The Holy Spirit Moves Paul to Say Good-bye

While he was speaking, the Spirit of inspiration came on him, confirming his fears that this would be his last meeting with the Ephesian believers.ULe 143.7

“I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” No fear of offending someone could lead Paul to keep back the words that God had given him to warn or correct them. If the ministers of Christ today see that any of their flock are cherishing sin, as faithful shepherds the must open God’s word and give them the instruction that applies to their case. Pastors must give their people faithful instruction, showing them what they must be and do in order to stand perfect in the day of God. At the close of their work, faithful teachers of the truth will be able to say with Paul, “I am innocent of the blood of all men.”ULe 143.8

“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.” Ministers are dealing with people whom Christ’s blood has purchased. As representatives of Christ, they are to keep intact the honor of His name. By purity of life they are to prove themselves worthy of their high calling.ULe 144.1

Dangers would threaten the church at Ephesus: “I know this, that after my departing savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. And from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.” Looking into the future, Paul saw the attacks the believers would experience from enemies both outside and inside the church. “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.ULe 144.2

“So now, brethren,” he continued, “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. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.” Paul had never tried to get anything for himself from the Ephesian Christians who were wealthy. “These hands,” he stated, “have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.” “I have shown you ... 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.’ULe 144.3

“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 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.”ULe 144.4

From Miletus the travelers sailed to Patara, where, “finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia,” they “went aboard and set sail.” At Tyre, where the ship was unloaded, the Holy Spirit warned a few disciples about the dangers waiting for Paul at Jerusalem. They urged him not to go on. But the apostle would not allow any fear to turn him from his purpose.ULe 144.5

At Caesarea Paul spent a few peaceful, happy days—the last of perfect freedom he would enjoy for a long time. While he was there “a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us,” Luke says, “he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, ‘Thus says the Holy Spirit, “So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”’”ULe 144.6