Acts 20:29

Translations

Modern

I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

Traditional

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Literal

I have known that after my departure, grievous wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock,

Latin

Ego scio quoniam intrabunt post discessionem meam lupi rapaces in vos, non parcentes gregi.

Original

Greek

English

I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

Notes

Acts 20:29–30

savage wolves: Paul’s prophecy did in fact happen, prompting him to write to Timothy in Ephesus some five years later (see 1 Timothy 1:3–7, 19–20; 4:1–5; see also Matthew 7:15; 10:16; Mark 13:22; Luke 10:3; 2 Peter 2:1–22; 3:3).

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)

Events

Paul speaks to Ephesian Elders

Related verses

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Acts 20:28
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.
John 10:12
The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.
Luke 10:3
Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Ezekiel 34:2–3
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?
Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!”
Jeremiah 23:1
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD.
Zephaniah 3:3
Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning.
Jeremiah 13:20
Lift up your eyes and see those coming from the north. Where is the flock entrusted to you, the sheep that were your pride?

Glossary

Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Elder Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Luke, Gospel of Miletus, Miletum Pastor Paul the Apostle Travel Wolf

Topics

Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Christian Minister: Say Good-Bye to the Congregation Church Security Elder in the Christian Church Ephesus: Paul Visits and Preaches In False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Cruel Miletus: Paul Sends to Ephesus for the Elders of the Congregation, and Addresses Them At Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem The Wolf of False Teachers Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Wolf of the Enemies of the Righteous

Acts 20:29

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