17 So while we were at Miletus, he sent a message to Ephesus for the elders of the assembly to come to him. 18 When they arrived, he told them, “You all know that from the very first day that I set foot in Asia Minor and for the entire time that I was there 19 I humbly served the master even through tears and trials when the Jews plotted to destroy me. 20 But I didn’t shrink back from teaching you everything that would help you, whether I was teaching in public or in individual homes. 21 I explained to both Jews and Greeks how they needed to turn their backs on their sins and towards God with faith in our master Yeshua the messiah.

22 However the spirit is now forcing me towards Yerusalem even though I don’t know what will happen to me there. 23 I just know that recently in every city, the holy spirit tells me that chains and hardships are waiting for me. 24 But I’ve never regarded my own life as being valuable—I only want to reach the end of my life having served in the way that the master Yeshua instructed me to speak out the good message about God’s grace.

25 So you see, I know that all of you from here where I passed through proclaiming God’s kingdom, you will never see me again. 26 That’s why I’m declaring to all of you today that I’m not guilty of your judgement 27 because I didn’t avoid telling you anything that I had from God. 28 So now you elders look after your own lives and those of your flock because the holy spirit chose you as overseers to shepherd the assembly of God’s people who he paid for with his very own blood. 29 I’m aware that after I leave, vicious wolves will come in amongst you and trying to steal the flock. 30 Even some of you will rise up and teach a message that’s warped but which will draw some of the believers away to follow it, 31 so take great care. Remember that for three years, I never stopped warning each of you along with my tears 32 so now I am leaving you all in God’s hands and with the message of his grace which is quite capable of helping you grow to receive the inheritance that’s for all those who’ve been purified.

33 I never envied anyone’s gold or silver or fancy clothes 34 and you yourselves know that I laboured with my own hands to cover my expenses and for those with me. 35 Yes, I showed you all that it’s good to work and to take care of the weaker ones and to remember the message of the master Yeshua when he said that it’s better to be a giver than a taker.”

36 When he’d finished speaking, Paul knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 Everyone was sobbing as they hugged and kissed him 38 because what he had said about never seeing him again had really distressed them. Then they accompanied him to his ship.