Acts 20:28

Translations

Modern

Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

Traditional

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Literal

Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

Latin

Attendite vobis, et universo gregi, in quo vos Spiritus Sanctus posuit episcopos regere ecclesiam Dei, quam acquisivit sanguine suo.

Original

Greek

English

Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

Notes

Acts 20:28

Paul describes the church as God’s people and God’s flock (a group cared for by a shepherd; compare 1 Peter 2:25; 5:2, 4). In other places, the church is described as:
- "the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:23; 4:12; Colossians 1:24);
- the "bride" of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7; see Ephesians 5:25–32;
- "God's temple" (1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16).
- "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession" (1 Peter 2:9); and
- "God's field, God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Paul expected the leaders to care for and guide the church, like shepherds care for their flock. The Holy Spirit had appointed them to this role (see 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–7; 1 Peter 5:1–4; compare Acts 6:2–4).

Acts 20:18–38

Paul’s message to the elders (leaders) of the church in Ephesus describes his life and work among them. He also calls these leaders to show the same kind of commitment as they continue the ministry.

In this message, Paul points to his own life as an example. He shows his honesty and care for people (20:18–21, 26, 31). He also speaks about what will happen in the future (20:22–23, 25, 29–30). He warns them about false teachers (people who teach wrong ideas about God; 20:29–30). And he urges the elders to stay alert and faithful (20:28, 31).

Through his example, Paul shows what it means to lead as a servant, with sacrifice and careful attention.

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesus Paul (Saul) Spirit Empowerment The Holy Spirit’s Presence The Holy Spirit’s Work

Events

Paul speaks to Ephesian Elders

Related verses

1 Peter 5:2–3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
1 Timothy 4:16
Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
1 Peter 1:18–19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,
Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
1 Timothy 3:2
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Jeremiah 3:15
Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
1 Corinthians 10:32
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Psalm 78:70–72
He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

Glossary

Bishop Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Church Elder Gospel Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Luke, Gospel of Miletus, Miletum Ordain, Ordination Overseer Pastor Paul the Apostle Presbyter Redeemer, Redemption Titus, Letter to Travel

Topics

Atonement: Made by Jesus: Redemption By Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Bad Leadership Being Organized Bishop: (An Overseer, a Supervisor) Blood of Christ Blood of Jesus Christ is God: His Blood is Called the Blood of God Christian Minister: Duties of Christian Minister: Overseers Christian Minister: Say Good-Bye to the Congregation Church Anniversary Church Building Church Government Church Leadership Church Membership Church Planting Church Relationship Church Security Church Ushers Church: Church of God Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Commitment Correcting a Brother Deacon Duties Elder in the Christian Church Elders Elders in the Church Encouragement to Pastors Ephesus: Paul Visits and Preaches In Finding a Church Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Honoring Leaders Jesus, the Christ: Design of his Death Jesus, the Christ: Divinity of His Blood is Called the Blood of God Jesus, the Christ: Shepherd, Jesus the True: He Laid Down his Life For Jesus, the Christ: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to the Divinity of Leaders

Acts 20:28

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Glossary

Topics