Keraia
Acts 20

Acts 20:38

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians · Acts 20:17–38
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Translations

Modern
They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Traditional
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
Literal
…sorrowing especially over the word that he had spoken, that they are about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
Latin
…dolentes maxime in verbo quod dixerat, quoniam amplius faciem ejus non essent visuri. Et deducebant eum ad navem.

Original

Greek
English
They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Notes

Acts 20:38

The occasion felt more emotional because the church at Ephesus knew they would never see Paul again (20:25).

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

Glossary

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

Topics

Christian Minister: Beloved Christian Minister: Say Good-Bye to the Congregation Communion of Saints: Paul Ephesus: Paul Visits and Preaches In 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 Prudence: His Lack of Travellers: Friends of Sometimes Accompanied Them a Short Way