| After the rage was ceased, Paul called the disciples unto him, and took his leave of them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and given them large exhortations, he came into Greece, and there abode three months. And when the Jewes laid wait for him as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. There accompanied him into Asia, Sopater of Berrea, and of Thessalonia Aristarcus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derba, and Timotheus: and out of Asia Tychicus and Trophimos. These went before, and tarried us at Troas. And we sailed away from Philippos after the *ester holy days, and came unto them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days.
And on the morrow after the Saboth day the disciples came together for to break bread, and Paul preached unto them (ready to depart on the morrow) and continued the preaching unto midnight. And there were many lights in the chamber where they were gathered together, and there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutichus, fallen into a deep sleep. And as Paul declared, he was the more overcome with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. Paul went down and fell on him, and embraced him, and said: make nothing ado for his life is in him. When he was come up again, he brake bread, and talked, and communed a long while even till the morning, and so departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
And we went afore to ship, and loosed unto Asson there to receive Paul. For so had he appointed, and would himself go a foot. When he was come to us unto Asson, we took him in, and came to Mytilenes. And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios. And the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogilon. The next day we came to Myleton: for Paul had determined to leave Ephesus as they sailed, because he would not spend the time in Asia. For he hasted to be (if he could possibly) at Jerusalem at the day of Pentecost. Wherefore from Myleton he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation. And when they were come to him, he said unto them: Ye know from the first day that I came unto Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humbleness of mind, and with many tears, and temptations which happened unto me by the laying wait of the Jewes, and how I kept back nothing that was profitable: but that I have showed you and taught you openly and at home in your houses, witnessing both to the Jewes, and also to the Greeks, the repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.
And now behold I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, and know not what shall come on me there, but that the holy ghost witnesseth in every city saying: that bonds and trouble abide me. But none of those things move me: neither is my life dear unto myself, that I might fulfil my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received of the Lord *Jesu, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.
And now behold, I am sure that henceforth ye all (through whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God) shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this same day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have kept nothing back: but have showed you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock, whereof the holy ghost hath made you overseers, to rule the congregation of God, which he hath purchased with his blood. For I am sure of this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, which will not spare the flock. Moreover of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them. Therefore awake and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one of you, both 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 further, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have desired no mans silver, gold, or vesture. Ye know well that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to receive the weak and to remember the words of the Lord *Jesu, how that he said: It is more blessed to give, than to receive.
When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they wept all abundantly and fell on Pauls neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. |
 |
|
