Acts 20:1-38

Farewell Tour

Paul left Ephesus and took another swing through southeastern Europe. He then returned to Asia Minor on his way to Jerusalem. He wasn’t sure what was going to happen in Jerusalem but he had received a heads up from the Lord. He wasn’t going to be coming back this way again.

The first place he arrived in Asia Minor was Troas. It was here that a remarkable thing happened. Paul spoke till midnight. No, that’s not the remarkable thing. Paul spoke till midnight and Eutychus fell asleep. So far this all seems pretty standard. The pastor goes long and someone falls asleep. Unfortunately, Eutychus fell asleep sitting in a third story window. He fell to the ground and died. Fortunately, the preacher who put him to sleep was filled with the power of the Holy Ghost. Paul put his arms around the young man and he was restored to life. Then Paul went back and spoke till dawn. All in a night’s work? Not typically, but this was Paul’s farewell tour stop in Troas.

Next came Ephesus. Paul didn’t actually visit again. He knew it would not be a short stay if he did visit and he was wanting to get to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost. Still, Ephesus was too important to pass by entirely. He sent for the elders of the church at Ephesus and spoke to them.

He told them that he had faithfully discharged his obligation to share the Gospel. It was true. He had. He told them that he was aware that prison and hardship awaited him. He was ready. He told them that they would not see them again. They cried.

He spent most of his time reminding them that he had clearly not been after their money or possessions. He charged them to protect the flock. This is for sure: savage wolves will come to fleece the flock. They will do this in order to gain a following and take control of the money and possessions of others. This is a sign of dangerous and false leaders. He informed us that the Lord Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” False leaders only think this is true for others, not themselves.

It’s too bad Paul didn’t bring his farewell tour to the USA.