Paul’s Farewell Address to the Ephesians
Open Your Bible
Acts 20:1-38, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, Philippians 1:20-21
BY Bailey T. Hurley
During my senior year of high school, each student was given a writing assignment: what is the good life? It was a tradition at my school for each graduating senior to reflect on what they believed made a good life, almost like a farewell address to this chapter of their life. Then, we had to stand before a faculty board and support our thesis. We were being held accountable for the ideals of the good life we believed in.
I centered my thesis around Acts 20:24 where Paul writes, “My purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” Everything else that made up the good life, like finding the right vocation, establishing healthy friendships, creating a Christ-centered family, and maintaining a walk with Jesus were all motivated by finishing the course Jesus gave me. My good life was to be a testament to the grace of God.
Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesians reminds me of his own personal paper on what he believed was the good life. Before he leaves the Ephesians, he reminds them of all he has done on behalf of Jesus. He has taught the hope of Jesus fearlessly, and has held the church accountable to the truth of Jesus’s word. He encourages them to continue to build a life around the same biblical values that he demonstrated for them—never shrinking back from living a bold life for Jesus.
Looking back, I see why our teachers asked us to write the paper. It wasn’t so that we could walk into the adult world with a perfect path towards our own version of the good life. It was to give us an opportunity to decide for ourselves what truths we would stand by when things got hard, and our morals were tested.
In the same way, Paul knew when he left the Ephesian church, “savage wolves” would hide amongst them and try to twist God’s truth (Acts 20:29). It was necessary for them to be alert, remembering Paul’s example so that they would not turn away from everything he had taught them about Jesus.
If you were to give your final address, what would you point to in your life that demonstrated what was most valuable to you? Would it sound a lot like Paul’s address—a life dedicated to the message of Jesus? My prayer for us is this: “As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). If you build a legacy for Jesus, I have no doubt your life will be a “good” one.
25 thoughts on "Paul’s Farewell Address to the Ephesians"
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Thank you SEARCHING for praying for me. I nearly cried when I saw your comment. Yesterday, something definitely changed. I was able to speak to God, to fight through many months of emotional hiding from him, and speak what really was happening. I told him how I doubted him and asked all these questions I had. I feared it would ruin my faith, that he would punish me if I showed that I doubted him, but of COURSE that wasn’t the case. I felt him draw closer, my heart’s armour seemed to chip away a little bit. Your prayers are SO effective. My faith was a bit strengthened because I realized I could be radically (for me at least) HONEST with him, no fear of offending him. Praise God for you all. ❤️
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Praying, Bessie, for your dear friend, Erica, as she goes to court this morning. May God be glorified in and through her and the outcome!
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Praying that Erica’s day in court goes well.
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“My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Paul’s prayer is mine. Not so much what I do but the why of doing it.
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Holy Spirit testify to my heart daily Your plans and guide me to follow. Amen
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BESSIE – saying a prayer for Erica. So intimidating.
MELANIE – it’s easy to beat yourself up. Instead look to the Father who never stops offering His grace. You are His, and that’s what is true. We will never meet His perfect standard. That’s why we need Jesus. Peace to you.
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This practice of sharing a final address struck a chord as the other night our little family had a time together where we remember those who have passed away. This year my husband asked that the five of us (including our girls 12, 10, 7) each write our obituary or eulogy. Those that shared were so sweet, and it reminded me of what matters to me. Love God and love people. These are the two greatest commandments. That’s how I want to live my life. That all that I do my “testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”
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Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement yesterday <3 I'm nervous to talk to him today but above all else want God's will to be done in my life.
I've definitely been reflecting a lot on what the "good life" is to me in this season of starting my career, moving into my own apartment, and navigating relationships. As much as I want to have a plan, I'm finding that it is better to surrender my plan to the Lord's and allow Him to move and work through me. Lord strengthen me to chase after you more than anything else.
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