Day 272: Acts 20:13–21

“I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus” (v. 21).

After his eventful night in Troas, Paul set sail on his journey toward Jerusalem. He purposely sailed past Ephesus, yet he summoned the elders to come to Miletus and meet with him. Paul had little time, so he left the Ephesian elders the basic necessities.

Like a father with only a few moments left to share his heart with his children, Paul shared things that were priority to him. He reminded them of the attention he had given to their needs. He shared his assumptions, his ambition, his heartfelt admonition, and his deep affection. He said, “You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time—serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and with the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews—and that I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you anything that was profitable, or from teaching it to you in public and from house to house” (Acts 20:18–20 hcsb).

I believe Paul was personally attentive to the Ephesians because he became involved with them emotionally as well as spiritually. Remember, he remained among these people for several years. I believe he poured himself out among them as much or more than any other group to whom he ministered. They saw his “humility.” This word involves “the confession of his sin and a deep realization of his unworthiness to receive God’s marvelous grace.” He was open with them about his past sin and his feelings of unworthiness in the ministry God had given him. They not only saw his humility; they saw his heart. He did not hide from them his tears or the pain of his hardships.

The Ephesians knew Paul was genuine. He approached them withholding nothing. He did not hesitate to preach anything that would be helpful. He loved them enough to teach them anything and everything that would be of benefit, even if they didn’t like it. He was willing to hurt their feelings momentarily if it would help their hearts eternally.

Paul had given them everything he had while he was there. In verse 27, he restated: “I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole plan of God” (hcsb). He didn’t just teach them the many wonderful things God wanted to do for them. He also taught them the truth about hardships that would inevitably come and the calling of the crucified life.