Acts 20:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Save {G4133} that {G3754} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} witnesseth {G1263} in every {G2596} city {G4172}, saying {G3004} that {G3754} bonds {G1199} and {G2532} afflictions {G2347} abide {G3306} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

other than that in every city the Ruach HaKodesh keeps warning me that imprisonment and persecution await me.

Berean Standard Bible

I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.

American Standard Version

save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:23 captures the Apostle Paul's profound foresight, revealed by the Holy Spirit, concerning the severe trials awaiting him in Jerusalem and beyond. As he delivers his final address to the Ephesian elders, Paul reveals that in every city he has visited, the Holy Spirit has consistently and emphatically testified that imprisonment and various forms of suffering are his inescapable destiny. This verse underscores the divine guidance Paul received, his unwavering resolve in the face of impending hardship, and the integral role of suffering in faithful apostolic ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 20:23 is situated within Paul's emotional farewell discourse to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, recorded in [Acts 20:17-38](/acts/20-17-38 "Paul's Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders"). This speech is highly significant, serving as Paul's spiritual last will and testament to a church he deeply cherished. Preceding this verse, Paul recounts his diligent and humble ministry among them, emphasizing his blameless conduct and unwavering commitment to proclaiming the whole counsel of God ([Acts 20:18-21](/acts/20-18-21 "Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")). Immediately following this verse, Paul articulates his resolute determination to press on to Jerusalem despite the known dangers, valuing the completion of his ministry above his own life ([Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Paul's Resolve to Finish His Course")). The verse thus functions as a pivotal moment, revealing the divine forewarning that undergirds Paul's courageous resolve and setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of his arrest and trials in Jerusalem and Rome.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey to Jerusalem was fraught with peril, both politically and religiously. As a prominent figure in the burgeoning Christian movement, he was viewed with suspicion and hostility by various Jewish factions, particularly those zealous for the Mosaic Law, who perceived him as an apostate and a threat to their traditions. The city of Jerusalem, as the epicenter of Jewish religious life, was a volatile environment for someone like Paul, who preached salvation through Christ apart from the Law. Roman authorities, while generally maintaining order, were often quick to appease local sentiments, especially in matters of religious dispute, which could easily lead to Paul's arrest or worse. The concept of "bonds and afflictions" was a grim reality for early Christian missionaries; imprisonment, flogging, and persecution were common experiences, as evidenced throughout the book of Acts and Paul's own epistles (e.g., [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ")). Paul's awareness of these impending hardships was not merely a premonition but a divinely revealed understanding of the very real dangers inherent in his mission.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and Paul's theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God and Divine Guidance**, demonstrating that the Holy Spirit actively directs and prepares God's servants for their mission, even when it involves suffering. Paul's journey is not haphazard but divinely ordained, with the Spirit providing specific warnings. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Suffering as Inevitable for Faithful Service**. Paul consistently teaches that following Christ often entails tribulation ([Acts 14:22](/acts/14-22 "Through Many Tribulations We Must Enter the Kingdom of God"); [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Suffering for Christ")). His willingness to face "bonds and afflictions" exemplifies the **Cost of Discipleship** and the **Apostolic Call to Self-Sacrifice**, echoing Jesus' own path to suffering and glory. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Authority and Active Role of the Holy Spirit**, who "witnesseth" or testifies, not merely suggesting but emphatically declaring the future, thereby empowering Paul to face it with courage and conviction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **witnesseth (Greek, _diamartýromai'_):** From διά and μαρτυρέω, this verb means "to attest or protest earnestly" or "to hortatively charge." It implies a solemn, forceful, and clear declaration, not a gentle suggestion. The Holy Spirit's communication to Paul was authoritative, a strong and repeated testimony, emphasizing the certainty and significance of the impending trials. This term highlights the Spirit's active and compelling role in revealing God's will and future events to His servants.
* **bonds (Greek, _desmón'_):** From δέω, this neuter noun refers to a "band," "ligament," or "shackle." In the context of a prisoner, it specifically denotes literal chains or imprisonment. This word paints a vivid picture of physical restraint and incarceration, indicating that Paul's future suffering would include being bound and confined, a common experience for those arrested by Roman authorities or Jewish leaders.
* **afflictions (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From θλίβω, this feminine noun signifies "pressure" (literal or figurative), "tribulation," "distress," or "persecution." It is a broader term than "bonds," encompassing a wide range of hardships, including emotional distress, physical suffering, and societal opposition. Paired with "bonds," it comprehensively describes the severe and multifaceted hardships Paul anticipated, extending beyond mere imprisonment to encompass the full spectrum of tribulation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city,"**: This opening clause establishes the source and nature of Paul's foreknowledge. The conjunction "Save that" (πλήν) introduces an exception or a qualification, implying that Paul is aware of the general uncertainty of his future, *except* for this one certain truth revealed by the Holy Spirit. The phrase "in every city" emphasizes the consistent and pervasive nature of this divine revelation; it was not a one-time prophecy but a recurring, undeniable testimony from the Holy Spirit throughout his missionary journeys. This highlights the Spirit's continuous guidance and Paul's attentiveness to it.
* **"saying that bonds and afflictions abide me."**: This second clause details the specific content of the Holy Spirit's testimony. The Spirit's message is a direct declaration ("saying that") concerning Paul's future. "Bonds" (δεσμά) refers to literal imprisonment and chains, while "afflictions" (θλίψεις) denotes broader tribulations, distress, and persecution. The verb "abide" (μένει) signifies that these hardships "remain" or "await" Paul, indicating their inescapable and certain nature. This is not a vague premonition but a clear, divinely authenticated warning of the specific sufferings that lay ahead for him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Paul's words explicitly predict the future trials he will face, setting the stage for the narrative of his arrests and imprisonments that follow in Acts. The phrase "bonds and afflictions" serves as a **Merism**, where two distinct but related terms are used to represent a complete category of suffering, encompassing both physical restraint (bonds) and broader tribulations (afflictions). This creates a comprehensive and vivid picture of the hardships. The **Personification** of the Holy Ghost "witnessing" and "saying" emphasizes the Spirit's active, personal, and communicative role in Paul's life, portraying the Spirit not as an abstract force but as a divine agent providing clear, verbal testimony. The repetitive nature implied by "in every city" also suggests a form of **Anaphora** in the Spirit's constant message, reinforcing the certainty and inevitability of Paul's suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:23 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that God's servants are often called to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Paul's experience here aligns with a consistent pattern throughout Scripture where prophets and apostles face opposition and hardship as an integral part of their divine commission. This divine forewarning, far from deterring Paul, actually steels his resolve, demonstrating a profound trust in God's sovereign plan even amidst adversity. It underscores that the Holy Spirit's guidance is not always towards comfort but often prepares believers for the difficult path of faithfulness, enabling them to endure with courage and integrity. The verse thus serves as a powerful theological statement on the nature of Christian service, the active role of the Holy Spirit, and the glory found in suffering for Christ.

* [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Jesus warns of tribulation in the world")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted")
* [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12-13 "Rejoicing in suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:23 offers a profound challenge and comfort to believers today. In a world that often seeks ease and comfort, Paul's example reminds us that faithful discipleship, particularly in service to the Gospel, may involve significant personal cost and suffering. We may not receive direct prophetic warnings of "bonds and afflictions" in every city, but the Holy Spirit still guides us, often preparing our hearts for the inevitable challenges that arise from living counter-culturally for Christ. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, even when that leading points towards difficult paths, knowing that God's purposes are always good, even through hardship. It encourages us to develop a steadfast resolve, prioritizing God's will and the advancement of His kingdom above personal comfort or safety. Paul's unwavering commitment in the face of known suffering inspires us to embrace perseverance, trusting that our ultimate reward is not found in avoiding tribulation, but in faithfully enduring it for the glory of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's willingness to face "bonds and afflictions" challenge my own expectations of what it means to follow Christ?**
* **In what ways do I perceive the Holy Spirit's guidance in my life, and am I willing to follow it even if it leads to discomfort or difficulty?**
* **What "afflictions" or challenges might I be called to endure for the sake of the Gospel in my own context, and how can I prepare my heart to face them with faith?**

### FAQ

**Did Paul know exactly what would happen to him, or was it a general sense of danger?**

Answer: While the verse doesn't specify every minute detail of his future, the language used—"witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me"—suggests a consistent, clear, and emphatic warning from the Holy Spirit. It was more than a general sense of danger; it was a divinely revealed certainty that imprisonment ("bonds") and various forms of suffering ("afflictions") were his unavoidable destiny. This specific foreknowledge is what enabled Paul to declare his unwavering resolve in [Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Paul's commitment to finishing his course").

**Why would the Holy Spirit warn Paul of suffering instead of protecting him from it?**

Answer: The Holy Spirit's purpose is not always to shield believers from all hardship, but to equip and prepare them for God's sovereign plan. In Paul's case, the warning served multiple purposes: it validated the divine nature of his mission, demonstrated God's intimate involvement in his life, and strengthened Paul's resolve to fulfill his calling regardless of the cost. This aligns with biblical teaching that suffering can refine faith ([Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Benefits of tribulation")) and demonstrate God's power through human weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's grace is sufficient")). The warning was a preparation for endurance, not an invitation to avoidance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:23, though a direct prophecy to Paul, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and ministry of Jesus Himself. Just as the Holy Spirit consistently witnessed to Paul concerning his impending "bonds and afflictions," Jesus, throughout His earthly ministry, frequently spoke of His own coming suffering, death, and resurrection, often to the bewilderment of His disciples (e.g., [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Jesus foretells His death and resurrection"); [Mark 10:33-34](/mark/10-33-34 "Jesus again foretells His death")). The "bonds and afflictions" that awaited Paul mirror the ultimate "bonds" of betrayal and arrest, and the "afflictions" of scourging, crucifixion, and the bearing of the world's sin that Jesus willingly embraced for humanity's salvation ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "By His stripes we are healed")). Paul's steadfast resolve to face these trials, valuing his ministry above his own life ([Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Paul's commitment to finishing his course")), is a profound echo of Christ's unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's obedience to death")). Thus, Paul's experience in Acts 20:23 serves as a powerful testament to the pattern of suffering and self-sacrifice established by Christ, demonstrating that true discipleship involves following the Lamb wherever He goes, even through tribulation, for the glory of God and the redemption of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 9:16

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

1 Thessalonians 3:3

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

Acts 21:4

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:33

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded [him] to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

Acts 21:11

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver [him] into the hands of the Gentiles.

Acts 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

2 Timothy 2:12

If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us: