Acts 20 32

Acts 20:32 kjv

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Acts 20:32 nkjv

"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Acts 20:32 niv

"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Acts 20:32 esv

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Acts 20:32 nlt

"And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 32 Meaning

Acts 20:32 presents Paul's farewell entrustment of the Ephesian elders to God and to the "word of His grace." This word is depicted as a living, powerful entity capable of both present spiritual maturity and future eschatological reward. It assures believers of divine assistance to build them up in their faith and secure their share in the eternal blessings alongside all those who are divinely set apart.

Acts 20 32 Context

Acts chapter 20 describes Paul's journey back to Jerusalem, which included a poignant stop at Miletus where he called for the elders of the church in Ephesus. This verse is the climax of his farewell discourse (Acts 20:17-38). Knowing he would not see them again (Acts 20:25), Paul delivered a solemn charge. He recounted his own faithful ministry among them, warned of future internal and external dangers to the church—false teachers and wolves preying on the flock (Acts 20:29-30)—and urged them to be vigilant (Acts 20:31). Amidst this profound concern for their spiritual well-being and the integrity of the church, Paul offers this powerful word of encouragement and a final act of entrustment. Historically, this highlights the fragility of the early church and the essential role of divine power and the teachings of grace in sustaining it against emerging threats.

Acts 20 32 Word analysis

• And now, brethren, (Greek: Kai ta nyn adelphoi) - Paul addresses them intimately, as spiritual family. The "and now" signifies a turn from his past account and warnings to a critical concluding statement, imparting a final, solemn charge.
• I commend you (Greek: paratithemai hymas) - From paratithemai, meaning "to place beside, deposit, commit for safe keeping." It is not merely a recommendation but an act of entrusting, an action demonstrating faith that the recipient (God and His word) is capable of upholding the trust. It implies Paul’s departure from their direct oversight and his trust in a higher power.
• to God (Greek: tō Theō) - The ultimate object of Paul's entrustment. God is the sovereign, benevolent, and omnipotent keeper of His people, reinforcing the deep reliance on divine care.
• and to the word of His grace, (Greek: kai tō logō tēs charitos autou) - This phrase links God directly to His word, implying that the word is the instrument or revelation of His grace. "Grace" (charitos) refers to God's unmerited favor and active divine enabling power. It is the core message of the gospel itself, emphasizing salvation through faith, not works. This "word" is the active, powerful proclamation of the gospel.
• which is able (Greek: tou dynamenou) - From dynamai, meaning "to be powerful, to be able." This emphasizes the inherent, active power residing within "the word of His grace" (or perhaps even within God himself, as the phrase is slightly ambiguous in its referent, but the word is often personified). This word is not passive but has transformative, constructive power.
• to build you up (Greek: oikodomēsai) - Literally "to build a house"; figuratively, "to edify, to strengthen, to foster growth in character and faith, to establish securely." This is a spiritual architectural metaphor, depicting the process of maturity, stability, and deepening faith in the individual and collective church.
• and give you (Greek: kai dounai hymin) - Signifies a divine impartation or bestowal. It's not earned but a gift.
• an inheritance (Greek: tēn klēronomian) - A foundational biblical concept, rooted in Israel's physical land inheritance. In the New Testament, it signifies the spiritual, eschatological blessings, eternal life, a share in God’s kingdom, and the full realization of salvation promised to believers as co-heirs with Christ. It is a secure, future possession.
• among all those who are sanctified. (Greek: en tois ēgiasmenois pasin) - "Sanctified" (hēgiasmenois) means "set apart, consecrated, made holy." It's a perfect passive participle, indicating a completed action by God with ongoing results. This refers to all true believers in Christ, as they are declared holy by God through their union with Him. The inheritance is a shared blessing among all of God's holy people, underscoring the communal aspect of salvation and future glory.

• "I commend you to God and to the word of His grace": This grouping highlights the dual nature of Paul's trust: directly in God's person, and in God's communicated truth (the gospel) which reveals and extends His grace. It acknowledges both divine sovereignty and divine means for human growth.
• "which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance": This emphasizes the twin functions of God's gracious word. It provides present strength, growth, and stability (build up), and guarantees future security, blessing, and reward (inheritance). It addresses both temporal challenges and eternal hope.

Acts 20 32 Bonus section

Paul's entrustment highlights a profound biblical principle: while human leaders guide and teach, ultimately the responsibility for spiritual growth and protection rests with God Himself and the revealed truth of His Word. This word is not just information but a living entity, imbued with the dynamis (power) of God. The mention of "His grace" directly preceding the "word" signifies that this Word is inseparable from the benevolent, enabling character of God. The concept of "inheritance" links the early church's future hope directly to Old Testament promises of blessings for God's chosen people, but now reinterpreted through Christ as a spiritual and eternal reality shared by all who are "sanctified" (believers). This verse also acts as a subtle polemic against any reliance on human wisdom, self-effort, or ritualism, positing that only God's grace, articulated through His word, has the power to achieve such profound and lasting transformation and secure future glory.

Acts 20 32 Commentary

Acts 20:32 encapsulates the core mechanism of spiritual sustenance for believers facing the challenges of this world. Paul's final entrustment of the Ephesian elders, and by extension the church, is a powerful theological statement. He passes the baton of spiritual care not to human efforts or their own wisdom, but entirely to God and the potent instrument of His "word of grace." This emphasizes the centrality of the gospel message—the divine favor bestowed through Christ—as the source of both power and growth. The "word of His grace" is a dynamic, active force, endowed with the capacity to fortify individual believers and the entire body of Christ (build you up) against the inevitable trials and temptations forewarned by Paul. Beyond immediate strengthening, this divine word also ensures their ultimate participation in the full scope of God's blessings (the inheritance). This inheritance is the certain future promised to all believers, defined by their standing as "sanctified"—set apart and made holy by God through Christ's work. The verse thus offers immense comfort and assurance, rooting the believer's perseverance and ultimate hope in God's unchanging character and the enduring power of His gracious revelation. It's a profound reminder that spiritual flourishing and eternal destiny are divinely sustained.