Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians

17 From Miletus, [Paul] sent to Ephesus [for] the elders of the church.

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 with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. 20 I did not shrink back from declaring [anything] that was helpful to you [as] I taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks alike {about} repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.[fn]

22 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me [there]. 23 [I] only [know] that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. 24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and [ complete ] the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—[ the ministry ] of testifying to the good news of God’s 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].[fn] 27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.

28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[fn] which He purchased with [His] own blood.[fn] 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 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 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 Jesus 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 [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.