Acts 20:31

31 Therefore ¹be alert, remembering that ²for three years I did not cease night or day ³to admonish everyone ⁴with tears.

Acts 20:31 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 20:31

Therefore watch
Meaning both over themselves, and the flock; to prevent, if possible, false teachers entering in, and to nip the buds of heresy and schism, as soon as they appear, and to preserve themselves, and the church, from being carried away with the error of the wicked.

And remember that by the space of three years;
reckoning from his first coming to Ephesus, unto this time, that he now called at Miletus; see ( Acts 18:19 Acts 18:20 ) ( Acts 19:8 Acts 19:10 Acts 19:22 ) ( Acts 20:3 Acts 20:6 Acts 20:17 ) and

I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears;
that is, he was constantly and continually cautioning them against false teachers, and their doctrines, in the most tender and affectionate manner; shedding tears at the thoughts of what mischief would be done, and how many souls would be ruined by them; which gives a lively idea of the apostle, and his ministry, of his affection, zeal, and diligence, very worthy of the imitation of all the preachers of the Gospel. Several copies, and all the Oriental versions, read, "everyone of you".

Acts 20:31 In-Context

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

30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.

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

32 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.

33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.

Cross References

• 1. [Hebrews 13:17]; See Matthew 24:42
• 2. [Acts 19:8, 10; Acts 24:17]
• 3. Colossians 1:28
• 4. [Hebrews 13:17]; See ver. 19