Acts 20:13-38 ▼

13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, where we were to take Paul aboard. He had arranged this because he was going there on foot.

14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.

15 Sailing on from there, we arrived the next day opposite Chios. The day after that we arrived at Samos, and [and, after remaining at Trogyllium,] on the following day we came to Miletus.

16 Paul (humble) had decided to sail past Ephesus (appealing) to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem (city of peace), if possible, by the day of Pentecost (Shavuot).

17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus (appealing) for the elders of the church {ekklēsias}.

18 When they came to him, he said, “You⁺ know how I lived the whole time I was with you⁺, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.

19 I served the Lord {Kyriō} with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews (people of praise).

20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you⁺ as I taught {didaxai} you⁺ publicly and from house to house,

21 testifying to Jews (people of praise) and Greeks alike about repentance to God {Theon} and faith in our Lord {Kyrion} Jesus (YHWH saves) Christ [our Lord Jesus].

22 And now, compelled by the Spirit {pneumati}, I am going to Jerusalem (city of peace), not knowing what will happen to me there.

23 I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit {Hagion Pneuma} warns me that chains and afflictions await me.

24 But I consider my life {psychēn} of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry {diakonian} I have received from the Lord {Kyriou} Jesus (YHWH saves)—the ministry of testifying to the good news (gospel) of God’s {Theou} grace.

25 Now I know that none of you⁺ among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again.

26 Therefore I testify to you⁺ this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men .

27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you⁺ the whole will of God {Theou}.

28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit {Hagion Pneuma} has made you⁺ overseers. Be shepherds of the church {ekklēsian} of God [of the Lord], which He purchased with His own blood (with the blood of His own Son.).

29 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you⁺ and will not spare the flock.

30 Even from your⁺ own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples (pupils) after them.

31 Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

32 And now I commit you⁺ to God {theō} and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.

35 In everything, I showed you⁺ that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord {Kyriou} Jesus (YHWH saves) Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

36 When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.

37 They all wept openly as they embraced Paul (humble) and kissed him.

38 They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.