Using the information from Understand the Context (p. 85),
summarize Paul’s travels up to the address to the Ephesian elders in today’s passage.
The riot in Ephesus was an astonishing event.
Once the city officials restored peace,
Paul began making his way back home-
but not before stopping at Troas.On a Sunday, Paul joined the local Christians in Troas for worship,
the first reference in the Bible of worship on a Sunday.
During this worship, a young man died when he fell from a three-story window where he had been sleeping.
Paul went into action, bringing the boy back to life.From there, Paul stopped in Miletus,
where he gave a farewell speech to the leaders from nearby Ephesus.
The Miletus speech was not an effort to reach people for the gospel
or a discourse on how Paul planned to defend himself in the courts.
Paul demonstrated his affection for the people and urged the elders at Ephesus to imitate his example.
Application Point:
Believers are called to proclaim the truth of Jesus in their communities.
Paul was faithful to God’s leadership.
18 When they came to him, he said to them,
“You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time,
19 serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and during the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews.
20 You know that I did not hesitate to proclaim anything to you that was profitable
and to teach you publicly and from house to house.
21 I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God
and faith in our Lord Jesus.”
Paul’s example
Some have suggested that Paul’s message to the Ephesian elders was defensive
or self-justifying.
In reality, Paul was providing a model that God’s people could replicate.
He outlined a repeatable ministry model rooted in God’s truth
and demonstrated by his words, attitudes, and action.
Lead the group to discuss how Paul’s belief that this was his final farewell to the Ephesian believers may have determined what he would say.
Highlight Paul’s devotion to the Ephesian church.
identify sets of words that describe Paul’s method and message in verses 20-21.
(Answers: Public/Houses; Jews/Greeks; Repentance/Faith)
Discuss how each of those sets of words defined what Paul did and how he did it.
Paul had shown great compassion and commitment in Ephesus. But He also believed God had more for Him to do.