Acts 20:25-26 25And now, behold, I know that all of you, to whom I passed through preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face again. 26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole plan of God.
Paul’s words in verse 25 must have been a shock and a wake-up call to the elders in Ephesus. His speech took a significant turn at this point as he began his farewell to them. This would be the last time they would see him this side of heaven. We never know how our meeting with people may be the last time we see them. Fortunately, in our day, we have the ability to communicate across the miles through electronics, so our sense of closeness to people can continue.
To give a final farewell, with the strong conviction from the Holy Spirit, must have been difficult on all who were present, as indicated later in verse 37. This verse hints at why Paul summoned the elders to travel all the way from Ephesus to meet him. He wanted to say goodbye, but do it in a way that would motivate them to continue the ministry in their location with conviction and courage. They had all they needed to continue the ministry of preaching aboug God’s kingdom.
Verses 26-27 indicate how Paul had faithfully carried out his calling. His statement is a bit formal and sounds like he was swearing an oath in a court of law, which served to reinforce his conviction. He had done nothing wrong but followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. Those who had come to believe might also face their own persecutions and trials. Paul did not cause these problems for them any more than he did for himself. The call to follow Jesus can be challenging in some situations. Paul did not shrink back from his calling, and neither should the Ephesians or any other believers.
The phrase the whole plan of God implies preaching both God’s grace and God’s judgment. Paul did not cower from confronting cultural and personal sin, but he also provided the solution through God’s forgiveness. The gospel is about love and salvation, but people must also recognize the seriousness of sin. A good example of Paul’s preaching can be found in Romans, in which he started with the problem of sin and then provided the solution in the grace of God in Christ.