Acts 20:25

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

And {G2532} now {G3568}, behold {G2400}, I {G1473} know {G1492} that {G3754} ye {G5210} all {G3956}, among {G1722} whom {G3739} I have gone {G1330} preaching {G2784} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}, shall see {G3700} my {G3450} face {G4383} no more {G3765}.

โ€œNow, listen! I know that none of you people among whom I have gone about proclaiming the Kingdom will ever see me again.

Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more.

Commentary

Acts 20:25 captures a profoundly poignant moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry as he addresses the elders of the church in Ephesus. This verse is part of his farewell discourse at Miletus, where he delivers his final charge and shares a somber prophecy about his future.

Context

This verse is spoken by Paul to the Ephesian elders whom he had summoned to meet him at Miletus (see Acts 20:17). Paul was on his third missionary journey, making his way to Jerusalem, fully aware that "bonds and afflictions" awaited him. His ministry in Ephesus had been extensive and impactful, lasting over two years, during which he diligently taught "the kingdom of God" (as noted in Acts 19:8 and Acts 19:10). This farewell is charged with emotion, as Paul knows it is likely their last earthly encounter.

Key Themes

  • A Solemn Farewell and Prophecy: Paul's declaration, "I know that ye all... shall see my face no more," is not merely a guess but a Spirit-led conviction. It underscores the finality of his earthly journey with these beloved colleagues and serves as a powerful call to action for them to continue the work. This poignant moment highlights the transient nature of even the most impactful human relationships in ministry.
  • Unwavering Dedication to the Kingdom: The phrase "preaching the kingdom of God" encapsulates Paul's life mission. Despite impending suffering, his focus remained on proclaiming God's sovereign rule and saving grace. This theme is central to Paul's ministry, evident even in his final recorded activity in Rome (Acts 28:31). It signifies that the message, not the messenger, is paramount.
  • The Reality of Partings in Ministry: This verse beautifully illustrates the sacrifices and emotional toll of gospel ministry. Paul's willingness to face hardship and separation for the sake of Christ's mission reflects his profound commitment, as he states elsewhere, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain".

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the kingdom of God" (Greek: hฤ“ basileia tou theou) refers to God's active, sovereign rule and reign, both present in the hearts of believers and future in its full manifestation. Paul's consistent emphasis on this theme highlights that his gospel message was not merely about individual salvation but about submission to God's divine authority. The statement "shall see my face no more" carries a strong sense of finality and personal loss, emphasizing the deep bond Paul had with these elders and the solemn weight of his impending departure.

Practical Application

Acts 20:25 serves as a powerful reminder for all believers, especially those in leadership or ministry:

  • Value Every Opportunity: Paul's awareness of his limited time underscores the urgency of faithfully executing our calling while we have the opportunity.
  • Focus on the Core Message: Like Paul, our primary focus should be on "preaching the kingdom of God"โ€”sharing the good news of God's rule and redemption through Christ.
  • Prepare for Succession: Paul's farewell also implies a transfer of responsibility. He charges the elders to "take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock", emphasizing the continuity of ministry beyond any single individual.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 28:31

    Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

  • Acts 20:38

    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.

  • Matthew 4:23

    ยถ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

  • Luke 9:60

    Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

  • Romans 15:23

    But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

  • Galatians 1:22

    And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:

  • Matthew 13:52

    Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe [which is] instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure [things] new and old.
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