¹⁶ For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for ^(A)he was hurrying ^(B)to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on ^(C)the Day of Pentecost.

The Ephesian Elders Exhorted

¹⁷ From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. ¹⁸ And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, ^(D)from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,

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

³² “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and ^(H)to the word of His grace, which is able ^(I)to build you up and give you ^(J)an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. ³³ I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. ^34 [c]Yes, you yourselves know ^(K)that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. ³⁵ I have shown you in every way, ^(L)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.’ ”

³⁶ And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.