And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:25-28, NKJV.)
The apostle Paul especially addressed the above-quoted valedictory testimony to leaders of the Church of God, assembled at Ephesus, in New Testament times. Although said many centuries ago, Paul’s words are vital, to anyone who professes to preach the Word of God, in order not to bring the blood of all men upon oneself — to cause men to go in the path of death instead of life! Paul’s exhortation particularly concerns the church leaders’ responsibility in teaching those who have become true Christians — those whom Christ has “purchased with His own blood” — true believers in Christ. Because many preachers — both in the Church of God and outside — have failed to follow Paul’s example, many people have been led astray in their understanding of God’s Word and the true way to salvation — the way to obtaining or entering the kingdom of God.
Christ warned: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin [KJV, “…whoso shall offend (or cause to stumble) one of these little ones…”], it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes” (Matthew 18:6-7)!