Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 20:17-27

"And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews; how I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to 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 testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God." — Acts 20:17-27 (ASV)

The elders knew that Paul was no designing, self-seeking man. Those who would serve the Lord acceptably in any office, and profitably to others, must do so with humility.

He was a plain preacher, one who spoke his message so as to be understood. He was a powerful preacher; he preached the gospel as a testimony to them if they received it, but as a testimony against them if they rejected it.

He was a profitable preacher, one who aimed to inform their judgments and reform their hearts and lives. He was a diligent preacher, very industrious in his work. He was a faithful preacher; he did not withhold reproofs when necessary, nor did he withhold the preaching of the cross. He was a truly Christian, evangelical preacher; he did not preach notions or doubtful matters, nor affairs of state or the civil government, but he preached faith and repentance.

A better summary of these things, without which there is no salvation, cannot be given: namely, repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, with their fruits and effects. Without these, no sinner can escape, and with these, none will fall short of eternal life.

Let them not think that Paul left Asia for fear of persecution; he was in full expectation of trouble, yet resolved to go on, well assured that it was by Divine direction.

Thanks be to God that we do not know the things that will befall us during the year, the week, or the day that has begun. It is enough for the child of God to know that his strength will be equal to his day. He does not know, and would not want to know, what the day before him will bring forth.

The powerful influences of the Holy Spirit bind the true Christian to his duty. Even when he expects persecution and affliction, the love of Christ constrains him to proceed.

None of these things moved Paul from his work; they did not deprive him of his comfort. It is the business of our life to provide for a joyful death.

Believing that this was the last time they would see him, he appeals concerning his integrity.

He had preached to them the whole counsel of God. As he had preached the gospel to them purely, so he had preached it to them completely; he faithfully did his work, whether people would listen or refuse to listen.