As part of our sermon series on the book of the Acts, we see an intimate setting and example in these verses (Acts 20:17-38) that should inspire us to live faithfully for our Savior and King Jesus. Paul is departing for Jerusalem and then to Rome, where he will be imprisoned. He gathers his dear friends and proteges, the elders of the Church of Ephesus, to bid them a final farewell. Among all our words in life, few are more sincere than when we express our earnest wishes for loved ones, knowing we will never see them again in this present world. As Paul prepares for his departure, he urges the elders to live as every Christian should: be ready for trials, for they will surely come; be sure that your heart and hands are clean, and do not fail to finish the course of the Christian life.
