To the pastors of Ephesus...know your sheep Series: Holy Spirit - Helper & Friend This week Paul, among other things, travels to Miletus and calls for the pastors (elders) of the church of Ephesus to come meet him. Paul knew he would not physically see these men again and needed to encourage them in their calling. His words to them are pivotal as regards pastors. In this passage it is clear that pastors had been appointed before he left Ephesus which proves their authority over local expressions of God's world wide church LONG BEFORE the death of the last apostles. He also clarifies other passages in scripture by calling these elders overseers & shepherds whose job it was to lead, feed and protect the flock by teaching and being living examples of sound doctrine. We see that the pastors met led the church in both public assemblies and from house to house. MUCH is to be learned from this passage - especially when coupled with his former ministry in Ephesus, his later letter to them AND his letters to Timothy while he was ministering there. I hope this is a blessing to you!