ul
had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not spend time in
Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be at
Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

(17)And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the
church. (18)And when they were come to him, he said to them: Ye know,
from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have
been with you the whole time; (19)serving the Lord with all lowliness
of mind, and with tears, and trials which befell me by the plottings
of the Jews; (20)how I kept back nothing that was profitable, that I
should not announce it to you, and teach you, publicly and from house
to house; (21)testifying, to both Jews and Greeks, repentance toward
God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

(22)And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not
knowing the things that shall befall me there; (23)save that the Holy
Spirit witnesses to me in every city, saying that bonds and
afflictions await me. (24)But none of these things move me, neither do
I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with
joy[20:24], and the ministry 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, among whom I went about
preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. (26)Wherefore
I testify to you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all;
(27)for I shunned not to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

(28)Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which
the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the church of the
Lord[20:28], which he purchased with his own blood. (29)For I know
this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you,
not sparing the flock. (30)And from among yourselves will men arise,
speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
(31)Therefore watch, remembering that for the space of three years,
night and day, I ceased not to warn every one with tears.

(32)And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his
grace, who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all the sanctified. (33)I coveted no one's silver, or gold, or
apparel. (34)Ye yourselves know, that these hands ministered to my
necessities, and to those who were with me. (35)In all ways I showed
you that, so laboring, ye ought to assist the weak, and to remember
the words of the Lord Jesus, that