The Spiritual Testament of the Apostle to the Nations (Acts 20:17–38; 2 Tim 4:1–8)

The Spiritual Testament of the Apostle to the Nations (Acts 20:17–38; 2 Tim 4:1–8)

The article consists of two parts. Both, the (Acts 20:17–38) and (2 Timothy 4:1–5) refer to the Apostle Paul and are closely linked. From a literary point of view, these pericopes from the Acts and 2 Timothy adopt the value of a testament, even though in the case of Acts we are actually dealing with a farewell speech. However, it is the last word addressed to the elders of Ephesus and can therefore be regarded as a testament. The figure of Paul presented in these texts, although deviating from history in some passages, nevertheless fulfils its intended role. It provides a clear point of reference for the post-apostolic Church in times of struggle for the truth and the moral stance of those responsible for the ecclesial community.