Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

What Paul has to say in his final letter to Timothy is appreciated most fully by knowing the background of his ministry at Ephesus where Timothy was at the time of his writing. The word of God was being taught and spreading out from Ephesus, miracles were being done and great opposition was building.

About a year or so after Paul had left Ephesus, when he was within 30 miles or so on a return trip to Jerusalem, he called for the Ephesian elders to meet with him so he could give them some final instruction and warnings. He did not anticipate seeing them again so it became his farewell to them. Sadly he also had to defend his personal character and his ministry. Often when the word is being preached authoritatively it is misconstrued as being proclaimed arrogantly and with personal authority. Those who don't want to hear and submit to the Word will try to undermine the speaker by casting doubt on their integrity to discredit the message being given out. The same scheme is used today as the ongoing opposition to the truth continues.