In Acts chapter 20 we join Paul as he nears the end of a long, faithful journey, and we witness his heartfelt farewell to the churches he helped build. In this chapter, Paul travels through Macedonia and Greece, eventually arriving in Miletus where he calls together the elders of the church in Ephesus. His message is filled with personal reflections, earnest exhortations, and warnings that invite us to examine our own commitment to the gospel.
Paul’s journey in this chapter reminds us that ministry is not always easy. He recounts his experiences, from the places where he labored among us to the hardships he endured for the sake of spreading the good news. We learn that he did not shrink from declaring anything that was profitable, teaching both publicly and privately, and testifying to both Jews and Gentiles. His willingness to share the whole truth of the gospel encourages us to be equally bold in our own witness, knowing that the message of Jesus calls us to step out in faith even when it involves sacrifice.
At Miletus, before nightfall, Paul gathers the elders from the Ephesian church—a community that he has nurtured and cared for with deep affection. Standing before them, he reflects on his ministry among them, recounting how he served the Lord with all humility, tears, and trials. Paul reminds them that he did not covet anyone’s silver or gold, nor did he seek to profit from the work of God. Instead, he labored tirelessly to support not only his own journey but also to build a community of believers grounded in the truth of the gospel. For us, his example is a call to live without selfish ambition, focusing on the eternal reward rather than temporary gains.
In his farewell address, Paul recounts the manner in which the Holy Spirit had guided him, leading him to proclaim the message of repentance and faith. He reminds the elders of how God confirmed his words by performing wonders and signs among the people, thereby testifying to the truth of his message. As we listen to his testimony, we are invited to consider how the Spirit continues to work in our lives today—guiding, encouraging, and empowering us to overcome challenges and to share the love of Christ with those around us.
Paul’s words turn both tender and solemn as he warns the elders about the future. He tells them that after his departure savage wolves will come in among them, not sparing the flock. This warning speaks to us on many levels. It reminds us that even in a community as well-established as the one in Ephesus, dangers lurk in the form of false teachers and divisive influences. Paul urges the elders to be vigilant, to guard the flock of God, and to be alert for those who might distort the truth. His warning calls us to take seriously the responsibility we have to nurture and protect our faith community, remaining faithful to the teachings of Jesus amid a changing and often challenging world.
Paul also reflects on the grace that has sustained him through his ministry, acknowledging that his journey has been marked by both joy and sorrow. He speaks with deep emotion about how he has seen through the eyes of his own heart the troubles and sins of the believers he has served. As he recalls his many days of hard work—without charging anyone for his labor—he invites us to see that ministry is ultimately a matter of the heart. It is about service, sacrifice, and a genuine love for those we are called to shepherd. We are reminded that every act of service and every word of truth comes with its share of trials, yet the promise of God’s eternal care makes all things worthwhile.
In his address, Paul also confronts the inevitable reality of change and the need to remain faithful even as circumstances evolve. He tells the elders that he is compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, knowing well that the journey ahead holds sorrow and hardship. He does not shy away from the difficult future that awaits him, even though it fills him with deep sadness. Instead, he lays his heart bare, trusting that the Lord will be with him as always. His honest admission of both hope and sorrow invites us to be honest about our own struggles and uncertainties, and to rely on God’s strength when we face our darkest moments.
Finally, as we consider the words of Paul in Acts chapter 20, we see a leader who has given his all for the sake of the gospel—a leader who has poured out his life for the sake of others. His farewell to the Ephesian elders is both a blessing and a charge: a blessing that his work among them has not been in vain, and a charge that they continue to guard the truth and remain steadfast in their faith. For us, this chapter is a reminder that our journey of faith is continuous, marked by both triumphs and trials, and that we are called to support one another along the way.
As we reflect on Paul's testimony and his heartfelt farewell, we are encouraged to renew our commitment to the mission God has entrusted to us. His life challenges us to serve selflessly, to remain vigilant against false teachings, and to trust in the grace that sustains us. Let us take these lessons to heart, recognizing that though our paths may be fraught with difficulties, the Spirit’s power is ever at work in us, guiding us toward a future filled with hope and eternal promise.