According to Luke in Acts 20:7, the saints gathered in Troas on the first day of the week to break bread, which means they shared the Lord's Supper on Sunday. This suggests that early Christians held their meetings on Sunday, the day of resurrection and the first day of the week. This sets the tradition for Sunday being the significant day for worship under the new covenant. At a worship gathering, a young man named Eutychus falls asleep while sitting in an open third-story window and dies after falling out. However, Paul miraculously brings him back to life by holding him in his arms and reassuring the others. This event showcases Paul's remarkable power and dedication to his teachings as they eat and learn until sunrise.

In Miletus, Paul summons the "elders" from Ephesus to meet with him (v. 17). He first reminds them about his manner of living during his ministry throughout Asia (v. 18). Paul's purpose is not to complain or seek pity, but to explain to the elders why he endured such hardships - for the sake of spreading the gospel. Paul confirms his plan to go to Jerusalem and explains that he is confident of this decision because he is being guided by the Holy Spirit (20:22). Although it is not clear how the Spirit has communicated with him, Paul is determined to follow this mission instructed by the Spirit, even if it means facing challenges. Ultimately, he is committed to obeying God.

During his farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul emphasizes the importance of their role in the church's future. Although he won't see them again in person, he has completed his tasks, and now the responsibility of continuing the ministry lies with the elders. Paul's reference to the "whole counsel of God" (20:27) includes the gospel's content, its Old Testament foundation, and its application in apostolic preaching. Paul emphasizes the importance of ministers being mindful of themselves and those they serve. Paul reminds the elders that the Spirit, not the elders or the church, appoints them as "overseers" in pastoral ministry. This same principle applied to Paul's ministry. Paul knows it is only a matter of time before the Ephesian church faces internal threats, just as the church has faced throughout history.

Paul wants the Ephesians to recall the three years he spent caring for them and his diligent work to establish their churches. He refers to his emotional appeals to them with tears (Acts 20:31). This is comparable to a parent's plea to their child to remember their upbringing and be wary of potential dangers in the world. Paul is not anxious about the church's future despite being concerned about the troubles it may face. He trusts in the power of the Word of God to protect and preserve the church (Acts 20:12). The responsibility of caring for the church does not solely rely on ministers or leaders but on the Word of God. Paul concludes his pastoral advice by citing his behavior among the Ephesians. He never relied on them for financial support but instead worked to provide for himself and set an example for them to follow in helping those in need (v. 35). Acts 20:36, Paul joins the elders in prayer, and everyone cries. Afterward, they walk with Paul to his ship for the last time they will see each other. Paul then sets off for Jerusalem, aware of what he will face there.