Acts 20 29

Acts 20:29 kjv

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Acts 20:29 nkjv

For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

Acts 20:29 niv

I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

Acts 20:29 esv

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;

Acts 20:29 nlt

I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 29 Meaning

This verse is a warning from the Apostle Paul to the elders of the church in Ephesus. He states that after his departure, savage wolves will enter, not sparing the flock. These wolves are likened to false teachers who will distort the truth and lead people astray. The verse emphasizes the need for vigilance and faithfulness in the face of deception within the church itself.

Acts 20 29 Context

This verse is found in the farewell speech of the Apostle Paul to the elders of the church at Ephesus, as recorded in Acts chapter 20. Paul was on his final journey to Jerusalem, knowing that imprisonment and potential death awaited him. He had spent a significant amount of time in Ephesus, ministering and establishing the church. Therefore, his words to these elders were of paramount importance, containing pastoral guidance and prophetic warnings. The historical context is the growing church in the Roman Empire, facing both external persecution and internal threats from false teachings and individuals seeking to exploit the flock for personal gain or doctrinal deviation.

Acts 20 29 Word Analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): A common Greek conjunction, meaning "and," connecting the preceding statement about Paul's departure with the subsequent warning.

• I know (οἶδα -oida): Expresses certain knowledge, a conviction based on divine revelation or deep understanding. It's not guesswork, but a firm assurance.

• that (ὅτι - hoti): Introduces a subordinate clause, indicating the content of Paul's certain knowledge.

• after (μετὰ - meta): A preposition indicating "after" in time, signifying events that will transpire subsequent to Paul's leaving.

• my (ἐμῆς - emēs): Possessive pronoun referring to Paul himself.

• departure (ἀφίξεώς - aphixeōs): From the verb ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), meaning "to let go," "to send away," or "to depart." In this context, it refers to Paul's physical departure from them, likely alluding to his anticipated death or removal.

• savage (βαρεῖς - bareis): The plural form of βαρύς (barus), meaning "heavy," "burdensome," or in this context, "fierce," "harsh," "oppressive," or "vicious." It describes the nature of the wolves.

• wolves (λύκοι - lukoi): The plural of λύκος (lukos), the Greek word for "wolf." This is a direct metaphor.

• will come (εἰσελεύσονται - eiseleusontai): Future middle indicative of εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai), meaning "to enter into," "to come in." It indicates an incoming, invasive action.

• in (εἰς - eis): Preposition meaning "into" or "among."

• among (ὑμᾶς - hēmas): Pronoun "you" (plural), indicating the sphere into which the wolves will enter – the church itself.

• not (μη - mē): Negative particle used with imperatives and in dependent clauses to express prohibition or prevention.

• sparing (φειδόμενοι - pheidomenoi): Present middle participle of φείδομαι (pheedomai), meaning "to spare," "to have mercy on," or "to refrain from." It indicates the active lack of compassion or restraint.

• the flock (τοῦ ποιμνίου - tou poimniou): Genitive singular of ποίμνιον (poimnion), meaning "flock of sheep," referring to the members of the church.

• Words Group: "savage wolves" (βαρεῖς λύκοι - bareis lukoi): This is a potent metaphor drawn from animal behavior and agrarian life. Wolves are known predators of sheep. The adjective "savage" intensifies this predatory image, describing not just external enemies, but internal threats within the community, characterized by their destructive and merciless nature.

• Words Group: "will come in among you" (εἰσελεύσονται εἰς ὑμᾶς - eiseleusontai eis hēmas): This phrase highlights the insidious nature of the threat. The danger will not necessarily be from overt external enemies, but from individuals who infiltrate the very community of believers. The preposition "into" (εἰς) emphasizes invasion, while "among you" (ὑμᾶς) specifies the internal context of the church.

• Words Group: "not sparing the flock" (τοῦ ποιμνίου μὴ φειδόμενοι - tou poimniou mē pheidomenoi): This powerful negative participle reveals the motive and method of these future infiltrators. They will act without compassion, their intent being to harm, exploit, or destroy the spiritual well-being of the church members, whom Paul collectively calls "the flock."

Acts 20 29 Bonus Section

The metaphor of "wolves" is particularly apt because wolves are cunning, often attack at night or from hiding, and work to isolate and destroy individual sheep, scattering the flock. This reflects how false teachers often operate with deception, twisting Scripture and exploiting vulnerabilities within the congregation. The Apostle John also warned against similar dangers in his epistles, speaking of those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9) and antichrists who deny that Jesus has come in the flesh (1 John 4:3). The Ephesian elders were the spiritual overseers entrusted with the care of the church, highlighting the solemn responsibility placed upon those in leadership to protect the congregation from such dangers, even as Paul himself modeled relentless teaching and admonishment (Acts 20:31).

Acts 20 29 Commentary

Paul's stark warning about "savage wolves" entering the church after his departure underscores a fundamental aspect of church history: the constant battle against false teachings and individuals who seek to harm the body of Christ from within. The imagery of wolves preying on sheep is a recurring theme in Scripture, powerfully conveying the destructive intent of deceptive leaders. These "wolves" are not necessarily outside persecutors but appear within the ranks of the church, cloaked in sheep's clothing or exploiting the trust placed in them. Their primary aim is not to nourish, but to scatter, devour, and lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel, often for selfish or perverse reasons. This calls for unwavering vigilance, discernment, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, as Paul exhorted the Ephesians elders. The responsibility for the flock lies with the undershepherds, who must be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves (Matt 10:16).

• False teachers seek to harm the flock internally.
• Their motives are predatory and destructive, not pastoral.
• Vigilance and discernment are essential for church leaders and members.
• The truth and integrity of the Gospel are the core at risk.