NOTES for Act 20:17-38
The speech Paul addressed to the brethren before leaving for Jerusalem recalls Christ’s farewell words at the Last Supper, and this cannot surprise us, for Paul himself asked Christians: “...imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 4:16). This is not imitation in the bad sense of the word, for Paul does not mimic the Teacher’s appearance and manner, as the many false christs and false prophets do; rather, he consciously carries out the task entrusted to him, measuring his words and actions against Christ.
Facing the trials ahead, Paul takes stock of his ministry. We know that it is not finished and that Paul still has much to do, but at this moment, as at any moment, he is ready to answer for what he has or has not managed to accomplish.
Having warned the brethren he is leaving about the dangers, Paul entrusts them not to the authoritative leadership of any apostle or other experienced church person, but to God and the word of His grace. Paul does not replace God and His will with human undertakings: however well designed and necessary they may be, they will not help without Him.