17
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the greatest men of birth of the church [and called the more men through birth, either the elder men, of the church].
18
And when they came to him, and were together, he said to them, Ye know from the first day, in which I came into Asia, how with you by each time I was,
19
serving to the Lord with all meekness, and mildness, and tears, and temptations, that felled to me of ambushings of Jews;
20
how I withdrew not of profitable things to you [how I withdrew nought of profitable things to you], that I told not to you, and taught you openly, and by houses;
21
and I witnessed to Jews and to heathen men [witnessing to Jews and heathen men] penance into God, and faith into our Lord Jesus Christ.
22
And now lo! I am bound in spirit, and go into Jerusalem; and I know not [unknowing] what things shall come to me in it,
23
but that the Holy Ghost by all cities witnesseth to me, and saith [saying], that bonds and tribulations at Jerusalem abide me.
24
But I dread nothing of these, neither I make my life preciouser than myself, so that I end my course [the while I end, or fulfill, my course], and the ministry of the word, which I received of the Lord Jesus, to witness the gospel of the grace of God.
25
And now lo! I know, that ye shall no more see my face, all ye by which I passed [all ye by whom I passed], preaching the kingdom of God.
26
Wherefore I witness to you this day, that I am clean of the blood of all men.
27
For I fled not away [For I flew not away], that I told not to you all the counsel of God.