ACTS 20- The Beginning of the End
As Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was coming to a close, so much was happening behind the scenes that shaped this next chapter. Before he even left, he had already endured a painful visit to Corinth and written what he himself called a “tearful letter” (2 Cor. 2:4). Ministry was not glamorous for him. It was gritty, emotional, and filled with relational tension, yet also saturated with love.
When he finally left Ephesus, Paul traveled north through Macedonia, encouraging the Christians in each city along the way. He met up with Titus, who brought him the good news that the Corinthian church had repented of their earlier opposition (2 Cor. 7:5–16). This was such a relief that Paul wrote 2 Corinthians in response. Then he reached Corinth and stayed three months, likely through the winter, and while there he wrote the book of Romans (Rom. 15:22–29).
What a season. Paul was writing, traveling, reconciling relationships, planting seeds, overseeing finances for the Jerusalem offering, and preparing for suffering all at the same time.
A Team for the Journey
Acts 20:4 lists the group of men who traveled with Paul — representatives from the churches who were entrusted with delivering the financial gift to Jerusalem. Their presence protected the integrity of the offering and showed unity across the early church. It also speaks to Paul’s own integrity. He handled money with transparency, accountability, and wisdom.
These men went on ahead to Troas while Paul and Luke stayed back in Philippi, then reunited with them in Troas, where we get our first glimpse of Christians worshiping on “the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7). Sunday worship had begun.
Paul’s Farewell at Miletus
When Paul arrived at Miletus, he sent for the elders from Ephesus. What follows in Acts 20:17–35 is the only long speech in Acts given to Christians and it is breathtaking.
Paul reminded them how he lived among them with humility, tears, and perseverance in trials (v. 19). He said plainly, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable” (v. 20). He held nothing back no truth, no correction, no encouragement, no doctrine.
Then he explained what the Holy Spirit had told him repeatedly: that imprisonment and afflictions were waiting for him in Jerusalem (vv. 22–23). Every city, every prophet, every impression from the Spirit confirmed it. Yet his response was simple:
“I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 20:24)
This is one of the most beautiful statements of surrender in all of Scripture.
Paul goes on to say he is “innocent of the blood of all,” because he did not fail to preach “the whole counsel of God” (vv. 26–27). Then he warned the elders with prophetic clarity. He said that “fierce wolves” would come, even from among their own leadership (vv. 29–30). Years later, Paul’s letters to Timothy confirm that this indeed happened (1 Tim. 4:1–3; 2 Tim. 2:17–18).
Paul reminded them that for three years he admonished them with tears (v. 31). His ministry wasn’t cold or distant, it was emotional, pastoral, and deeply invested. He then committed them to God and to “the word of his grace” (v. 32).
He closed by reminding them of something Jesus said that is not recorded in the Gospels:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Finally, they knelt together and prayed. The elders wept, embraced Paul, and kissed him. Their grief was deep because he said they would never see his face again (v. 38).
This moment is one of the most tender and heartbreaking scenes in the entire New Testament. It shows what real spiritual family looks like.
Acts 20 shows us Paul’s heart; resilient, humble, generous, and completely surrendered to the will of God. He served with tears. He taught with courage. He warned with love. And he trusted the Holy Spirit, even when the path ahead looked painful.
Paul shows us that real ministry isn’t about choosing the easy road or protecting ourselves. It’s about staying faithful to the race God gives you. So as one season of his ministry came to a close, another one was already unfolding the; beginning of an end that would point even more boldly to Jesus.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the example of Paul. Give us the courage to obey the Holy Spirit even when the road ahead is difficult. Teach us to serve with humility, to love with sincerity, and to hold nothing back when it comes to declaring Your truth. Help us finish our course with joy, confidence, and deep trust in You. Strengthen our churches, our leaders, and our communities. Keep us united, rooted, and protected from anything that would try to divide or distract us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.