Acts 20:17-38

Paul visited with the elders from Ephesus Acts 20:17-38: Paul called for the Elders from the church at Ephesus to meet with him at Miletus. He reminded them that he had never tried to obtain the applause of men. He only tried to please God! They knew how Paul had taught in the Jewish synagogue at Ephesus, then in the school of Tyrannus and house to house. He did not hold back from telling anything that would help them go to heaven.

Paul knew that danger awaited him in Jerusalem, but he was willing to go for God. He did not care what happened to him, as long as he finished the work the Lord gave him to do. Paul felt that he would never see these brethren again so he wanted to strengthen them in the faith. He had freely communicated to the church at Ephesus everything God wanted them to know.

Paul warned the elders to take heed to themselves and to all the Christians that the Holy Spirit had put in their care. They were to be shepherds over this flock of God. This church had been bought with the blood of God's Son. Paul warned these elders that after he left they should be on guard for false teaches that would arise among the elders. He had warned them for three years, with tears in his eyes, about his matter.

These false teachers would come in like wolves to destroy the flock. They would twist the scriptures to their own destruction. Their purpose would be to "to draw away disciples after them." Elders must watch carefully to keep the church from being carried away with the error of the wicked.

At last Paul placed these brethren in God's care. He emphasized the value of God's work in building up His saints. He reminded them that Jesus had said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." After Paul finished speaking, he knelt down with the brethren and prayed. They were especially grieved because Paul had told them, that they would not see him again. After this they accompanied Paul to the ship.