Acts 20:31

Translations

Modern

Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Traditional

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Literal

Therefore stay awake, remembering that three years, night and day, I did not cease admonishing each one with tears.

Latin

Propter quod vigilate, memoria retinentes quoniam per triennium nocte et die non cessavi, cum lacrimis monens unumquemque vestrum.

Original

Greek

English

Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Notes

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

Acts 19:8
Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
Acts 20:19
I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.
Acts 19:10
This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.
Colossians 1:28
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
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.
Ezekiel 3:17–20
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
2 Timothy 4:5
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Luke 21:36
So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Matthew 13:25
But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away.
Acts 20:11
Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed.
Acts 20:7
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight.
Matthew 3:7
But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

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 Paul the Apostle Philemon (Person) Travel

Topics

Christian Minister: Say Good-Bye to the Congregation Elder in the Christian Church Ephesus: Paul Visits and Preaches In Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Miletus: Paul Sends to Ephesus for the Elders of the Congregation, and Addresses Them At Ministers are Bound to Warn Affectionately Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Watchfulness: Ministers Exhorted To

Acts 20:31

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