ACTS 20:13–38
PAUL’S FAREWELL TO THE ELDERS OF EPHESUS
Text – Acts 20:13–38
13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were to take Paul on board, as he had arranged, since he was going there by land.
14 When he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went on to Mitylene.
15 We sailed from there and arrived off Chios the next day; a day later we crossed to Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus.
16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in the province of Asia, for he was hastening to be in Jerusalem, if possible, for the day of Pentecost.
17 From Miletus he had the presbyters of the Church at Ephesus summoned.
18 When they came to him, he addressed them: “You know how I lived among you the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia.
19 I served the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials that came to me because of the plots of the Jews.
20 And I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public or in your homes.
21 I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus.
22 But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, what will happen to me there I do not know,
23 except that in one city after another the Holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me.
24 Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of God’s grace.
25 Now I know that none of you to whom I preached the kingdom will ever see my face again.
26 And so I solemnly declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you,
27 for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God.
28 Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the Church of God that he acquired with his own blood.
29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock.
30 And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them.
31 So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each one of you with tears.
32 And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.
33 I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
34 You know well that these hands of mine have provided for my needs and for those of my companions.
35 In every way I showed you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
36 When he had finished speaking he knelt down and prayed with them all.
37 They were all weeping loudly as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,
38 for they were deeply distressed that he had said that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.
Historical and Jewish Context
Farewell speeches were a recognized literary and cultural form in Jewish and Greco-Roman tradition, often used by leaders to pass on final instructions. Paul’s journey toward Jerusalem echoes the prophetic journeys of Old Testament figures who went knowingly toward suffering. The gathering of presbyters reflects the established leadership structure of the early Church. References to “watching the flock” draw on biblical shepherd imagery deeply rooted in Israel’s Scriptures.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage is the clearest portrait of apostolic ministry in Acts. Paul presents himself as a servant-shepherd shaped by humility, sacrifice, and fidelity to the whole truth. The Church is described as belonging to God, purchased by the blood of Christ, affirming its sacred nature. The warning against false teachers highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and sound doctrine. Pastoral authority is shown to be a gift of the Holy Spirit, exercised through self-giving love rather than personal gain.
Parallels in Scripture
John 10:11–15 – The Good Shepherd
2 Timothy 4:6–8 – Finishing the course
Ezekiel 34:1–10 – Shepherds accountable for the flock
1 Peter 5:1–4 – Shepherding God’s people
Luke 22:27 – Service as true greatness
Key Terms
Presbyters – Elders and pastoral leaders
Entire plan of God – Full Gospel truth
Overseers – Shepherds appointed by the Spirit
Church of God – Community redeemed by Christ’s blood
Savage wolves – False teachers and divisions
More blessed to give – Gospel pattern of self-giving
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 20:13–38 is proclaimed during the Easter Season and frequently referenced in priestly and episcopal formation, offering a model of pastoral ministry rooted in service, sacrifice, and fidelity.
Conclusion
Acts 20:13–38 presents Paul’s heart as pastor and apostle. His farewell reveals a Church founded on truth, guarded by vigilant shepherds, and sustained by grace. The mission continues through leaders who give themselves completely for the flock entrusted to them.
Reflection
How do I respond to spiritual leadership within the Church?
Do I value the full truth of the Gospel, even when it is challenging?
In what ways am I called to give myself more fully in service to others?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, shape my heart according to Yours. Strengthen all who lead Your Church, grant them humility and courage, and help me to live a life poured out in love, faithful to the Gospel of Your grace. Amen.