Be faithful, no matter what
Even when Paul knew trouble was ahead, he didn’t quit. His mission mattered more than his comfort or safety. -
Leaders must protect and care for the church
Paul’s advice to the elders reminds us that church leaders should be humble, alert, and full of love for the people they serve. -
God’s Word gives us strength
In a world full of distractions and false ideas, holding on to God’s truth helps us stay strong. -
Goodbyes can be meaningful
Paul’s farewell shows us how important deep relationships are. Saying goodbye isn’t easy, but it’s beautiful when done in love and faith.
Final Thought:
Paul’s farewell in Acts 20 is more than just a goodbye—it’s a powerful reminder to finish the race, serve others faithfully, and trust God’s plan, even when the future is unclear.
Let’s live with that same passion, courage, and love.
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.