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Acts 20

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

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.

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

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

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

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

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.

What does Acts 20:27 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:27 is a statement made by Paul the Apostle addressing the elders of the church in Ephesus. The apostle is declaring that he has fulfilled his duty in God's service by not withholding any part of God's message from them.

This implies that he has been transparent and thorough in his teaching and proclamation of the Christian doctrine.

The deeper meaning behind this verse emphasizes the responsibility of religious teachers to present the entirety of their beliefs, not just select parts that may be more palatable or less controversial.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, authored by Luke, depicts the growth and spread of the early Christian church following Jesus Christ's ascension.

During the time when Acts 20:27 was written, Paul was on his third missionary journey.

He had spent three years in Ephesus teaching and building the church; now, he is headed towards Jerusalem, aware that he would face persecution.

Acts 20 records Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, encapsulating his commitment to preaching and the trials he anticipates.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 20:27 may reflect several important concepts:

Duty of Proclamation: The notion that preachers and teachers have a duty to present the full gospel message.
Accountability: Paul's sense of accountability before God for the spiritual well-being of his listeners.
Stewardship of the Gospel: The idea that the entrusted message of salvation must be handled responsibly and with integrity.

Different theological viewpoints may further dissect this verse.

For example, Calvinists might see in it a vindication of their belief in the necessity of preaching the full scope of divine sovereignty, including predestination.

Arminians, conversely, might emphasize the universal appeal of the Gospel and the free will of the listeners.

Practical Applications

Acts 20:27 can be applied in a number of practical ways:

For religious leaders, it serves as a reminder to teach and guide without omission, ensuring their communities receive a comprehensive understanding of their faith.
It encourages believers to commit to fully understanding and living out their beliefs, rather than picking and choosing parts that are convenient.
This verse also encourages honesty and transparency within spiritual communities.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
1 Corinthians 9:16: "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"
1 Corinthians 15:1: "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;"

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for "shunned" is "hupesteila" (ὑπεστειλάμην), which means to draw back or shrink from. It reflects avoidance or holding back information.

The phrase "all the counsel of God" translates "pasan tēn boulēn tou Theou," where "pasan" means "all" or "every," "boulēn" means "purpose" or "counsel," and "tou Theou" refers to "of God." This indicates the comprehensive scope of what Paul felt compelled to communicate.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's statement can be contrasted with the practices of mystery religions of the ancient world, which often held back secret teachings for initiates.

Paul's avowal is significant in that he insists on the open proclamation of all the teachings, as opposed to selective transmission reserved for a select few.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives don't directly apply to the content of Acts 20:27, as the verse addresses religious teaching rather than empirical claims.

However, the value placed on comprehensive disclosure of information can be likened to the scientific method, which values transparency in methodology and reporting of data.

Commentaries

Many biblical commentaries highlight Paul's fidelity to his mission and his deep sense of responsibility.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the completeness of Paul's teaching, reflecting a shepherd's devotion to his flock.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary notes that Paul foresaw the challenges that would come to the Ephesian church and so ensured they had the full breadth of doctrine to stand firm.

John Gill's commentary posits that the "counsel of God" refers to all of God's revealed will, especially regarding the scheme of redemption through Christ.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 20:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?