Acts 20 31

Acts 20:31 kjv

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Acts 20:31 nkjv

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

Acts 20:31 niv

So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Acts 20:31 esv

Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

Acts 20:31 nlt

Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you ? my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 31 Meaning

Acts 20:31 serves as a direct charge and powerful example from the Apostle Paul to the Ephesian elders. He exhorted them to be vigilant and remember his personal ministry pattern: a relentless, deeply emotional, three-year-long dedication to individually warning every believer in Ephesus, day and night. This command was given in light of Paul's impending departure and the threat of spiritual dangers, urging them to emulate his pastoral diligence in safeguarding the flock.

Acts 20 31 Context

Acts 20:31 is part of Paul's emotional farewell address to the elders of the church at Ephesus, delivered at Miletus (Acts 20:17-38). This discourse is Paul's final recorded direct communication with a specific church's leadership before his journey to Jerusalem, where he anticipates suffering and imprisonment (Acts 20:22-25). His words in this verse serve as a direct instruction, and an intense example, emphasizing the seriousness of their future responsibility to shepherd the church after his departure. He warns them explicitly of "fierce wolves" (false teachers) entering among them and men arising from their own ranks "speaking perverse things" (Acts 20:29-30), who would attempt to draw away disciples. Therefore, his call to "watch" and "remember" his diligent ministry acts as a benchmark and a clear directive for the elders to uphold faithful doctrine and guard the flock.

Acts 20 31 Word analysis

• Therefore (διὸ - dio): This conjunction signifies a conclusion or a logical consequence derived from the preceding statements. In this context, it links the elders' future responsibility, especially against anticipated dangers, directly to Paul's exemplary past ministry. It signals that Paul is drawing a weighty conclusion based on the warning of fierce wolves and perverted teachings (vv. 29-30).
• Watch (γρηγορεῖτε - grēgoreite): From grēgoreō, meaning to be awake, alert, vigilant, watchful, or to keep watch. It implies both mental alertness and spiritual preparedness. It is a command to maintain constant spiritual awareness, like a guard on duty, in anticipation of dangers or a coming event. For the elders, this meant actively guarding against false teachings and maintaining sound doctrine.
• And remember (καὶ μνημονεύετε - kai mnēmoneuete): From mnēmoneuō, meaning to recall, keep in mind, or call to remembrance. It implies not just mental recollection, but also living in light of past experiences and lessons. The elders were to remember Paul's diligent service as a pattern for their own, particularly his dedication, teaching, and warnings.
• That by the space of three years (ὅτι τριετίαν - hoti trietian): Literally, "that a three-year period." This refers to the significant duration of Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus, as noted in Acts 19:8, 10, where he first taught in the synagogue for three months and then for two full years in the school of Tyrannus, plus possibly a third period of continuous activity, making the general sum approximately three years. It denotes an intensive, extensive, and continuous period of labor, not just a casual visit.
• I ceased not (οὐκ ἐπαυσάμην - ouk epausamēn): From pauō, to cease or stop, with the negation ouk. This phrase emphasizes Paul's uninterrupted, tireless, and relentless commitment to his ministry. His efforts were continuous and persistent.
• To warn (νουθετῶν - nouthetōn): The present active participle of noutheteō, meaning to admonish, instruct, caution, warn, or exhort with a mind-setting purpose. This word implies a personal, persuasive, and caring approach, intended to bring correction or guidance to the mind or understanding, often in response to potential danger or error. It is more than just teaching (didaskō); it is corrective and protective guidance, coming from a place of deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the individuals.
• Every one (ἕκαστον - hekaston): Emphasizes Paul's individualized approach. His ministry was not merely confined to large gatherings but included personal, one-on-one attention and counsel. This highlights the depth and breadth of his pastoral care, valuing each individual.
• Night and day (νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας - nýktos kai hēméros): This idiomatic expression denotes continuous, constant, and unremitting effort. It underscores the intensity, diligence, and complete commitment of Paul's service, implying he dedicated all available time to teaching, encouraging, and warning the believers.
• With tears (μετὰ δακρύων - meta dakryōn): Signifies the deep emotional investment, profound burden, and heartfelt concern Paul had for the Ephesian believers. His warnings were not detached lectures but expressions of love, compassion, and grief over the spiritual dangers and potential errors that could afflict them. It shows the sincerity and earnestness of his pastoral heart.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Therefore watch, and remember": This is a twofold command to the elders, directly linking Paul's exemplary past conduct to their future responsibilities. "Watch" (grēgoreite) demands active vigilance against the external and internal threats to the church (Acts 20:29-30). "Remember" (mnēmoneuete) calls for a conscious recall and application of Paul's tireless, unselfish, and devoted ministry as their guiding model.
• "By the space of three years I ceased not": This phrase emphasizes the extensive and sustained nature of Paul's ministry in Ephesus. It's not a casual engagement but a deep, long-term commitment that exemplifies perseverance. "Ceased not" highlights his unflagging energy and dedication, a challenge to any who might grow weary in serving the Lord.
• "To warn every one night and day with tears": This describes the essence and manner of Paul's pastoral heart. "To warn" (nouthetōn) speaks to his loving, corrective instruction. "Every one" highlights his personal, individualized discipleship. "Night and day" shows his tireless diligence. "With tears" reveals his profound empathy and sacrificial love, underscoring the deep burden he carried for the spiritual welfare of the flock, a model for compassionate, yet firm, spiritual leadership.

Acts 20 31 Bonus section

The example set by Paul in Acts 20:31 extends beyond professional clergy, serving as a principle for any believer involved in discipling or caring for others within the body of Christ. It highlights that true spiritual concern involves diligence (three years, night and day), personal engagement (every one), and often a deeply felt burden, manifested as empathy or tears, for the spiritual welfare and growth of those entrusted to one's care. It directly confronts complacency, demonstrating that faithful service involves vigilance and persistent effort, rooted in love and sorrow for potential spiritual pitfalls.

Acts 20 31 Commentary

Acts 20:31 provides a potent summary of Paul's ministry ethos and an enduring template for spiritual leadership. In the face of his imminent departure and the prophesied rise of "fierce wolves" and internal deceivers (Acts 20:29-30), Paul models proactive, selfless, and emotionally invested leadership. His call for the elders to "watch" speaks to a required spiritual alertness, a constant vigilance over doctrine and conduct within the flock. His "remember" connects this present duty to his own persistent, hands-on, three-year labor. The nature of his warnings—"ceased not," "every one," "night and day," and critically, "with tears"—illustrates a pastor whose teaching was personal, continuous, earnest, and deeply rooted in a profound love for the flock, sorrowing over the potential dangers they faced. This verse underscores that effective pastoral care is not merely instructional but is characterized by consistent, deeply compassionate vigilance against anything that would threaten the spiritual well-being of believers.