The Ephesian Elders Exhorted

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, tfrom the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me uby the plotting of the Jews; 20 how vI kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 wtestifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, xrepentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now yI go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that zthe Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 3But anone of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, bso that I may finish my 4race with joy, cand the ministry dwhich I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am einnocent 5of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not 6shunned to declare to you fthe whole counsel of God. 28 gTherefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit hhas made you overseers, to shepherd the church 7of God iwhich He purchased jwith His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure ksavage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also lfrom among yourselves men will rise up, speaking 8perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that mfor three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and nto the word of His grace, which is able oto build you up and give you pan inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 9Yes, you yourselves know qthat these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, rby laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 Then they all swept 1freely, and tfell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Warnings on the Journey to Jerusalem

21 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 4 And finding 1disciples, we stayed there seven days. aThey told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And bwe knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned chome.

7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8 On the next day we 2who were Paul’s companions departed and came to dCaesarea, and entered the house of Philip ethe evangelist, fwho was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters gwho prophesied. 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named hAgabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, i‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”

12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, j“What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, k“The will of the Lord be done.”

Paul Urged to Make Peace

15 And after those days we 3packed and went up to Jerusalem. 16 Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.

17 lAnd when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to mJames, and all the elders were present. 19 When he had greeted them, nhe told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles othrough his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all pzealous for the law; 21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 4What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may qshave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, rwe have written and decided 5that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from 6sexual immorality.”