16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spend-ing time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurryto reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. - P66
21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that theymust turn to God in repentance and have faith in ourLord Jesus.
21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike-the necessity of repentingfrom sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. - P67
23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warnsme that prison and hardships are facing me.
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me;my only aim is to finish the race and complete the taskthe Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying tothe good news of God‘s grace."
- P67
Paul and his companions continue their travels. The elders of the church inEphesus come to Paul in Miletus, where he gives them a farewell speech. Herelates how he has served God faithfully by preaching about Christ to bothJews and Greeks. He shares that the Holy Spirit is compelling him to go toJerusalem even though hardship awaits him. - P67
Travel in Paul‘s day was nowhere near as easy and convenient as it is forus today. As we read about his journeys constantly on the road and atsea, traveling from one city to the next-t-we can only imagine the sacri-fices he would have had to make to live out his calling as a missionary.
- P68
But it was because people like Paul were willing to give their entire livesto serve God and go wherever He called them that the gospel spread soeffectively despite humble beginnings, and growing persecution. - P68
A lifethat is fully committed to God and His mission still requires sacrificetoday. - P68
It is a difficult journey and persecution persists, but God willbless His servants beyond measure when we heed His call. - P68
This is a tender moment for Paul as he bids farewell to the elders of theEphesian church, not knowing what awaits him in Jerusalem. - P68
Theseelders are eyewitnesses of all the blood, sweat, and tears Paul shed forthe church; they are his brothers and his spiritual children, so it is abittersweet realization that their ministry together is coming to an endand that God is calling Paul to a different journey. - P68
Though one chapterin Paul‘s life is coming to a close, his purpose remains consistent: what-ever he does, it is to testify to the good news of Jesus Christ. - P68
All of Paul‘swork is a response to God‘s calling, following the Spirit‘s guidance forhis next steps. Let us run our own races in the same way, following the aSpirit wherever He leads. - P68
Perhaps you now find yourself in a difficult season and are avoidingany attempt at sharing the gospel until you have a happier testimonyto tell. - P69
But God is still God, and the good news is still good, both inour joys and in our sorrows. - P69
Ask God to help you be more attentiveto how He accompanies you through the dark days. You might besurprised at how much you already have to share. - P69
Gracious God, guide my journey that I may always follow Your call. I trust thatwherever You send me, You will bear much fruit in my life. - P69
Help me to trustYou and to press on to finish the race as I share the good news of Your Son. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P69
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