Farewell Ephesus!

For the span of three years…

Paul labored in Ephesus…

day and night…

with many tears!

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:  Acts 20:17-19

His preaching was bold…

     aggressive…

and purposeful…

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:20-21

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.  Acts 20:26-27

He labored with his hands…

and with his heart…

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.  Acts 20:33

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.  Acts 20:34

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.  Acts 20:35

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.  Acts 20:31

He faced many difficulties…

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:  Acts 20:19

And would face many more…

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Acts 20:22-23

He was steadfast…

devoted…

and resolute…

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.  Acts 20:24

He was vigilant…

careful…

and attentive…

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.  Acts 20:28

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  Acts 20:29

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  Acts 20:30

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.  Acts 20:31

Nevertheless…

it was time for Paul to depart…

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.  Acts 20:25

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.  Acts 20:32

And when he had thus spoken…

he kneeled down…

and prayed with them all. 

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.  And they accompanied him unto the ship.  Acts 20:36-38

Paul…

Valiant preacher of the gospel.

Fervent defender of the faith.

Zealous for the testimony of Christ.

Vigilant overseer of the church.

Beloved of the Saints.

An excellent example of Valiant Christianity!