Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders
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From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.
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And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, t from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,
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"serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me u by the plotting of the Jews;
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"how v I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,
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w "testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, x repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
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"And see, now y I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,
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"except that z the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
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"But a none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, b so that I may finish my race with joy, c and the ministry d which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
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"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.
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"Therefore I testify to you this day that I am e innocent of the blood of all men.
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"For I have not shunned to declare to you f the whole counsel of God.
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g "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit h has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God i which He purchased j with His own blood.
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"For I know this, that after my departure k savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
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"Also l from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
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"Therefore watch, and remember that m for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
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"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and n to the word of His grace, which is able o to build you up and give you p an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
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"I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
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"Yes, you yourselves know q that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.
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"I have shown you in every way, r by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
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And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
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Then they all s wept freely, and t fell on Paul's neck and kissed him,
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sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
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Cross References
Acts 18:19
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 19:1
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples
Acts 19:10
And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 20:4
And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia - also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
Acts 20:16
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.
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Cross References
Acts 20:3
And stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
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Cross References
Acts 20:27
For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
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Cross References
Acts 18:5
When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 19:10
And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
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Cross References
Mark 1:15
And saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.
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Cross References
Acts 19:21
When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
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Cross References
Acts 21:4
And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:11
When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'
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Cross References
Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
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Cross References
Acts 13:25
"And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.'
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
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Cross References
Acts 1:17
"for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry."
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Cross References
Galatians 1:1
Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead).
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Cross References
Acts 18:6
But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.
2 Corinthians 7:2
Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.
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Cross References
Luke 7:30
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.
John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
Ephesians 1:11
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
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Cross References
Luke 12:32
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
John 21:15 - 17
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs.
Acts 20:29
For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
1 Peter 5:2
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
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Cross References
Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, th...
Ephesians 1:14
Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until t...
Colossians 1:14
In whom we have redemption through His blood, t...
Titus 2:14
Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem u...
Hebrews 9:12
Not with the blood of goats and calves, but wit...
1 Peter 1:19
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a ...
Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song, saying: "You are wort...
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Cross References
Hebrews 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
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Cross References
Ezekiel 22:27
Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
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Cross References
1 Timothy 1:20
Of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
2 Timothy 1:15
This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
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Cross References
Acts 19:8
And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.
Acts 19:10
And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 24:17
Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation.
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Cross References
Hebrews 13:9
Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.
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Cross References
Acts 9:31
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
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Cross References
Acts 26:18
'to open their eyes, in order to turn them from...
Ephesians 1:14
Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until t...
Ephesians 1:18
The eyes of your understanding being enlightene...
Ephesians 5:5
For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean ...
Colossians 1:12
Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified u...
Colossians 3:24
Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the...
Hebrews 9:15
And for this reason He is the Mediator of the n...
1 Peter 1:4
To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled a...
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Cross References
Acts 18:3
So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.
1 Corinthians 4:12
And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure.
1 Thessalonians 2:9
For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
2 Thessalonians 3:8
Nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
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Cross References
Romans 15:1
We then who are strong ought to bear with the s...
1 Corinthians 9:12
If others are partakers of this right over you,...
2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was present with you, and in need, I...
2 Corinthians 11:12
But what I do, I will also continue to do, that...
Ephesians 4:28
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather l...
1 Thessalonians 4:11
That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to m...
2 Thessalonians 3:8
Nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, b...
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Cross References
Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
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Cross References
Genesis 45:14
Then he fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.