Acts 20 25

Acts 20:25 kjv

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Acts 20:25 nkjv

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

Acts 20:25 niv

"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.

Acts 20:25 esv

And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.

Acts 20:25 nlt

"And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 25 Meaning

In Acts 20:25, Paul solemnly declares to the Ephesian elders that he is certain they will not see him again in this life. He roots this premonition in his extensive past ministry among them, where he actively preached and made known the message of God's Kingdom. This verse carries the weight of a final farewell, acknowledging the deep personal connection and the profound impact of his apostolic service, while signaling an impending separation, likely due to imprisonment or death as he journeys toward Jerusalem and Rome.

Acts 20 25 Context

Acts 20:25 is part of Paul's powerful and emotionally charged farewell speech to the elders of the church in Ephesus, delivered in Miletus (Acts 20:17-38). Having spent three significant years ministering in Ephesus (Acts 19:10, 20:31), Paul summoned these leaders as he made his way to Jerusalem, sensing it would be his last encounter with them. The preceding verses (Acts 20:22-24) set a somber tone, as Paul acknowledges being "bound in the Spirit" to go to Jerusalem, fully aware of impending "afflictions and imprisonment," but determined to finish his race. This verse underscores the solemnity and prophetic nature of his departure, expressing his deeply felt conviction that their physical separation would be permanent in this life. The cultural practice of significant farewell speeches by leaders, such as those found in the Old Testament (e.g., Moses, Joshua), provides a framework for understanding the weight of Paul's words here.

Acts 20 25 Word analysis

• And now, (καὶ νῦν - kai nyn)

  • This phrase marks a significant transition, linking Paul's current journey and past ministry with a crucial declaration about the future. It imbues his following words with immediate importance and solemnity, signaling a pivot point in his discourse.
  • Significance: It emphasizes the urgency and directness of his declaration to the elders in that very moment.

• behold, (ἰδοὺ - idou)

  • A strong interjection used to draw emphatic attention, often preceding a solemn or prophetic statement. It serves to heighten the drama and significance of what is about to be revealed, commanding the hearers' focus.
  • Significance: Paul uses it to ensure the elders grasp the profound, almost prophetic, nature of his impending message of final separation.

• I know (οἶδα - oida)

  • This is not merely an opinion or guess, but a statement of certain, definitive knowledge. In Paul's context, especially given his prior references to the Holy Spirit's testimony (Acts 20:23), this "knowing" likely stems from divine revelation or deep spiritual conviction.
  • Significance: It highlights the divinely informed or profoundly certain nature of Paul's statement regarding his non-return, giving it prophetic authority.

• that all of you, (πάντες ὑμεῖς - pantes hymeis)

  • Specifically addresses the entire group of Ephesian elders present. It stresses the comprehensive and inclusive nature of his statement—every single one of them.
  • Significance: This emphasizes the personal connection with all the leaders he served, ensuring none feel excluded from this weighty announcement.

• among whom (ἐν οἷς - en hois)

  • Literally "in whom," denoting Paul's deep relational presence within their community, not merely an external observer. It reflects the immersive nature of his ministry.
  • Significance: It reminds them of the intimacy and shared life they had during his time with them, making the parting more poignant.

• I have gone about (διῆλθον - diēlthon)

  • Derived from diérchomai, meaning "to go through," "to pass through," or "to travel about." It implies extensive, continuous movement and labor throughout their region or among them. This verb underlines his active and far-reaching apostolic work.
  • Significance: Highlights the thoroughness and energy of Paul's ministry, indicating he did not merely visit, but systematically covered the ground with the Gospel.

• proclaiming (κηρύσσων - kēryssōn)

  • Present participle of kēryssō, meaning "to preach" or "to proclaim" as a herald. This term signifies public, authoritative declaration of a message, not simply teaching or discussion. It's the core act of spreading the Gospel as an ambassador of Christ.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the public, authoritative, and non-negotiable nature of the Gospel message that he delivered.

• the kingdom (τὴν βασιλείαν - tēn basileian)

  • Refers to "the Kingdom of God" (or Christ). This was the central theme of Jesus' own preaching and continued as a fundamental message of the apostles. It encompasses God's sovereign rule, His spiritual reign in the hearts of believers, and His ultimate consummation in a new heaven and new earth.
  • Significance: Establishes the core theological content of Paul's mission, linking his ministry directly to the overarching divine purpose and the very essence of God's redemptive plan.

• will no longer see my face. (οὐκέτι ὄψεσθε τὸ πρόσωπόν μου - ouketi opsesthe to prosōpon mou)

  • "No longer" (οὐκέτι - ouketi) conveys definitive cessation. "See" (ὄψεσθε - opsesthe, future tense) denotes a future event. "My face" (prosōpon mou) emphasizes a personal, direct, and intimate interaction. It's not just a passing glance, but the termination of their communal fellowship and direct, embodied leadership.
  • Significance: This is a profoundly emotional and absolute statement of future separation, signaling the end of his direct physical presence and pastoral oversight among them. It evokes grief and finality.

Acts 20 25 Bonus section

• Farewell Discourse Parallels: Paul's address to the Ephesian elders echoes the format and thematic weight of Old Testament farewell discourses (e.g., Moses in Deuteronomy, Joshua in Joshua 23-24). These speeches often included reflections on past leadership, future warnings, exhortations for faithfulness, and pronouncements of a final departure. Paul's "I know" carries a similar tone of prophetic authority as these ancient leaders spoke about their certain death or removal.
• Apostolic Authority: The declaration "I know" also asserts Paul's unique apostolic authority. This foresight, revealed by the Spirit, underlines his divine commission and sets his final words in Miletus as particularly significant instructions, given from one with direct divine insight into his own ultimate fate. It solidified his role as a messenger not just of words, but of divinely guided knowledge regarding his own future course, impacting the charge he gives them subsequently.

Acts 20 25 Commentary

Acts 20:25 stands as a poignant expression of Paul's profound commitment, apostolic foresight, and personal sacrifice. His certainty, likely born from the Holy Spirit's conviction, concerning his impending departure and the permanent cessation of his direct fellowship with the Ephesian elders is a powerful moment of prophetic utterance. He anchors this sorrowful announcement in the integrity and extensiveness of his past ministry among them, emphasizing his unwavering proclamation of "the kingdom of God"—a message that consistently formed the bedrock of early Christian evangelism, pointing to God's redemptive rule in Christ. This verse not only highlights the personal cost of ministry for Paul but also underscores the gravity of leadership and the importance of preparing future leaders for a world where their mentors may no longer be physically present. It serves as a spiritual baton pass, implicitly challenging the elders to remember his teachings and to faithfully continue the work. The bittersweet sentiment reminds us that while physical separations are inevitable in the Christian journey, the spiritual bonds forged in Christ endure, and the Kingdom message must press on regardless of personal farewells.