Wherefore from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, "Ye know from the first day that I came unto Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humbleness of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which happened unto me by the layings wait of the Jews, read more.
and how I kept back nothing that was profitable: but that I have showed you, and taught you openly and at home in your houses, witnessing both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, the repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, and know not what shall come on me there, but that the holy ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and trouble abide me. But none of those things move me. Neither is my life dear unto myself; that I might fulfill my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I am sure that henceforth ye all, through whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this same day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have kept nothing back: but have showed you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, whereof the holy ghost hath made you overseers: to rule the congregation of God, which he hath purchased with his blood. For I am sure of this: that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, which will not spare the flock. Moreover, of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them. Therefore awake and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one of you, both night and day with tears. And now dear brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have desired no man's silver, gold, or vesture. Ye know well that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to receive the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how that he said, 'It is more blessed to give, than to receive.'" When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they wept all abundantly, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him: sorrowing, most of all, for the words, which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.