Acts 20:17-38 - Paul's Farewell To The Ephesian Elders
17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church to come to him; 18 and when they arrived, he said to them. "You yourselves know quite well, how I lived among you, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 "serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and amid trials that befell me through the plots of the Jews. 20 "You know that I never shrank from declaring to you anything that was profitable, nor from teaching you publicity and in your homes, 21 testifying both to Jews and Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And now I am going to Jerusalem, bound in the Spirit, not knowing what will befall me there, 23 except that in city after city the Holy Spirit is warning me that bonds and afflictions are awaiting me. 24 But I hold not my life of any account, as dear unto myself, if only I may run my race, and accomplish the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to attest the gospel of the grace of God.
25 And now I know that not one of you among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will ever see my face again. 26 So I testify to you this day that I am clear from the blood of all men; 27 I never shrank from telling you the whole counsel of God. 28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, and be shepherds of the church of God which he has purchased with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock; 30 and that from among your own number, men will arise, perverting the truth, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 So be on guard; and remember that for three years I ceased not to admonish you all, night and day, even with tears.
32 "And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace. He is able to build you up, and to give you your inheritance among all those who are consecrated. 33 "No man's silver or gold of clothing did I ever covet. 34 "You yourselves know how these hands of mine provided for my needs, and those of my companions. 35 "In all things I have set you an example, how that so toiling, you ought to help the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
36 When he had so said, Paul kneeled down, and prayed with them. 37 And they all began, with loud lamentations, to throw their arms about his neck, and to kiss him lovingly, again and again, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words that he had spoken, that after that day they should look upon his face no more. And they began to escort him to the ship.