After the riot at Ephesus, Paul went through Macedonia and Greece, and headed back to Jerusalem via Troas and Miletus. Paul shared a moving farewell discourse to the Ephesian Elders at Miletus. 

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1. Paul’s faithfulness in the past (vv.18-21): His humility, his sorrows, his oppositions and his ceaseless efforts in teaching and evangelism — Ministry involves more than just hardworking, but with much EQ and AQ (i.e. empathy and endurance under adversities). Love the Lord, love the people, and stand firm during hardship.

2. Paul’s present situation (vv.22-27): His boldness in finishing God’s assigned task — “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” (v.24). Have a clear goal of what the Lord wants us to accomplish, and go for it.

3. Future responsibilities of the Ephesian Elders (vv.28-38): They are to “keep watch” (v.28) and be “on guard” (v.31) against false teachers and false doctrines; as well as to follow Paul’s example to help the weak — We are not tourists on this planet Earth, consider ourselves as watchmen and soldiers; guard ourselves and our flock (i.e. fellow brothers and sisters) against temptations and false teaching.

4. Your own insight: (fill in yourself)

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Meditation and Application:

Take some time to reflect upon what the Lord want you to do with your life. In what way that you could be more effective in serving in the ministries (it will be helpful to get inputs from other mature Christians)?