Bible Text: Acts 20:17–35 | Preacher: Pastor Peter Gregory | In the first reading, from the Book of Acts, we heard St. Paul’s “farewell sermon.” To the pastors of the Church in Ephesus, ordained and installed as under-shepherds of Christ, he said, “THEREFORE I TESTIFY TO YOU THIS DAY THAT I AM INNOCENT OF THE BLOOD OF ALL OF YOU, FOR I DIDN’T SHRINK FROM DECLARING TO YOU THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD. PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO YOURSELVES AND TO ALL THE FLOCK, IN WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS MADE YOU OVERSEERS, TO CARE FOR THE CHURCH OF GOD, WHICH HE OBTAINED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD. I KNOW THAT AFTER MY DEPARTURE FIERCE WOLVES WILL COME IN AMONG YOU, NOT SPARING THE FLOCK; AND FROM AMONG YOUR OWN SELVES WILL ARISE MEN SPEAKING TWISTED THINGS, TO DRAW AWAY THE DISCIPLES AFTER THEM. THEREFORE BE ALERT. . . . AND NOW I COMMEND YOU TO GOD AND TO THE WORD OF HIS GRACE, WHICH IS ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP AND TO GIVE YOU THE INHERITANCE AMONG THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED” (vv 26–32).