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.