Paul gives his farewell message, and I give mine. I’ll be returning to Nigeria but not to Lagos, at least not full time. Let us learn from Paul’s instruction, and go do likewise.

First, there are trials and sufferings that come upon us for preaching the gospel: vs18-19

When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.”

We bear these trials with all patience and humility.

Humility recognizes that we are nothing, and all that we have is by grace. By grace we know more than others, and grace keeps us out of hell. Grace is the reason that you have power over sin, and grace forgives us [Titus 3:5-7]. Grace is the WHOLE REASON that we are right with God, and we ought to act like it, not being proud. Grace gives us humility, which authenticates our service, or our religion is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic [James 3:15].”

May the Lord be with us in deep humility - dealing honestly with ourselves in perseverance with joy.

Secondly, Paul had a hard life, but he was not perfect. vs22-23

“And now, compelled in the spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.”

Paul was proud, just like everyone else, and he had to struggle with it! In fact, God gave him the messenger Satan to humble him by beating down his flesh with trials and terrors, so that he’d safely trust in Christ and receive power from His strength [2 Cor 12:7-8].

Do not be fearful, and do not be a hero worshiper! Judge every man according to Scripture, forgive the brethren, and walk humbly. Trials will come to bring us down, but He will be faithful [Ps 89:32-33]. He’ll chasten us in wisdom.

Paul was told not to go to Jerusalem, but he went, denying the plain statements of the Lord and of the Spirit [Acts 21:4; Acts 22:17-21]. He denied the Lord under pressure, pretending to be a Pharisee, when he’d long ago forsaken that heresy [Acts 23:6]. The Lord, however, stood with him and used him, as He does us [Acts 23:11].

Thirdly, I am innocent of all men’s blood in Lagos. vs25-27

“Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.”

Like Paul, I have preached God’s whole counsel to you - justification by faith and justification by works [James 2:22-24]. I’ve preached election and put to silence troublers with their pretended miracles. I’ve stood against the health and wealth gospel and tried to help the church.

We’ve brought free books, and I ask you to meet with those who’ve attended to the gospel. Form a church, and establish the true worship of God. Meet together in houses, and come out from those who teach lies.

“Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [2 Cor 6:17]

Stand for the truth with plainness. Count these things as serious!

Fourthly, there is a GREAT WARNING attached to the gospel! Vs28-31

"Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears."

These things are not optional! Sovereign grace is not “a” message but “the” message of God saving sinners. Holiness is not optional. A pure gospel is not optional!

Do not go back into false churches and return to filthiness. Do not support them or bid them Godspeed for fear of man [2 John 9-11]. Some know enough to leave the false church, but not enough to join together with saints in truth. The gospel is not that important to them.

You, however, be different. Do not compromise, waver, or water it down the gospel, but preach it, preach it, preach it! Preach it in love, but be steadfast. Do it for the glory of God.

Finally, I have shown you that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Vs33-35

I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

I’ve taken the example of Paul and the words of Christ, seriously, not being a burden like a big man. In humility and joy, I have given with a clean conscience - not using gifts like Abasolom’s smiles to win the crowd [2 Sam 15:5-6].

Books, clothing, transport money, and support has been freely given. God’s enabled me to walk uprightly among you as a testimony to your conscience of the truth of my ministry. Please compare the example of Paul to everyone you meet claiming to know God and preach the gospel. Please follow the example yourself!

God is the One that is worthy of all glory and admiration. We are unprofitable and humble servants, but we desire to be examples that honor Him. Take Paul’s testimony seriously as something that grace will enable you to do.