16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia ; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem , if possible , on the day of Pentecost .
17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church . 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them, "You yourselves know , from the first day that I set foot in Asia , how I was with you the whole time , 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews ; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable , and teaching you publicly and from house to house , 21 solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ . 22 "And now , behold , bound by the Spirit , I am on my way to Jerusalem , not knowing what will happen to me there e , 23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city , saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24 "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself , so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus , to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 20:16-24
Commentary on Acts 20:13-16
(Read Acts 20:13-16)
Paul hastened to Jerusalem, but tried to do good by the way, when going from place to place, as every good man should do. In doing God's work, our own wills and those of our friends must often be crossed; we must not spend time with them when duty calls us another way.
Commentary on Acts 20:17-27
(Read Acts 20:17-27)
The elders knew that Paul was no designing, self-seeking man. Those who would in any office serve the Lord acceptably, and profitably to others, must do it with humility. He was a plain preacher, one that spoke his message so as to be understood. He was a powerful preacher; he preached the gospel as a testimony to them if they received it; but as a testimony against them if they rejected it. He was a profitable preacher; one that aimed to inform their judgments, and reform their hearts and lives. He was a painful preacher, very industrious in his work. He was a faithful preacher; he did not keep back reproofs when necessary, nor keep back the preaching of the cross. He was a truly Christian, evangelical preacher; he did not preach notions or doubtful matters; nor affairs of state or the civil government; but he preached faith and repentance. A better summary of these things, without which there is no salvation, cannot be given: even repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, with their fruits and effects. Without these no sinner can escape, and with these none will come short of eternal life. Let them not think that Paul left Asia for fear of persecution; he was in full expectation of trouble, yet resolved to go on, well assured that it was by Divine direction. Thanks be to God that we know not the things which shall befall us during the year, the week, the day which has begun. It is enough for the child of God to know that his strength shall be equal to his day. He knows not, he would not know, what the day before him shall bring forth. The powerful influences of the Holy Spirit bind the true Christian to his duty. Even when he expects persecution and affliction, the love of Christ constrains him to proceed. None of these things moved Paul from his work; they did not deprive him of his comfort. It is the business of our life to provide for a joyful death. Believing that this was the last time they should see him, he appeals concerning his integrity. He had preached to them the whole counsel of God. As he had preached to them the gospel purely, so he had preached it to them entire; he faithfully did his work, whether men would bear or forbear.