Acts 20:31

31 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 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
English Standard Version (ESV)
31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
New Living Translation (NLT)
31 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.
The Message Bible (MSG)
31 So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.
American Standard Version (ASV)
31 Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
31 So be alert! Remember that I instructed each of you for three years, day and night, at times with tears in my eyes.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
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.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning you. Night and day I warned each 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 I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.
31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
32 “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.
33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

Cross References 2

Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.