Acts 20:29

KJV

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I {G1473} know {G1492} this {G5124}, that {G3754} after {G3326} my {G3450} departing {G867} shall grievous {G926} wolves {G3074} enter in {G1525} among {G1519} you {G5209}, not {G3361} sparing {G5339} the flock {G4168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you; and they won’t spare the flock.

Berean Standard Bible

I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

American Standard Version

I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 20:29, Paul delivers a solemn and prophetic warning to the Ephesian elders during his farewell address at Miletus. He reveals his foreknowledge that after his departure, destructive and predatory individuals, metaphorically described as "grievous wolves," would infiltrate the Christian community in Ephesus. These spiritual adversaries would act without mercy, seeking to exploit, scatter, and harm the very flock of believers that the elders were charged to shepherd, underscoring the constant vigilance required of spiritual leaders to protect the church from internal threats.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 20:29 is a pivotal moment within Paul's emotional and weighty farewell address to the Ephesian elders, delivered at Miletus (Acts 20:17-35). This discourse immediately follows Paul's profound declaration of his blamelessness concerning their spiritual state, having "not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" ([Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Paul's Declaration of Blamelessness")). The preceding verse, [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Paul's Charge to the Elders"), serves as a direct charge to the elders to "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." Verse 29 then explains *why* this vigilance is so critical: the imminent threat of internal spiritual predators. This warning sets the stage for Paul's subsequent exhortation to remember his own selfless example and to labor diligently, supporting the weak, and recalling the words of the Lord Jesus ([Acts 20:33-35](/acts/20-33-35 "Acts 20:33-35 - Paul's Example and Exhortation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's address takes place around 57-58 AD, at the culmination of his third missionary journey, as he makes his way to Jerusalem. Ephesus was a strategically important city, a major commercial and religious center in Asia Minor, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The church in Ephesus, established and nurtured by Paul for three years ([Acts 19:8-10](/acts/19-8-10 "Acts 19:8-10 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")), was significant and influential. The concept of "shepherd" and "flock" was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern culture, where shepherds were responsible for protecting their sheep from literal predators like wolves. This imagery resonated strongly with the audience, conveying the grave danger and the sacred duty of spiritual leaders. The early church faced constant external persecution but also significant internal challenges from false teachers and divisive figures, a reality Paul frequently addressed in his epistles (e.g., [Galatians 1:6-9](/galatians/1-6-9 "Galatians 1:6-9 - Warning Against False Gospel"), [Philippians 3:2](/philippians/3-2 "Philippians 3:2 - Warning Against Judaizers")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and Pauline theology. It highlights the **responsibility of spiritual leadership** to protect the integrity of the church and its doctrine, emphasizing the pastoral role of overseers as vigilant guardians of the flock. It underscores the **reality of spiritual warfare and internal threats**, revealing that danger to the church often arises from within, disguised and destructive, rather than solely from external persecution. Furthermore, it exemplifies **Paul's prophetic foresight and deep pastoral concern** for the churches he founded, demonstrating his awareness of future challenges and his commitment to equipping leaders to face them. This warning also reinforces the theme of **discipleship and perseverance**, as believers are called to discern truth from error and remain steadfast in the face of deceptive teachings, echoing Jesus' own warnings about false prophets in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - False Prophets").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, used in the perfect tense, signifies a settled, experiential knowledge or understanding. Paul is not speculating or guessing; he has a clear, certain apprehension of this future event, likely revealed by the Holy Spirit. It implies an insightful awareness, allowing him to foresee the impending spiritual danger.
* **grievous (Greek, _barýs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "weighty," this adjective describes the wolves as "heavy," "burdensome," or "severe." When applied to the metaphorical "wolves," it emphasizes their destructive, oppressive, and harmful nature. These are not merely misleading individuals but those whose actions will cause significant spiritual damage and distress to the flock.
* **wolves (Greek, _lýkos'_):** This term literally refers to a wolf, a predatory animal known for its ferocity, cunning, and tendency to attack and scatter sheep. In biblical metaphor, wolves consistently represent dangerous, false teachers or prophets who seek to exploit, devour, and scatter God's people, contrasting sharply with the protective nature of a true shepherd.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I know this":** Paul asserts a firm, divinely-given certainty regarding the future. This is not a mere suspicion but a prophetic declaration, lending gravity and authority to his warning. His knowledge is presented as a foundational truth for the elders' understanding and action.
* **"that after my departing":** This phrase establishes the timing of the impending threat. Paul's physical absence would create a vacuum, a vulnerable period during which these destructive forces would emerge. It highlights the importance of the elders' continued vigilance and leadership in the absence of the apostle who had been their primary spiritual guide.
* **"shall grievous wolves enter in among you":** This is the core of Paul's warning. The "grievous wolves" are a metaphor for false teachers, heretics, or predatory individuals who would infiltrate the church from within, rather than attacking from outside. Their "entering in among you" suggests a deceptive, insidious infiltration, often appearing to be part of the flock or even leaders themselves, but harboring destructive intentions.
* **"not sparing the flock":** This chilling phrase reveals the predatory nature and devastating impact of these "wolves." To "not spare" means to show no mercy, to exploit without restraint, to devour, scatter, and destroy. It underscores that their aim is not to build up or genuinely teach but to harm, exploit, and ultimately dismantle the spiritual well-being and unity of the congregation.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 20:29 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily through the vivid image of "grievous wolves" entering among the "flock." The "flock" is a well-established biblical metaphor for God's people, the church, while "wolves" represent dangerous, destructive false teachers or leaders who prey on the vulnerable. This metaphor powerfully conveys the predatory intent and devastating impact of these individuals, contrasting them sharply with the protective role of true shepherds. The phrase "not sparing the flock" further emphasizes the ruthless and unmerciful nature of these spiritual adversaries. Additionally, the verse functions as a **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing**, as Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, foretells a future event that will directly impact the Ephesian church. This prophetic warning serves to prepare and equip the elders for the challenges ahead, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battle that the church would face. The use of strong, evocative language also contributes to the **Pathos** of Paul's address, conveying his deep concern and urgency.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's warning in Acts 20:29 resonates deeply with the broader biblical theme of vigilance against false teaching and the protection of God's people. The church, as the flock of God, is constantly susceptible to internal dangers posed by those who outwardly appear as believers but inwardly harbor destructive intentions. These "grievous wolves" represent individuals who may introduce heretical doctrines, promote division, or exploit believers for personal gain, ultimately seeking to undermine the faith and unity of the community. This prophetic insight underscores the ongoing need for discerning leadership and a biblically grounded congregation, prepared to identify and resist such spiritual predators. The responsibility of shepherds (pastors/elders) is not merely to feed the flock but also to guard it fiercely from all spiritual harm, upholding sound doctrine and practicing spiritual discernment.

* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Beware of False Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "False Teachers Among You")
* [Jude 1:4](/jude/1-4 "Ungodly Men Crept In Unawares")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's prophetic warning in Acts 20:29 remains profoundly relevant for the church today, serving as a timeless call to spiritual vigilance and discernment. It reminds us that the greatest threats to the integrity and health of the Christian community often arise not from external persecution, but from within, from those who deceptively infiltrate and seek to exploit or mislead the flock. For individual believers, this calls for a commitment to deeply know God's Word, enabling us to discern truth from error and to test all teachings against the Scriptures, much like the noble Bereans in [Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "Acts 17:11 - The Noble Bereans"). For church leaders, it is a solemn charge to exercise diligent oversight, to shepherd the flock with wisdom and courage, protecting the vulnerable from spiritual predators and upholding sound doctrine. This requires not only teaching the truth but also actively confronting and exposing error, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. The health and purity of the church depend on the ongoing commitment of both leaders and members to spiritual discernment and faithful adherence to the "whole counsel of God."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's warning about "grievous wolves" challenge our assumptions about where spiritual dangers to the church originate?**
* **What practical steps can individual believers take to cultivate discernment and protect themselves from deceptive teachings?**
* **In what ways can church leaders effectively "not spare the flock" from spiritual harm in today's context?**
* **How does understanding the predatory nature of these "wolves" (not sparing the flock) inform our approach to confronting false teaching?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "grievous wolves" in this context?**

Answer: By "grievous wolves," Paul is using a powerful metaphor to describe dangerous, destructive individuals who would infiltrate the Christian community in Ephesus after his departure. These are not literal wolves, but false teachers, deceptive leaders, or individuals with predatory intentions who would seek to exploit, mislead, and harm the flock of believers. The term "grievous" (from the Greek _barýs_) emphasizes their severe, burdensome, and harmful nature, indicating that their actions would cause significant spiritual damage and distress, rather than merely offering differing opinions. This imagery echoes Jesus' warning in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets") about false prophets who appear as sheep but are inwardly ravenous wolves.

**How do these "grievous wolves" differ from external persecutors of the church?**

Answer: The key distinction lies in their origin and method. External persecutors attack the church from outside, often openly and with physical or legal force (e.g., Roman authorities, Jewish opposition). In contrast, the "grievous wolves" Paul warns about "enter in among you," meaning they arise from within the church or infiltrate it deceptively. They often appear to be legitimate members or even leaders, using their position or influence to subtly introduce harmful doctrines, sow discord, or exploit believers for personal gain. Their danger is insidious because they operate from within, making them harder to identify and confront, as they do "not sparing the flock" but rather preying upon it from the inside. This internal threat requires a different kind of vigilance and discernment from the church's leaders and members.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's warning in Acts 20:29, while a stark prophecy of future challenges, finds its ultimate context and solution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The imagery of the "flock" and "shepherd" is foundational to understanding Christ's role. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). Unlike the "grievous wolves" who seek to devour and scatter, Christ, the true Shepherd, laid down His life to gather and protect His flock, purchasing the church "with his own blood" ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - The Church Purchased with Blood")). The very existence of the church, and its ability to withstand the onslaught of these spiritual predators, rests upon His finished work and ongoing intercession. Furthermore, Jesus promised that "no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand" ([John 10:29](/john/10-29 "John 10:29 - No One Can Snatch from the Father's Hand")), providing ultimate security for His true sheep. While human shepherds are called to vigilance, the ultimate protection and preservation of the flock against all "wolves" and adversaries is guaranteed by the Lord Jesus, who is the "chief Shepherd" ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd")) and who will ultimately present His church "without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Thus, Paul's warning, rather than instilling despair, serves to highlight the profound need for the church to remain anchored in Christ, its only true and unfailing protector.

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

Matthew 7:15

¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

2 Peter 2:1

¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Acts 20:28

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.

John 10:12

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

Luke 10:3

Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

Ezekiel 34:2

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Ezekiel 34:3

Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock.