Paul's labors in Ephesus were concluded. His ministry there had been a season of incessant labor, of many trials, and of deep anguish. He had taught the people in public and from house to house, with many tears instructing and warning them. Continually he had been opposed by the Jews, who lost no opportunity to stir up the popular feeling against him.

Og mens Paulus således bekæmpede modstand, med utrættelig iver forkyndte evangeliet og var vogter for en menighed, der endnu var så ny i troen, hvilede der en tung byrde på hans sjæl med hensyn til alle menighederne.