E. Miletus: Paul Bids Farewell to Ephesian Elders................... 20:13-38
Act 20:13
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.Act 20:14
And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.Act 20:15
And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.Act 20:16
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.Act 20:17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.Act 20:18
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,Act 20:19
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:Act 20:20
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,Act 20:21
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.Act 20:22
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:Act 20:23
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.Act 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Act 20:25
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.Act 20:26
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.Act 20:27
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.Act 20:28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Act 20:29
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.Act 20:30
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.Act 20:31
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.Act 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.Act 20:33
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.Act 20:34
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.Act 20:35
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.Act 20:36
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.Act 20:37
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,Act 20:38
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.