50. Paul is forthright with his motives.

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 50.

Paul Meets the Ephesian Elders


1. Today's passage: Acts 20:13-36


I encourage you to read from your own bible - Your bible will become your best friend.
Also, you might want to find the NASB version and more here: Bible Gateway
Or, you may read below for the New Living Testament NLT

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13. Paul went by land to Assos, where he had arranged for us to join him, while we traveled by ship.
14. He joined us there, and we sailed together to Mitylene.
15. The next day we sailed past the island of Kios. The following day we crossed to the island of Samos, and a day later we arrived at Miletus.

16. Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn't want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost.
17. But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.

18. When they arrived he declared, "You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now
19. I have done the Lord's work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.
20. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.
21. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike – the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

22. "And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don't know what awaits me,
23. except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.
24. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

25. "And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again.
26. I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it's not my fault,
27. for I didn't shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.

28. "So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock – his church, purchased with his own blood – over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.
29. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock.
30. Even some men from your own  group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.
31. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you – my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

32. "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

33. "I have never coveted anyone's silver or gold or fine clothes.
34. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me.
35. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to given than to receive.'"

36. When he had finished speaking he knelt and prayed with them.
37. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye.
38. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship." Acts 20:13-36 NLT

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2. Farewells.
Never easy.

3. There are two suggestions for this passage.
Read to discover Paul's instructions or encouragements.
Read to discover how Acts lays out their travel and personal trials.

4. Allow me to pray for our community.
Abba,
As I send out emails to invite others to our community.
I ask You go before me. Please give me the words to say,
a cleansed heart to say them, and the ability to release
and lay all responses at Your feet.
You know us El Shaddai.
Nurture us as we live and serve You.
Continue to infuse YOUR WORD into our hearts,
our minds,
and our lives.
In Your Holy Set Apart Name
Jehushua
Amen.
PS. Remember Jehushua is simply the Hebrew translation of Jesus.
I myself find it more personal.
It is neither more powerful than Jesus, nor more necessary.
Just for me, more personal.
Use the translation of the name that meets your heart needs.

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