Big Picture: The primary role of the shepherd (pastor) is to nourish, protect, and guide the flock with the word, and to model a godly life.

1. Paul talks about his own ministry in Ephesus and his own future (18-24).

2. Paul uses his example of ministry as an encouragement to the elders in Ephesus to keep watch over themselves and over all the flock of God of which the Holy Spirit has made them overseers, with special emphasis on the challenges ahead when people within the church will prove eager to gain disciples and distort the truth (25-31).