Acts 20  Paul left Ephesus and traveled west once more to visit Macedonia and then Greece.  He was there 3 months before the Jews started to plot against him once again. Paul's associates now included Sopater of Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica; Gaius of Derbe; Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus of Asia.  It also included Luke, the author of this book.  Most of this group traveled by ship to Troas and waiting there while Paul and Luke traveled back to Macedonia to Philippi and then sailed to Troas after the days of Unleavened Bread. 

It is here in Troas  where Paul spoke most of the night and the young man, Eutychus, fell asleep while sitting in the window sill and fell down 3 floors and died. "But Paul went down and fell upon him and after embracing him, he said, 'Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.' "

From Troas Paul and his companions traveled south to Miletus. Again, Paul sent the others on by ship while he went by land part of the way. Paul was anxious to get to Jerusalem before Pentecost, but he took time to meet with the men from Ephesus once more, having them come to Miletus. Paul's farewell message to the Ephesians is recorded here for us.  Paul knew that he was unlikely to see any of these men again.  The Holy Spirit was testifying to him that "bonds and afflictions" were ahead.  He just wanted them all to know of his love and concern for them. 

Paul spoke of "serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials". 

He spoke of not shrinking back or shirking his responsibility to speak the Good news .. "solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Paul told them that he did  not count his own life as dear in light of the "ministry which [he] received from the Lord Jesus to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." 

Paul testified that he had preached the "whole purpose of God" and warned them of coming false teachers. "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all this who are sanctified," 

Paul reminded them of how hard he had worked and that they should also work hard, while helping those who are weak.  Then he left them weeping at his departure. 

Father in heaven, the word of Your grace.. the gospel of Jesus Christ.. is our foundation and our greatest joy! We know that even in the midst of bonds and affliction we have a Lord who will never leave or forsake us. We need You every hour, Lord, and we seek Your Presence through whatever path we need to travel today. Build us up by Your word Lord God! Sanctify us through and through that we might stand before You complete and blameless on the day when You bring it to pass. You are faithful and You are able to accomplish all of Your purposes in us and through us to the glory of the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.