The Farewell at Miletus

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

— Acts 20:24 (KJV)

Background

Paul didn’t return to Ephesus on his way to Jerusalem—not because he didn’t love them, but because he knew the Spirit was leading him toward suffering. And if he returned to that city where he’d spent nearly three years, he likely wouldn’t have had the strength to leave.

So instead, he asked the elders of the Ephesian church to meet him in the nearby coastal city of Miletus.

There on the shore, Paul poured out his heart. He reminded them of how he lived among them—with tears, trials, and total transparency. He warned them of future dangers. And then he wept with them, prayed with them, and let them go.

They knew this was goodbye. And that sacred space by the sea became one of Scripture’s most intimate moments of ministry legacy.

Devotional

Sometimes sacred places aren’t tied to buildings or miracles.

Sometimes they’re found in the in-between spaces—where hearts break and stories shift.

This wasn’t the riot. This wasn’t the revival. This was the release.

Paul had given his all to the people of Ephesus. He had taught them truth, modeled humility, warned them of wolves. But now… he had to entrust them to the Holy Spirit and walk away.

That’s not failure. That’s faithfulness.

There will be times in your life when you’ve poured into people, places, or ministries with everything you have—and God still calls you to leave.

It doesn’t mean you’re abandoning them. It means He’s taking them deeper—and you forward.

Paul didn’t say goodbye because he was finished.

He said goodbye because he had more to finish.

Prayer

Lord,

Give me the courage to finish well.

When You ask me to release people or places I’ve loved deeply, help me trust that You’re still holding them close.

Let me lead with humility, love with honesty, and walk away with peace.

Amen.

Reflective Question

Is there someone or something God has asked you to release—not because you failed, but because He is writing a new chapter?

Ask Him today for the grace to say goodbye with joy.