From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:17-21

As was Paul’s custom, he followed up with the churches the Lord used him to plant. Ephesus was no exception. Paul had a special affinity for that church, having spent so much time there. Paul began what turned out to be his last face to face talk with them. He addressed the elders, reminding them of his time there.

He reminded them of his personal relationship with them, of his humble service, of his passion (tears), and of how he suffered persecution.
He reminded them of how he tirelessly gave them the Word of God, both when preaching publicly and when in small groups in their homes.
He reminded them of his commitment to preach Christ to any and all—regardless of race or cultural background.
And his message? Nothing other than Christ and the gospel, calling for repentance regarding sin and faith in Christ.

I pray that if my life’s work were ever summarized, it would be similar to Paul’s summary of his. No matter what else we do, may we serve Christ and His Church similarly.