Acts 20:31

31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day [for] three years I did not stop warning each one [of you] with 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 you yourselves men will arise, speaking {perversions of the truth} in order to draw away the disciples after them.
31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day [for] three years I did not stop warning each one [of you] with tears.
32 "And now I entrust you to God and to the message of his grace, which is able to build [you] up and to give [you] the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
33 I have desired no one's silver or gold or clothing!

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. *The words "[of you]" are not in the Greek text but are implied
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.