Paul went by land to Assos, where he had arranged for us to join him, while we traveled by ship. He joined us there, and we sailed together to Mitylene. The next day we sailed past the island of Kios. The following day we crossed to the island of Samos, and a day later we arrived at Miletus.
Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didnât want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost. But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.
When they arrived he declared, âYou know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lordâs work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alikeâthe necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
âAnd now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I donât know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesusâthe work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
âAnd now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, itâs not my fault, for I didnât shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
âSo guard yourselves and Godâs people. Feed and shepherd Godâs flockâhis church, purchased with his own bloodâover which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with youâmy constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.
âAnd now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
âI have never coveted anyoneâs silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: âIt is more blessed to give than to receive.ââ
When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.
Acts 20:13-38
But he said, âWhy all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.â When it was clear that we couldnât persuade him, we gave up and said, âThe Lordâs will be done.â
Acts 21:13-14
The race is not done. Run hardâŠand pass the baton!
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