Acts 20:31

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, wild wolves will come in among you. They won't spare any of the sheep.
30 Even men from your own people will rise up and twist the truth. They want to get the believers to follow them.
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.
32 "Now I commit you to God's care. I commit you to the word of his grace. It can build you up. Then you will share in what God plans to give all his people.
33 I haven't longed for anyone's silver or gold or clothing.
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