Acts 20:17-38 - Paul's Farewell To The Ephesian Elders

17 And having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them, Ye know, from the first day in which I embarked for Asia, how I was with you all the time 19 Serving the Lord with all humility, and many tears, and temptations, having happened to me by the insidious plots of the Jews: 20 how I concealed nothing of things profitable, not to announce to you, and teach you publicly, and in the houses, 21 Testifying to both Jews, and Greeks, repentance towards God, and the faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now, behold, I, bound in the spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things going to happen to me in it; 23 But that the Holy Spirit testifies in the city, saying that bonds and pressures await me. 24 But the word of none do I make mine own, neither have I my soul highly prized to myself, in order to finish my course with joy, and the service which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of the grace of God.

25 And now, behold, I know that all ye shall see my face no more, among whom I passed through, proclaiming the kingdom of God. 26 Wherefore I testify to you in this day, that I pure from the blood of all. 27 For I concealed not to announce to you all the counsel of God. 28 Attend therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit set you inspectors, to feed the church of God, which he acquired by his own blood. 29 For I know this, that there shall come in after my departure grievous wolves to you, not sparing the flock. 30 And of yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to tear away disciples after them. 31 Wherefore watch ye, remembering that the space of three years night and day I ceased not reminding each one with tears.

32 And now I commit you, brethren, to God, and to the word of his grace, being able to build up, and give you inheritance among all the consecrated. 33 Silver or gold, or clothing, of none have I eagerly desired. 34 And ye yourselves know, that to my necessities, and to those being with me, these hands served. 35 I shewed you all things, that so being wearied ye must support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that himself said, It is happy to give rather than receive.

36 And having said these, having placed his knees, he prayed with them all. 37 And much weeping was from all; and having fallen upon Paul's neck, they kissed him, 38 Grieving chiefly for the word which he spake, that they are about to see his face no more. And they sent him forward to the ship.