Acts 20:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take heed {G4337} therefore {G3767} unto yourselves {G1438}, and {G2532} to all {G3956} the flock {G4168}, over {G1722} the which {G3739} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} hath made {G5087} you {G5209} overseers {G1985}, to feed {G4165} the church {G1577} of God {G2316}, which {G3739} he hath purchased {G4046} with {G1223} his own {G2398} blood {G129}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Watch out for yourselves, and for all the flock in which the Ruach HaKodesh has placed you as leaders, to shepherd God’s Messianic community, which he won for himself at the cost of his own Son’s blood.

Berean Standard Bible

Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

American Standard Version

Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:28 encapsulates Paul’s solemn charge to the Ephesian elders, emphasizing their divine appointment by the Holy Spirit as overseers of God's church. It underscores their profound responsibility to shepherd the flock, providing spiritual nourishment and protection, and highlights the immeasurable value of the church, which the Lord Himself acquired through the sacrificial shedding of His own blood. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of Christian leadership, the sacredness of the church, and the ultimate cost of redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 20:28 is a pivotal verse within Paul's poignant farewell address to the Epasian elders at Miletus, recorded in [Acts 20:17-38](/acts/20-17-38 "Acts 20:17-38 - Paul's Farewell Address to the Ephesian Elders"). This discourse marks a significant moment in Paul's ministry, as he prepares for his final journey to Jerusalem, anticipating imprisonment and possibly death. His address serves as a pastoral testament, a final charge to the leaders of a church he deeply loved and had ministered to for three years. The immediate context of this verse includes Paul's personal testimony of his blameless conduct and tireless service ([Acts 20:18-21](/acts/20-18-21 "Acts 20:18-21 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")), his resolute determination to fulfill his calling despite suffering ([Acts 20:22-24](/acts/20-22-24 "Acts 20:22-24 - Paul's Resolve to Finish His Race")), and his somber warning about the future onslaught of "grievous wolves" (false teachers) who would seek to devastate the flock from both outside and within ([Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Acts 20:29-30 - Paul's Warning of False Teachers")). Verse 28, therefore, provides the critical instruction for how the elders are to guard against these dangers and faithfully execute their Spirit-appointed role.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its immense Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a hub of pagan worship, commerce, and intellectual life. The church in Ephesus was significant, having been established and nurtured by Paul himself, who spent an extended period teaching there ([Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")). The concept of "elders" (Greek: _presbyteroi_) and "overseers" (Greek: _episkopoi_) was developing in the early church, drawing on both Jewish synagogue leadership models and Greco-Roman administrative roles. The imagery of a "flock" and "shepherds" was deeply resonant in ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, where shepherding was a common and respected profession, symbolizing care, protection, and provision. Paul's use of this imagery would have immediately conveyed the nature of the leaders' responsibility to the congregation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. It powerfully articulates the theme of **divine appointment and authority in leadership**, asserting that the Holy Spirit, not human selection alone, installs overseers. It highlights the theme of **pastoral care and responsibility**, emphasizing the dual duty of leaders to guard their own lives and diligently shepherd the congregation, providing spiritual nourishment and protection. Crucially, it underscores the **sacredness and immense value of the church**, portraying it not merely as a human organization but as "the church of God," a community purchased at the ultimate price—the blood of Christ. This truth informs the themes of **redemption and ownership**, asserting God's sovereign claim over His people due to the costly sacrifice made on their behalf. Paul's warnings in [Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Acts 20:29-30 - Paul's Warning of Wolves") also introduce the theme of **spiritual vigilance** against internal and external threats to the church's purity and unity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overseers (Greek, _epískopos_):** Derived from G1985, this term literally means "superintendent" or "guardian." It refers to a Christian officer in charge of a church, denoting a role of watchful care, supervision, and leadership. This word is the root of the English term "bishop" and signifies a leader responsible for the spiritual health, direction, and oversight of the congregation. The Holy Spirit's act of "making" them overseers underscores the divine origin and spiritual nature of this weighty office.
* **Feed (Greek, _poimaínō_):** From G4165, this verb means "to tend as a shepherd" or "to rule." It encompasses the full scope of pastoral care: guiding, protecting, nurturing, and providing spiritual sustenance (i.e., teaching God's Word). It's a holistic term for spiritual leadership, implying a deep, sacrificial commitment to the well-being of the flock, much like a shepherd cares for his sheep.
* **Purchased (Greek, _peripoiéomai_):** From G4046, this word means "to make around oneself," or "to acquire (buy)." It signifies the act of obtaining something for oneself, often at a great cost, thereby implying ownership. In this context, it emphasizes that the church belongs to God because He acquired it through the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. This highlights the church's immense value and sacred status as God's treasured possession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,"**: This opening command establishes the dual focus of pastoral responsibility. "Take heed unto yourselves" is a solemn call for leaders to maintain personal spiritual integrity, holiness, and sound doctrine, recognizing that their effectiveness in ministry is intrinsically linked to their own walk with God. "And to all the flock" then extends this vigilance to the entire congregation, emphasizing the leaders' comprehensive responsibility for the spiritual well-being, growth, and protection of every member.
* **"over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers,"**: This clause reveals the divine source of their authority and appointment. Their role as "overseers" is not a human election or self-appointment but a direct commission by the Holy Spirit. This underscores the spiritual nature and weighty accountability of church leadership, validating their authority while simultaneously placing them under divine scrutiny.
* **"to feed the church of God,"**: This defines the primary function of the overseers. "To feed" (shepherd) the church involves providing spiritual nourishment through sound teaching of God's Word, guiding believers in righteousness, protecting them from false doctrine and spiritual dangers, and nurturing their growth in Christ. The phrase "the church of God" emphasizes that the congregation belongs to God, not to the leaders, reinforcing the sacred trust placed upon them.
* **"which he hath purchased with his own blood."**: This climactic phrase reveals the profound basis for the church's value and God's ownership. The "he" refers to God (as in "church of God"), and the phrase "his own blood" points unequivocally to Jesus Christ. This is a powerful affirmation of Christ's deity, asserting that God Himself, in the person of Jesus, shed His blood to acquire the church. It highlights the immense, infinite cost of redemption and the sacredness of the church as a community bought at the ultimate price.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 20:28 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the church is implicitly likened to a "flock" and the leaders to "shepherds" (implied by the verb "feed"). This common biblical imagery evokes a rich tapestry of meaning: the vulnerability of sheep, the protective and nurturing role of a shepherd, and the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his flock. It emphasizes care, guidance, and provision. Another significant device is **Emphasis** through the phrase "his own blood." This striking and somewhat paradoxical expression (God having "blood") serves to profoundly underscore the unique and ultimate cost of redemption, highlighting the depth of God's love and the immeasurable value He places on the church. Furthermore, the use of the **Divine Passive** in "the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers" subtly but powerfully attributes the appointment of leadership directly to God, minimizing human agency and maximizing divine sovereignty in the establishment of church order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:28 is a cornerstone for Christian ecclesiology and leadership theology. It reveals the church as a unique entity, not merely a human organization but "the church of God," a community divinely purchased and eternally valued. This truth elevates the church's standing, demanding reverence and diligent stewardship from its leaders. The verse highlights the profound unity within the Godhead in the work of redemption, as God Himself, through Christ, paid the ultimate price. It establishes the Holy Spirit's active role in empowering and appointing leadership, ensuring that pastoral authority is derived from divine commission rather than human ambition. The call to "feed" the flock underscores the essential nature of spiritual nourishment and protection, reflecting God's ongoing care for His people.

* [1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Shepherd the Flock of God")
* [Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")
* [1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:28 serves as a timeless and profound charge for all who lead within the church, and indeed, for every believer. For pastors, elders, and spiritual leaders, it is a solemn reminder of the immense weight of their calling: they are not merely managers of an organization but Spirit-appointed guardians of God's most precious possession. This demands a relentless pursuit of personal holiness ("take heed therefore unto yourselves") and an unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of the congregation ("and to all the flock"). Leadership is portrayed not as a position of power or prestige, but of sacrificial shepherding, diligent teaching, and vigilant protection against spiritual dangers. For all believers, this verse instills a deep appreciation for the church's sacred value, purchased at the infinite cost of Christ's blood. It calls us to cherish our fellow believers, to participate actively in the life of this divinely redeemed community, and to respect and support those whom the Holy Spirit has appointed to shepherd us, recognizing the profound love God has demonstrated for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Holy Spirit's role in appointing leaders impact your view of church authority and submission?**
* **In what ways can you personally contribute to "feeding" (nurturing and protecting) the church, even if not in a formal leadership role?**
* **How does the truth that the church was "purchased with his own blood" shape your appreciation for its value and your commitment to its mission?**

### FAQ
**Who exactly is "he" in "which he hath purchased with his own blood"?**

Answer: This is a crucial theological point within the verse. While the immediate antecedent for "he" is "God" (from "the church of God"), the phrase "his own blood" points unmistakably to Jesus Christ. This verse is a powerful biblical affirmation of the deity of Christ, asserting that God Himself, in the person of Jesus, shed His blood for the church. It underscores the profound unity of the Godhead in the work of redemption, where the Father's plan is executed through the Son's sacrifice, empowered by the Spirit. This interpretation is supported by other New Testament passages that attribute redemption to God through Christ's blood, such as [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - God Presented Christ as a Sacrifice") and [Colossians 1:14](/colossians/1-14 "Colossians 1:14 - Redemption Through His Blood").

**What is the difference between "overseers" and "elders"?**

Answer: In the New Testament, the terms "overseers" (Greek: _episkopoi_) and "elders" (Greek: _presbyteroi_) appear to refer to the same office or function within the early church. In [Acts 20:17](/acts/20-17 "Acts 20:17 - Paul calls the Ephesian elders"), Paul calls for the "elders" of the church in Ephesus, and then in [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Paul's charge to the overseers"), he addresses these same individuals as "overseers." This suggests that "elder" describes the person's maturity, experience, and dignity, while "overseer" describes their function of spiritual supervision, guardianship, and care for the flock. Other passages like [Titus 1:5-7](/titus/1-5-7 "Titus 1:5-7 - Qualifications for Elders and Overseers") and [1 Peter 5:1-2](/1_peter/5-1-2 "1 Peter 5:1-2 - Elders to Shepherd the Flock") also use these terms interchangeably, indicating that they designate the same leadership role with different emphases.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:28 resonates with profound Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing Jesus as the ultimate Shepherd and the divine Redeemer of His church. The command for elders to "feed the church of God" is a direct reflection of Christ's own pastoral heart, who identifies Himself as [the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). He is the one who truly nourishes and protects His flock, leading them to green pastures and still waters ([Psalm 23:1-2](/psalm/23-1-2 "Psalm 23:1-2 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). The astonishing truth that God "purchased" the church "with his own blood" directly highlights the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, making Him the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His shed blood, as described in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood") and [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through His Blood"), is the singular, non-negotiable price of redemption, establishing the church's existence and its immeasurable value. Thus, the church is not merely an organization but the [body of Christ](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - The Church as Christ's Body"), united by His life, sustained by His Spirit, and ultimately belonging to Him because of His costly, substitutionary sacrifice.

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

1 Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

1 Peter 5:3

Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Timothy 3:2

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;