SUMMARY
On his way to Jerusalem, PaulA Christian missionary who once persecuted the church stops in Miletus for a last encounter with the leaders of the Ephesian church. Knowing he will not see them again, he defends his ministry among them, exhorts them to good and steadfast leadership, and provides a rare glimpse into the affection he shares with those who lead the local communities.
ANALYSIS
Carrying funds for famine alleviation gathered from Jewish and GentileA gentile is anyone who is not Jewish. The term, which is derived from words that the Bible uses to denote the "nations" of the world, reflects beliefs that God had designated Israel as a nation that would be distinct from others, and a blessing... believers around the Mediterranean, Paul hurries to get to Jerusalem to deliver his collection. In order not to be delayed in Ephesus, he meets the eldersElders are leaders who exercise wisdom or leadership by virtue of their age and experience. In the New Testament elders, along with the chief priests and scribes, constituted the primary opposition to Jesus when he taught in Jerusalem. of the Ephesian Christian assembly in Miletus. He delivers a farewell speech that describes his ministry, his hope, and his faith. He also offers a prophecyProphecy is the gift, inspired by God, of speaking and interpreting the divine will. Prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Ezekiel spoke words of judgment and comfort to the people of Israel on behalf of God. of what is to come, a warning to the elders to be as Paul himself has been: alert to danger, not self-seeking, working to support the needy with generosity. These continue to be the ideals for all leaders of congregations and evangelists. The qualities are important for distinguishing religious charlatans from those who truly serve God and share God’s good news with God’s people. The passage is extraordinarily poignant, for Paul and the elders pray and grieve at the prospect of not seeing one another again. They all know what Paul faces, a sign to the reader of how things will go. And yet, there is no attempt to hold Paul back, no sign from Paul that he hesitates to go. It is a wonderful passage that marks the end of Paul’s life as a free evangelist and shows the convictions and practices that mark a true evangelist.
