Acts 20 NLT

"Paul traveled through that area speaking many words of encouragement to the people." (vs 2) This couldn't have been an easy time for Paul. Yet, he continued to build people up wherever he went! Since he had decided that he needed to return to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21) he knew that this had become his final mission trip. "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that...prison and hardships are facing me." (vs 22-23)

He made it a goal to get there by the day of Pentecost, so he was moving quickly, even avoiding going back to his beloved Ephesus where he had spent 2.5 years in fruitful ministry because he knew it would take too much time.  Instead, when they got to Miletus, a port town not too far from Ephesus, he sent for the church leaders to have a quick farewell time with them. 

Paul explained to them what was going on. He bravely stated ..."I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." (vs 24) But the dagger in the heart for them must have been when he told them, "...none of you...will ever see me again." (vs 25) 

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers." (vs 28) So he was encouraging them to continue to take care of themselves and their own faith along with the people that God had given them responsibility for. He even added a warning to "be on your guard" (vs 31) to watch for distortions of the truth and other forms of opposition that could even come from within their ranks.

One interesting side note. In his final goodbyes, Paul told them to remember the words of Jesus himself: "It is more blessed to give than to receive". (vs 35) Well, the interesting thing is, this saying of Jesus is NOT found in the canonical Gospels. The term for this type of thing is "agrapha". There are many other supposed sayings of Jesus (agrapha) like this from other non-Biblical sources and you can read all about them with a simple google search.

Anyway, in the end, it was an emotional goodbye for everyone: "...he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. " (vs 36-37) I love how REAL the Bible is. Real heartache. Real joy. And everything in between.

Prayer: Lord let me be as brave as Paul. Help me to hear your voice like he did and have the courage to go where you want me to go and do what you want me to do. And fill me with your Spirit so that I can have the strength to finish the race and complete the task that you have given me. In Jesus' name. Amen.