The Ephesian Elders Exhorted Acts 20:17-38 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. —-17 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, —-18 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; —-19 True Apostle Ministry: Serving Humility -- putting others ahead of ourselves Gentleness & patience Many tears, trials, pain Helpful Apostle... = Pioneer Lay the Foundation Builder — wise master-builder Corrected Encouraged Direction Able to connect small group Teach & build Main message... Repentance & Faith Trials of the apostolic ministry

2 Cor 11:22-28 Push people out of complacency Out of comfort zone into God’s purposes Acts 20: how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,—-20

testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. —-21

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, —-22

except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.—-24 List of things that happened to Paul— Suffering for Christ 2 Cor 11:22-28 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.

Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. —-23 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. —-24 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; —-25 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; —26 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— —-27

besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Acts 20 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. —25

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. —26

For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. —-27 Note ��️ We believe in the full Gospel—-

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. —-28 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. —-29 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.—-30 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.—-31

“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. —32 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. —-33 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. —-34

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”—-35 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. —-36 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, —-37 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.—-38