Recent biblical scholarship has increasingly focused on the ethical and moral aspects (tropology) of Scripture. Virtually every Bible passage can be interpreted from a tropological perspective. St. Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, commonly known as the ‘Miletus speech’ (Acts 20:18-35), stands out as one of his most ethically focused messages. This book offers a modest exploration of the ethical and moral themes within this speech, particularly in verses 32-35. It also delves into the connection between Paul’s and Luke’s theological and ethical frameworks, revealing their shared views on grace, the avoidance of greed, the value of hard work, helping the poor, and the significance of generosity. The ethical insights of the Miletus speech are timeless. The speech not only reflects Paul’s ministry and teachings but serves as a call for Christians to model their lives on the examples of Jesus and Paul. By presenting Paul as an ethical model for second-generation Christians, Luke extends this model to all Christians across time.

The book is organized into three parts. The First Part introduces readers to an ethical interpretation of Acts 20:32-35 by examining the Greco-Roman and Jewish farewell speeches and their associated ethical themes. The Second Part, comprising five chapters, focuses on the key ethical topics in each verse, beginning with verse 32, and includes detailed exegetical insights. Part Three, with two chapters, explores the connection between theology and ethics and considers the broader implications of the speech. I hope this book serves as a moral guide for the faithful and a valuable resource for biblical scholars and ethicists.

Contents

Acknowledgements
Preface
Abbreviations
General Introduction

Part 1: Preparing to Interpret the Ethical Emphases in Acts 20:32–35

Chapter 1: The Ethical Emphases of Ancient Farewell Speeches: A Contextual Study

Chapter 2: An Overview of the Pauline Speeches in Acts

Part 2: The Ethical Emphases of the Miletus Speech: An Investigation into Acts 20:32–35

Chapter 3: Grace: A Gift Fundamental to Ethical Life

Chapter 4: Acts 20:33: Ethics of “Pure Intention”

Chapter 5: Acts 20:34: Ethics of Manual Labor

Chapter 6: Acts 20:35 A: Paul as an Ethical Model

Chapter 7: Acts 20:35: Ethics of Giving

Part 3: Theological Ethics, Ethical Concerns, and Prospects of Acts 20:32–35

Chapter 8: Interplay of Theology and Ethics in the Miletus Speech

Chapter 9: Ethical Vision and Implications of Acts 20:32–35

General Conclusion
Bibliography

Dr. James Kizhakkeyil earned a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (SSL) from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome. He is currently a resident professor of Scripture at St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI) in Davao, Philippines. Before his appointment at SATMI, he taught Scripture at the Redemptorist Theologate (Mt. St. Alphonsus) in Frazer Town, Bangalore. Dr. James Kizhakkeyil is a member of the Liguori Province of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R.).