12
They took the young man away alive, and they were greatly comforted.
Farewell to the Ephesian leaders
13 We went on to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we intended to take Paul on board. Paul had arranged this, since he intended to make his way there by land.
14
When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.
15
The next day we sailed from there and arrived opposite Chios. On the day after, we sailed to Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus.
16
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he wouldn't need to spend too much time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by Pentecost Day.
17
From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus calling for the church's elders to meet him.
18
When they arrived, he said to them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time I was with you, beginning with the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.
19
I served the Lord with great humility and with tears in the midst of trials that came upon me because of the Jews' schemes.
20
You know I held back nothing that would be helpful so that I could proclaim to you and teach you both publicly and privately in your homes.
21
You know I have testified to both Jews and Greeks that they must change their hearts and lives as they turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
22
Now, compelled by the Spirit, I'm going to Jerusalem. I don't know what will happen to me there.