Paul's Farewell To The Ephesian Elders

 "From Miletus, Paul sent word to Ephesus, summoning the elders of the Church.  When they came to him, he addressed them, 'You know how I lived among you, from the first day I set foot in the province of Asia; how I served the LORD in humility, through the sorrows and trials that the Jews caused me.  You know, that I never held back from doing anything that could be useful for you; I spoke publicly and in your homes; and I urged Jews, and non-Jews, alike, to turn to GOD and believe in our LORD JESUS.

But now, I am going to Jerusalem, chained by the Spirit, without knowing what will happen to me there.  Yet, in every city, the Holy Spirit warns me, that imprisonment and troubles await me.  Indeed, I put no value on my life; if only I can finish my race; and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the LORD JESUS, to announce the good news of GOD's grace.

I now feel sure, that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom of GOD, will ever see me again.  Therefore, I declare to you, this day, that my conscience is clear with regard to all of you.  For I have spared no effort in fully declaring to you GOD's will.'" - Acts 20:17-27 

(Paul returns to Palestine.  He had a presentiment or he knew by a revelation of the Holy Spirit that another phase of his life was about to begin:  the years of prison and trials.  So he wished to say goodbye to all the leaders of the Church in the Roman province of Asia.  He did not know all of them well, since the evangelization of this province had been the work of his team of assistants [20:4].  These leaders are called elders in verse 17 and inspectors [or "episcopes," from which we have bishops] in verse 28.  

Paul gives his own example and develops the obligations of "pastors" in the Church [verse 28].  He then invites them not to enclose themselves in the role of president or administrator of the community: they must prepare it for difficult times.  Let them compare themselves with Paul and ponder on the sacrifices that the apostolic task demands of him.  It is good for them to rely on another--an apostle of course--when they are confronted with difficulties?)

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