Paul's Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders

17 From Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 When they came to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the day I first set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with [fn]many tears and trials, which came upon me because of the plots of the Jews. 20 You know that I did not hold back from declaring to you anything that was beneficial, and from teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord [fn]Jesus. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit [fn]testifies in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I take no account of [fn]these things, nor do I regard my life as precious to myself, if only I may complete my course [fn]with joy and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

25 “And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom [fn]of God will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of you all. 27 For I have not held back from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 [fn]So keep watch over yourselves and over the entire flock. The Holy Spirit has appointed you as their overseers, to shepherd the church of [fn]our Lord and God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 [fn]For I know that after my departure fierce wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will rise up, speaking perverse things to draw the disciples away after them. 31 Therefore be watchful, remembering that, night and day, for three years I did not stop admonishing each one of you, with tears. 32 And [fn]now, brothers, I entrust you to [fn]God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you [fn]an inheritance among all who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver, gold, or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine ministered to my own needs and to the needs of those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that we must labor in this way and help those who are weak, remembering what the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

36 After saying these things, Paul knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 There was much weeping among them all, and they threw their arms around Paul's neck and kissed him, 38 being especially grieved over his statement that they would see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.