The verses of this passage are Paul's last words to the Ephesian elders before he leaves for Jerusalem, and from there he ends up in Rome as a prisoner, possibly never again a free man.
There are some interesting phrases here in this section. One of them is that Paul said that because of continuous preaching that he was innocent of the blood of all men. If one who heard Paul would end up in Hell, it would not be the fault of Paul. I could not say that altogether, but I carry gospel tracts that warn men of the coming disaster if they don't turn to Christ. Do you warn people of that kind of coming disaster?
Paul also warned the elders that there would be men who would come in with false doctrine twisting the truth into lies. He called these men wolves. We still have these kind of people with us today. Would you recognize the truth over a half-truth or a total doctrinal lie?
Paul goes on to commend these elders to God and the Word of His grace. Before he leaves them, he declares that he coveted no ones silver or gold. Shame on those preachers who seem to be in the ministry for only the money. They will have the greater condemnation. He quotes the words of the Lord Jesus that it is better to give than to receive. Then there is the sorrowful farewell to their beloved Apostle. I want to be loved like that, don't you?
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