Acts 20:27

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

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

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

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

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

Context of Acts 20:27

The verse Acts 20:27 is part of Paul's deeply moving farewell address to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he met at Miletus (Acts 20:17). As he prepares to travel to Jerusalem, anticipating imprisonment and suffering, Paul reflects on his three years of ministry among them. This speech serves as both a powerful defense of his conduct and a final charge to the leaders. His declaration here emphasizes his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the complete truth of God, demonstrating his integrity and thoroughness as an apostle and teacher.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Faithfulness in Ministry: Paul's statement, "I have not shunned," highlights his steadfast dedication to his calling. He did not shrink back from declaring the full scope of God's message, even if it involved challenging or unpopular truths. This exemplifies a minister's responsibility to deliver the Word of God without compromise.
  • The Fullness of God's Revelation: "All the counsel of God" refers to the entirety of divine truth, God's sovereign plan, purpose, and will for humanity and salvation. It signifies a comprehensive proclamation of biblical doctrine and God's redemptive history, ensuring no vital part was withheld. Paul's commitment was to the whole truth, not just palatable portions.
  • Accountability and Clear Conscience: By stating he had not "shunned" to declare God's counsel, Paul asserts his clear conscience before God and the Ephesian elders. He had fulfilled his duty, making him free from the blood of all men (Acts 20:26). This serves as a model for all who teach, emphasizing the gravity of their stewardship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "all the counsel of God" translates the Greek pasan ten boulen tou Theou.

  • The word boulen (counsel) here signifies more than just advice; it denotes God's deliberate purpose, plan, or will. It encompasses the entirety of God's revealed truth concerning His nature, His dealings with humanity, and His plan for salvation through Christ. This aligns with the concept of God working all things according to the counsel of His own will, as seen in Ephesians 1:11.
  • The verb "shunned" comes from the Greek hupostello, meaning to shrink back, withdraw, hold back, or conceal. Paul emphatically states he did not withhold any part of God's truth, whether it was teaching publicly or from house to house (Acts 20:20), or even when facing imminent suffering for the Gospel (Acts 20:24).

Practical Application and Reflection

Acts 20:27 remains a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today, especially for those in positions of spiritual leadership and teaching. It calls us to:

  • Proclaim the Whole Truth: Do not cherry-pick popular or easy doctrines while avoiding uncomfortable or challenging biblical truths. The integrity of the Gospel demands a comprehensive declaration of God's plan and commands.
  • Live with Integrity: Like Paul, those who teach God's counsel should strive to live lives consistent with the truth they proclaim, maintaining a clear conscience before God and humanity.
  • Trust in God's Sovereign Plan: Understanding that God's "counsel" is His wise and purposeful will encourages us to trust Him, even when His ways are beyond our full comprehension. Our role is to faithfully declare what He has revealed.
  • Embrace Responsibility: This verse underscores the serious responsibility of those entrusted with God's Word. As stewards of His mysteries, faithfulness is required (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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