16. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so he would not have to spend time in Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, for the day of Pentecost.
17. Now from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.
18. And when they came to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time —
19. serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and with the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews —
20. and that I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you anything that was profitable or from teaching it to you in public and from house to house.
21. I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.
22. “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there,
23. except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.
24. But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
25. “And now I know that none of you will ever see my face again — everyone I went about preaching the kingdom to.
26. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of everyone’s blood,
27. for I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole plan of God.
28. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock that the Holy Spirit has appointed you to as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.