Acts 20:17-38 · Acts

Paul's Farewell to Ephesian Elders

Paul, from Miletus, calls the Ephesian elders to him and delivers a farewell speech. He recounts his ministry among them, warns of future challenges, and commends them to God's care. The elders are sorrowful as they realize they will not see him again.

Summary

This passage from Acts 20:17-38 captures a significant moment where the Apostle Paul bids farewell to the elders of the church in Ephesus. Paul, having traveled to Miletus, sends for these leaders to join him there. This gathering is important as it marks Paul's final words and instructions to the Ephesian elders, highlighting his dedication and the challenges he foresees for the church. The setting is intimate, with Paul addressing those he has worked closely with during his time in Asia.

Paul begins by recounting his past ministry among them, emphasizing his humility and the trials he faced (Acts 20:18-19). He reminds them of his commitment to preaching the gospel to both Jews and Greeks (Acts 20:20-21). Paul then shares his resolve to go to Jerusalem, despite not knowing what awaits him, except for the Holy Ghost's warnings of impending hardships (Acts 20:22-23). He expresses his determination to complete his mission, valuing it above his own life (Acts 20:24). Paul warns the elders to be vigilant, as he predicts that false teachers will arise after his departure (Acts 20:29-30). He urges them to care for the church, which God has entrusted to them (Acts 20:28).

The passage concludes with an emotional farewell. Paul commends the elders to God and encourages them to support the weak, recalling the words of Jesus about the blessing of giving (Acts 20:35). After speaking, Paul kneels and prays with them, leading to a heartfelt goodbye filled with tears and embraces (Acts 20:36-37). The elders are particularly saddened by Paul's statement that they will not see him again. The passage ends with them accompanying Paul to the ship, underscoring the deep bond and sense of loss among them (Acts 20:38).

Chiastic structure

ⓘ
A

Acts 20:18-21

“Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia... Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

B

Acts 20:24

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

A'

Acts 20:36-38

“And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more.”

A and A' both focus on Paul's dedication and the emotional farewell, highlighting his selfless service and the impact on the Ephesian elders.

Interpretation and theological stakes

The passage from Acts 20:17-38 primarily establishes Paul's deep commitment to the mission of spreading the gospel and his concern for the future of the church in Ephesus. His farewell address is not just a goodbye but a transfer of responsibility to the Ephesian elders. Paul stresses the importance of vigilance and pastoral care, warning of future challenges that might arise from false teachings after his departure (Acts 20:29-30). The setting underscores the gravity of his message as he entrusts the elders with the spiritual well-being of the community and emphasizes that this responsibility is divinely ordained, as seen in Acts 20:28.

In the Catholic tradition, this passage underlines the idea of apostolic succession. The elders in Ephesus are seen as direct successors to the apostles, endowed with a special role in guiding and protecting the church. This interpretation highlights Paul's charge to the elders to "take heed...to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers" (Acts 20:28). The emphasis is on continuity and authority, suggesting that these leaders are not just caretakers but also divinely appointed guardians of the faith. This view calls attention to the ecclesiastical structure and the sacred duty of church leaders to maintain doctrinal purity and unity.

In contrast, the Reformed Protestant tradition interprets this passage with a focus on the pastoral and teaching role of church leaders. Here, the emphasis is on the shepherd-like qualities Paul urges the elders to adopt. The warning about "grievous wolves" (Acts 20:29) is read less as a call for hierarchical oversight and more as a caution for leaders to be diligent teachers and protectors of their congregations. This reading sees the elders as shepherds, emphasizing personal integrity, doctrinal teaching, and the care of individuals within the church community, all of which are central to maintaining the health and growth of the church.

After considering both readings, it becomes clear that Paul's farewell not only addresses leadership structures but also underscores the core mission of the church: to faithfully spread the gospel and nurture the community. The Catholic reading emphasizes the continuity and authority of church leadership, while the Reformed perspective highlights the pastoral and teaching responsibilities. Together, they illuminate a holistic view of church leadership that balances authority with service. Paul's message to the Ephesian elders is a timeless reminder of the dual charge to uphold the truth of the gospel while compassionately tending to the needs of the flock.

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