Apostol § 44

In those days, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the Church. And when they had come to him, he said unto them ... “You know, from the first day that I came into Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, save that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; neither do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the Kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God... “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also men will rise up from among yourselves, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have ministered for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, and how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.