The Miletus Farewell

Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. - Acts 20:17

The group of believers at Ephesus was important to the Apostle Paul. He had at one point on his journeys taken up residence there for 3 years.

Relationships had been birthed, nurtured and flourished. So on his way to Rome, which it would seem that Paul knew he would not return, he lands at the port of Miletus and sends for his friends, the leaders of the Church at Ephesus.

The came, a journey of over 60 miles, to say goodbye to their leader and friend. In a few short verses we read how Paul pours out his heart to his fellow leaders. Encouraging, directing, challenging, thanking & inspiring. It is his last opportunity to influence these leaders who he had worked side by side with and he holds nothing back.

Both his challenge for them and love of them is undiluted. These few verses contain a wealth of insight into Paul's leadership ethos and style.

Over the next few posts I want to explore verses 17 - 38 of Acts 20 and uncover some unexpected gems of leadership advice.

First: Leaders do life together