Paul's farewell speech from Miletus was meant not only for the elders of Ephesus, but also, through them, to all he worked with and for. It is a spiritual testament, beginning with a summary of his past conduct and going on to his expectations of the future for himself as well as for those left behind. He stresses what he has taught them about the virtues of an apostle, which are service and steadfastness in carrying out the mission given them "to bear witness to the goodness of God's grace" (Acts 20: 24), despite opposition and persecution from the Jews.

In comparison, today we have in the gospel passage, the first half of Jesus' farewell prayer which he offers at the end of His farewell discourse to His closest disciples. The Church, in perpetuity, can learn from this prayer which begins with mention of the act of salvation for all from Jesus (v.v. 1-5), then through the work of the apostles (v.v.6-19), and then to all generations (v.v. 20-29) until the end of time.

It is the prayer of the high priest for those whom the Father has given Him and whom He represents. He prays for Himself to begin with, asking to be glorified. This is not egotistic, because what He is asking for is God's acceptance of His sacrifice which will redeem human beings to the glory of the Father, whose glory is one with His.