16
Paul had decided to bypass Ephesus so that he wouldn't be held up in Asia province. He was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost, if at all possible.
17
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the leaders of the congregation.
18
When they arrived, he said, "You know that from day one of my arrival in Asia I was with you totally -
19
laying my life on the line, serving the Master no matter what, putting up with no end of scheming by Jews who wanted to do me in.
20
I didn't skimp or trim in any way. Every truth and encouragement that could have made a difference to you, you got. I taught you out in public and I taught you in your homes,
21
urging Jews and Greeks alike to a radical life-change before God and an equally radical trust in our Master Jesus.
22
"But there is another urgency before me now. I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I'm completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there.
23
I do know that it won't be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead.
24
But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.
25
"And so this is good-bye. You're not going to see me again, nor I you, you whom I have gone among for so long proclaiming the news of God's inaugurated kingdom.
26
I've done my best for you, given you my all,