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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 20:32 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:32 is a part of the farewell message of the Apostle Paul to the elders of the church in Ephesus.

In the verse, Paul is essentially entrusting the Ephesian elders to God's protective care and guidance.

He mentions "the word of his grace" which implies the gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ that have been extended to them.

The phrase "able to build you up" signifies that the message of grace has the power to strengthen and edify the believers in their faith and spiritual journey.

The latter part of the verse touches upon the concept of "an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." This implies a promised reward or eternal life for those who are set apart (sanctified) by their faith in Jesus Christ.

The verse encapsulates themes of protection, edification, and the hope of salvation.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 20:32 is recorded during Paul's journey back to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey.

The Book of Acts was written by Luke, a companion of Paul, and tells of the establishment and growth of the early Christian Church.

During this period, Christianity was spreading amidst a backdrop of various religious practices and against some opposition, particularly from traditional Jewish leaders and the Roman Empire.

The encouragement and exhortation found in this verse were crucial for the spiritual sustenance of the early believers.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse illuminates the role of Scripture (the word of his grace) in Christian growth and sanctification.

Different Christian traditions have interpreted the nature of this "inheritance" in various ways.

For some, it signifies the blessings received during one's life as a believer, while for others it points definitively towards the promise of eternal life.

The concept of sanctification is widely seen as a process of becoming more Christ-like through the work of the Holy Spirit and living in accordance to God's will.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 20:32 serves as a reminder for Christians today to trust in the power of God's grace as found in the Scriptures to guide and strengthen their faith.

It encourages believers to cling to the promises of God and to live a life marked by holiness, being set apart for God's purposes.

It also speaks to the concept of spiritual inheritance, reassuring Christians that their faith is not in vain and that there is a divine hope and reward.

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
1 Peter 1:4 "To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,"
John 17:17 "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "word" is translated from "logos" (λόγος), which often conveys the broader idea of divine utterance or revelation.

"Grace" is "charis" (χάρις), which means unmerited favor or kindness.

"Able to build you up" uses the Greek word "oikodomeo" (οἰκοδομέω), rendering the idea of constructing or improving in a spiritual sense.

"Inheritance" comes from "kleronomia" (κληρονομία), implying a legacy or possession passed down.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of an 'inheritance' is common in many ancient cultures as something passed down from generation to generation, oftentimes land or wealth.

In Roman culture, inheritance was a legal right.

In Judaism, inheritance also had legal connotations but was supplemented with a spiritual aspect, particularly in instances where it relates to the land of Israel.

This idea of a sanctified group receiving an inheritance has parallels to the notion of the Israelites as God's chosen people inheriting the Promised Land.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with scientific ideas, as it deals primarily with matters of faith, spiritual edification, and promises of a metaphysical inheritance.

The emphasis is on spiritual growth and moral development, which are areas typically outside the purview of scientific investigation.

However, modern psychology might explore the impact of religious hope and assurance on an individual's mental health and well-being.

commentaries

Various biblical commentaries provide insights into Acts 20:32.

Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the ability of God’s word to build up and the certainty of the heavenly inheritance for believers.

John Gill mentions that the sanctification through the word is the Spirit's work, and by it the saints are fitted for glory.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary suggests that Paul's commendation to God and His grace indicates that he believed the word of grace would be sufficient for their spiritual needs after his departure.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:32 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 20:32 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?