“I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:19-20).

Paul’s ministry led him into many difficult situations. “Severe testing” was his shorthand description of a life of beatings, imprisonment, stoning and attacks on his integrity. Being an apostle wasn’t an easy life.

In this emotional farewell with those he had pastored during his two and a half years in Ephesus he recalls the struggles he faced. Yet, he was able to say that his difficulties had not interfered with his faithful ministry to the Ephesian church. In spite of the opposition he encountered, he had not hesitated to preach the truth both publicly and privately.

He summarized the heart of his preaching with these words: “I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you.” What a testimony! Paul’s ministry was designed to help them.

Those words are a healthy reminder to all of us who are following in Paul’s footsteps of faith. We are called to share God’s Word in a way that will help those who hear us. Whether we are speaking to those under the bondage of sin, or those who are facing moments of crisis in their lives, we are sent by God with a message that will help them. The opposition we face can’t stop us. Our calling is much too important for that.