April 21, 2024
Goodbyes are never easy, especially goodbyes that are permanent. The Apostle Paul gave and received numerous goodbyes throughout his ministry, yet the one that hit the hardest for him was his goodbye to the elders of the church in Ephesus. This passage is full of deep affection and care from Paul to this church and yet in it is also an incredibly loving warning to these elders. Paul encourages them to remain faithful because he himself will remain faithful to the Gospel. He calls them to care for themselves and for one another so they may not become discouraged or fall away, and he encourages them to persevere in the ministry to others. A passage like this should not only tug at our hearts, but should stir us to faithfulness in our walks with the Lord, to have a sober mind as we care for ourselves and others, and to persevere in the midst of hardship.
Acts 20:17-38