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27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.Acts 20:27; KJV. Paul is leaving Ephesus, on his way to Jerusalem. He has been warned by the Spirit of God that prison and afflictions await him. Paul calls the church elders to meet him and reminds them how, in all humility, he preached the Gospel of Christ, holding nothing back from them. To both Jew and Gentile, he preached repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul continues that this will probably be the last time they see him, and that he is innocent of any person who rejected Christ. Because everywhere Paul went, he declared the truth of the Gospel message to all. The lessons learned: live the same life you preach. Hold nothing back from the word of God. The message of the Gospel is repentance to God and faith in Christ, the Son of the Living God. Serving Christ may cause suffering. Paul warned the elders that after he was gone, people would rise up from the ranks and try to hinder the Gospel. We must always be vigilant, praying for God's help and protection in all we do. Amen.