16
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
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And from Mile'tus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.
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And when they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you all the time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,
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serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews;
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how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,
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testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance to God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, bound in the Spirit, not knowing what shall befall me there;
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except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.
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But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
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And now, behold, I know that all you among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom will see my face no more.
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Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you,