Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again.
He speaks plainly now what he had hinted before, to fix his warnings deeply in their minds. Parting words carry great weight; he means to strip them of false hope in his return, so their faith will not weaken through waiting. The kingdom of God renews men after His image in this world until the resurrection perfects it.
AI summary
Paul sent for these elders not to leave them, but to instruct and encourage them in the work they had undertaken. His life among them, serious, gracious, heavenly, no self-seeking, proved God was truly with him and animated him by a better spirit than his own.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 20:17-35
The counsel of God means His revealed will in the Gospel concerning salvation by Christ, the whole doctrine necessary for the saints' peace and comfort, every ordinance and truth tending to His glory and souls' good. I withheld nothing from Ephesus; I declared it all freely.
AI summary