Acts 20:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I have {G5288} not {G3756}{G3361} shunned {G5288} to declare {G312} unto you {G5213} all {G3956} the counsel {G1012} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the whole plan of God.

Berean Standard Bible

For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.

American Standard Version

For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul declares to the Ephesian elders at Miletus that he has faithfully proclaimed the entirety of God's divine purpose and revealed truth without holding anything back. This statement serves as a powerful testament to his apostolic integrity, his diligent stewardship of the Gospel, and his clear conscience in fulfilling his ministerial commission, setting a profound example of unwavering faithfulness in the face of anticipated suffering and opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Paul's Farewell to Ephesian Elders") is a pivotal statement within Paul's poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders, whom he summoned to Miletus (cf. [Acts 20:17](/acts/20-17 "Acts 20:17 - Paul Summons Ephesian Elders")). This discourse, spanning [Acts 20:17-38](/acts/20-17-38 "Acts 20:17-38 - Paul's Farewell Address"), is one of the most personal and revealing speeches recorded of Paul. As he prepares to journey to Jerusalem, foreseeing imprisonment and hardship (cf. [Acts 20:22-23](/acts/20-22-23 "Acts 20:22-23 - Paul's Foreboding Journey to Jerusalem")), Paul reflects on his three years of ministry in Ephesus (cf. [Acts 20:31](/acts/20-31 "Acts 20:31 - Paul's Three Years in Ephesus")). His declaration in [Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Paul's Full Proclamation") directly follows his assertion of being "pure from the blood of all men" in [Acts 20:26](/acts/20-26 "Acts 20:26 - Paul's Purity from Bloodguilt"), establishing his blamelessness by emphasizing his comprehensive proclamation of God's truth. The speech serves as both a powerful defense of his conduct and a final, urgent charge to the leaders to shepherd God's flock.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Ephesus, detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"), was extensive and impactful, lasting approximately three years. Ephesus was a major Roman provincial capital, a center of commerce, and a hub for pagan worship, particularly the cult of Artemis. Paul's evangelistic efforts there led to significant conversions and widespread disruption of pagan practices, culminating in the riot instigated by Demetrius the silversmith (cf. [Acts 19:23-41](/acts/19-23-41 "Acts 19:23-41 - The Ephesian Riot")). Against this backdrop of intense spiritual warfare and cultural opposition, Paul's commitment to declaring "all the counsel of God" underscores the courage and conviction required to preach the Gospel without compromise. His address to the elders at Miletus (a port city south of Ephesus) highlights the early church's developing leadership structures and the critical role of elders in maintaining doctrinal purity and pastoral care amidst internal and external challenges.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Paul's Comprehensive Ministry") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores **Paul's unwavering apostolic integrity and faithfulness**. Despite facing persecution and hardship, he never compromised or withheld any part of God's message, demonstrating the ideal of a devoted servant of God (cf. [Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - Paul's Resolve to Finish His Race")). Secondly, the phrase "all the counsel of God" emphasizes the **comprehensive nature of divine revelation and God's sovereign plan**. It signifies that God's truth is a unified, complete whole, encompassing His purposes for humanity, salvation through Christ, and ethical demands. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **stewardship and accountability of spiritual leaders**. Paul's declaration of a clear conscience serves as a model and a challenge for all who teach God's Word, emphasizing the grave responsibility to proclaim the full truth without fear or favor, as he did "publicly, and from house to house" (cf. [Acts 20:20](/acts/20-20 "Acts 20:20 - Paul's Public and Private Teaching")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shunned (Greek, _hypostéllō_):** From G5288, meaning "to withhold under (out of sight), i.e. (reflexively) to cower or shrink, (figuratively) to conceal (reserve)." Paul's emphatic declaration that he has *not* "shunned" highlights his absolute refusal to shrink back, hold anything in reserve, or conceal any part of God's truth. This word conveys a sense of intentional avoidance or a timid withdrawal from a duty, which Paul vehemently denies in his ministry. His steadfastness stands in stark contrast to those who might compromise or dilute the message for personal gain, popularity, or fear of persecution.
* **declare (Greek, _anangéllō_):** From G312, meaning "to announce (in detail)." This verb implies a thorough, comprehensive, and explicit proclamation. It's not merely a casual mention but a full and detailed exposition of the message. Paul didn't just hint at God's counsel; he systematically and clearly laid it out, ensuring that the Ephesian believers understood the depth and breadth of God's revealed will. This underscores the diligence and clarity with which he approached his teaching ministry.
* **counsel (Greek, _boulḗ_):** From G1012, meaning "volition, i.e. (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose." In this context, "counsel" signifies much more than mere advice; it refers to God's deliberate, sovereign plan, purpose, or will. It encompasses the entirety of God's revealed truth, His eternal decrees, His redemptive plan for humanity, and the moral and spiritual principles by which His people are to live. Paul's commitment was to proclaim this complete divine purpose, leaving no stone unturned regarding God's intentions and commands for His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have not shunned":** This opening clause sets the tone for Paul's assertion of blamelessness and integrity. The conjunction "For" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the reason or justification for his previous statement in [Acts 20:26](/acts/20-26 "Acts 20:26 - Paul's Purity from Bloodguilt") (being pure from the blood of all men). Paul emphatically states that he has not held back, withdrawn, or been timid in his proclamation. This negates any suggestion of fear, compromise, or a desire to avoid difficult truths, reinforcing his unwavering commitment to his divine commission.
* **"to declare unto you":** This phrase specifies the action Paul performed and the recipients of his comprehensive teaching. The verb "declare" (G312, _anangéllō_) signifies a thorough and detailed announcement, implying that Paul systematically and clearly communicated God's truth. "Unto you" (G5213, _hymîn_) highlights his direct, personal, and consistent engagement with the Ephesian elders and, by extension, the church they represented. This emphasizes the relational and pastoral nature of his ministry, as he faithfully invested in their spiritual formation.
* **"all the counsel of God":** This is the crucial object of Paul's declaration. "All" (G3956, _pâs_) signifies the totality and completeness, leaving nothing out. "Counsel" (G1012, _boulḗ_) refers to God's deliberate purpose, plan, and will, encompassing the full scope of His revealed truth, His redemptive history, His commands, and His ultimate intentions for humanity and the cosmos. Paul asserts that he withheld no part of this divine revelation, whether it was popular or unpopular, easy or challenging, ensuring that the Ephesian believers received the complete, unadulterated message of God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's declaration in [Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Paul's Unwavering Proclamation") is rich with literary and rhetorical force. The statement functions as a powerful **Apostolic Self-Defense** and a **Pastoral Charge**. By asserting that he has "not shunned," Paul employs a form of **Litotes**, a rhetorical understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite. This emphasizes his absolute commitment and courage more strongly than a simple affirmative statement like "I have boldly declared." The phrase "all the counsel of God" serves as a **Merism**, representing the entirety of divine truth by encompassing its full scope, implying both the broadness and depth of God's revealed will. The tone is one of profound **Integrity** and **Conscientious Fulfillment**, underscoring Paul's blamelessness before God and humanity. This verse also contains an element of **Implied Contrast**, as Paul implicitly contrasts his own faithfulness with any potential future leaders who might shrink from declaring the whole truth, thereby setting a high standard for the Ephesian elders and future generations of ministers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:27 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of divine revelation and the responsibility of its proclamation. It underscores the theological truth that God's will is comprehensive and cohesive, a unified "counsel" or plan that encompasses all aspects of His interaction with creation and humanity. Paul's commitment to declaring "all" of this counsel highlights the necessity of a holistic understanding and teaching of Scripture, avoiding selective emphasis on palatable truths while neglecting challenging ones. This verse profoundly connects to the concept of God's sovereignty, where His eternal purposes unfold according to His deliberate design, and those entrusted with His Word are called to faithfully steward and articulate that design without reservation. It also speaks to the profound accountability of those in ministry, emphasizing that faithfulness in declaring the full scope of God's truth is paramount to a clear conscience before Him.

* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God Works According to His Counsel"): This verse speaks of God "working all things according to the counsel of His will," directly aligning with Paul's reference to "all the counsel of God" as His sovereign, deliberate purpose.
* [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word"): Paul's charge to Timothy to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" echoes his own commitment to comprehensive and unwavering proclamation.
* [1 Corinthians 4:1-2](/1_corinthians/4-1-2 "1 Corinthians 4:1-2 - Stewards of God's Mysteries"): This passage states that ministers are "stewards of the mysteries of God" and that "it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful," directly paralleling Paul's declaration of his faithfulness in delivering God's complete counsel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in [Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - A Model for Ministry") serves as a timeless challenge and profound encouragement for every believer, particularly those in positions of spiritual leadership. It calls us to a radical commitment to the entirety of God's revealed truth, urging us not to shy away from difficult doctrines or unpopular commands, but to embrace the full scope of His "counsel." For pastors and teachers, it is a sober reminder of the immense responsibility to faithfully steward God's Word, ensuring that the flock receives a balanced and comprehensive diet of truth, rather than a cherry-picked selection. For individual believers, it prompts self-examination: are we open to receiving "all the counsel of God," even when it challenges our comfort zones or preconceived notions? Do we seek to understand God's complete purpose, or do we gravitate only towards what is easy or affirming? Living out this verse means cultivating a deep love for God's Word, a courageous spirit to speak truth in love, and a clear conscience that comes from knowing we have done our utmost to live by and proclaim His whole counsel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or understanding of faith might I be "shunning" or avoiding parts of God's counsel?**
* **How can I, as an individual believer, commit more fully to understanding and living out "all the counsel of God" in my daily life?**
* **If I am in a position of spiritual influence or teaching, what steps can I take to ensure I am declaring the full truth of God's Word without compromise?**
* **What fears or pressures might cause a person to "shun" declaring certain aspects of God's truth, and how can these be overcome?**

### FAQ

**What does "all the counsel of God" specifically refer to?**
Answer: "All the counsel of God" (Greek: _pasan tēn boulēn tou Theou_) refers to the complete, comprehensive, and unified purpose, plan, and will of God as He has revealed it. It encompasses the entirety of divine truth, including His character, His redemptive plan for humanity through Jesus Christ, His moral and ethical commands, His sovereign decrees, and His ultimate intentions for creation. It is not just a collection of isolated doctrines but the cohesive, overarching narrative of God's interaction with the world, from creation to consummation. Paul's emphasis on "all" means he did not withhold any part of this divine revelation, whether it was popular or unpopular, easy or challenging (cf. [Acts 20:20](/acts/20-20 "Acts 20:20 - Paul's Public and Private Teaching")).

**Why was it so important for Paul to declare that he had "not shunned" this counsel?**
Answer: Paul's declaration that he had "not shunned" (Greek: _hypostéllō_, meaning to shrink back or hold back) was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it affirmed his **apostolic integrity** and blamelessness before God and the Ephesian elders. By proclaiming the full truth, he could stand with a clear conscience, having fulfilled his duty (cf. [Acts 20:26](/acts/20-26 "Acts 20:26 - Paul's Purity from Bloodguilt")). Secondly, it served as a **model for future leaders**, emphasizing the courage and faithfulness required to preach the Gospel without compromise, even when facing opposition or personal suffering (cf. [Acts 20:23-24](/acts/20-23-24 "Acts 20:23-24 - Paul's Anticipation of Hardship")). Thirdly, it ensured the **spiritual health and maturity of the church** in Ephesus, as they had received the complete foundation of God's truth, enabling them to discern error and grow in sound doctrine. Paul's unwavering commitment to the whole counsel of God was foundational to his effective and enduring ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's declaration in [Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Christ-Centered Ministry") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and culmination of "all the counsel of God." While Paul faithfully proclaimed God's will, Jesus Himself is the perfect revelation of that will, for "no one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known" (cf. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). The "counsel of God" ultimately points to God's redemptive plan, which is fully realized in Christ's incarnation, atoning death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus did not "shun" to declare the Father's will, even to the point of obediently embracing the cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the "image of the invisible God," in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (cf. [Colossians 1:15-19](/colossians/1-15-19 "Colossians 1:15-19 - The Supremacy of Christ")), making Him the ultimate expression of God's eternal purpose. Thus, Paul's comprehensive proclamation of God's counsel was, at its core, a Christ-centered message, revealing the one through whom God's entire plan of salvation and reconciliation is perfectly accomplished (cf. [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")).

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 20:20

[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,

1 Thessalonians 2:4

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

2 Corinthians 4:2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Galatians 1:7

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 4:16

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: