20:17-21
Rather than going to Ephesus, he called the elders from the church to meet him at Miletus. He then gives them more teaching, not holding back. Paul had spent a considerable amount of time there, and points to the quality of his life which they had all witnessed. He served the Lord with “great humility”, and with tears. He had served in the midst of persecution. He had taught them the full gospel, and had done so both in public meetings and from house to house. The essence of his message was that both Jews and Greeks “must turn to God in repentance and have faith in the Lord Jesus”. Repentance is a fundamental part of the gospel, and anyone who says otherwise (as some do!) is talking nonsense. Moreover, repentance is not an optional extra. The gospel is a command from God.
20:22,23
Paul felt compelled to go to Jerusalem by the Holy Spirit. This time there is no mention of any vision, dream or angelic visitation. It was probably an inner conviction, but it was not just an idea that Paul had, rather he was being led by the Spirit. He knew this was a dangerous mission, as events proved it to be. Nor does it seem to be one that he had great relish for, for he says that all he knows is that the paths the Spirit leads him on usually involve prison and hardship. This does not mean that Paul did not want to do it, but that he was fully aware of all that it would entail. There was none of the “your best life now” nonsense.
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