Acts 20:31

31 For which thing wake ye, holding in mind that by three years night and day I ceased not with tears admonishing each of you.

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 departing, ravening wolves [snatching wolves] shall enter into you, not sparing the flock;
30 and men speaking depraved things shall rise of yourselves [and of yourselves men speaking wayward things shall rise], that they lead away disciples after them.
31 For which thing wake ye, holding in mind that by three years night and day I ceased not with tears admonishing each of you.
32 And now I betake you to God and to the word of his grace, that is mighty to edify and give heritage in all that be made holy.
33 And of no man I coveted silver, and gold, either cloak [or cloth],
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.