Acts 20 records a busy time in the latter portion of Paul’s third missionary journey. It began with his exhorting the disciples in Ephesus after the breakup of the riot there (v. 1). Then he gave “much exhortation” to believers in Macedonia (v. 2), before spending three months in Greece, doubtless in ministry (v. 3). Then Paul and his companions spent a week in Troas, where on the first day of the week he preached well into the night. After healing a young man who died after falling asleep and out of a window, Paul continued to minister to the assembly there until daybreak.
After leaving Troas, the apostle made four more stops on his way toward Jerusalem before arriving at Miletus, from where he called for the elders of the church in Ephesus to come to him for instruction and encouragement. In all these places, Paul preached the gospel and exhorted the disciples in their faith, all the while facing the prospect of persecution at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders. He said that (v. 23):
The Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.
But despite the threats to his life, Paul was willing to endure, not shrinking back from declaring the Word of God to Jews and Greeks both publicly and from house to house (vv. 20-21). The reason for his resolve is given in verse 24.
But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.
An essential quality for any ministry is the knowledge that you are a God-sent man or woman. Paul expressed clear marching orders from the Lord Jesus, and it made all the difference relative to his former life. Have you and I been sent by the Lord Jesus? I will leave you with two passages to consider, one from Paul; the other by our Lord Himself.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled by God (2 Cor. 5:20).
You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you (John 15:16).