Paul’s final farewell to the Ephesian elders reveals much about his goals and values as an apostle of Jesus Christ. As we seek to imitate him (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1), we would do well to examine them and adapt them to our own lives and efforts as Christians.
First, he “served the Lord with all humility” (19). Humble service is a requisite to the Lord’s approval. The Lord “resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). It is when we humbly submit to God that we are assured of His acceptance.
Second, in his teaching from house to house, he “kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it” (20). He testified “to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (21). Later in the text, he said, “For I have not shunned to declare to you the counsel of God” (27). In this we see both the subject he found dear, the gospel of Christ (cf. Romans 1:16), and his thoroughness in proclaiming it.
Too often men can become unbalanced in their proclamation of truth, emphasizing what interests them and neglecting the rest. It may be because they refuse to accept portions of God’s revelation, or because their own interests and prejudices cause them to neglect parts that are inconvenient. Paul’s attitude was different. He went wherever God’s will took him, and accepted Jesus’ will without reservation. We need more preachers who will declare the entirety of God’s counsel, and more disciples who will accept it without reservation.
Third, he was willing to suffer for the cause. He knew his trip to Jerusalem would end in his persecution and imprisonment, but he was willing to go anyway. “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself” (24). Paul was willing to die for his faith, as his goal was eternal life rather than temporary comfort. He wished to “finish my race with joy” (24).
He was leaving them, “now that I know you all … will see my face no more” (25). So, he offered them a final admonition to defend the truth against error. “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (29-30). Paul’s daily concern was the churches that he helped plant. God’s people were precious to him, and he prayed and toiled constantly to ensure as best he could their diligence and faithfulness to God.
Paul’s motivation was pure. “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel” (33). He did what he did because he loved God, and desired greatly to serve his Master.
