Acts 20:29

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context of Acts 20:29

Acts 20:29 is part of Paul’s poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, recorded in Acts 20:17-35. This discourse represents Paul's final direct words of instruction and warning to these spiritual leaders before he continues his journey to Jerusalem, knowing he might not see them again (Acts 20:25). Having faithfully proclaimed the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), Paul now issues a solemn warning about the internal and external threats the church would face after his departure. He has just exhorted them to take heed therefore unto themselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost had made them overseers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Warning Against False Teachers: The central message is a stark warning about the emergence of destructive individuals within the Christian community. Paul prophetically declares that "grievous wolves" will infiltrate the church.
  • The Nature of Spiritual Danger: These "wolves" are not merely those who hold different opinions, but those with predatory intent, described as "not sparing the flock." Their goal is to scatter, exploit, and harm believers, often for personal gain or influence. This imagery echoes Jesus' warning about false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves.
  • Pastoral Responsibility: This verse underscores the immense responsibility of church leaders to protect the congregation from spiritual harm. They are called to be vigilant shepherds, discerning and confronting threats to sound doctrine and spiritual well-being.
  • Paul's Foresight and Concern: Paul's deep concern for the future of the church is evident. His prophetic insight reveals a clear understanding of the challenges that would arise from within, even after his foundational ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "grievous wolves" translates from the Greek lykoi bareis. The term lykoi means "wolves," a well-understood metaphor for dangerous, destructive predators. The adjective bareis means "heavy," "burdensome," or "severe." When applied to wolves, it emphasizes their destructive nature, indicating they are not just annoying or misleading, but profoundly harmful and oppressive. They are not gentle guides but ravenous beasts seeking to devour and scatter the flock, causing significant spiritual damage.

Practical Application

Acts 20:29 remains highly relevant for believers and church leaders today. It serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual discernment is crucial. We must:

  • Be Vigilant: Recognize that spiritual dangers, particularly from false teachings and deceptive leaders, are an ongoing reality.
  • Discern Truth from Error: Cultivate a deep understanding of God's Word to identify teachings and behaviors that deviate from biblical truth. Compare all teachings against the Scriptures, as the Bereans did (see Acts 17:11).
  • Protect the Vulnerable: Those in leadership, and indeed all mature believers, have a responsibility to protect new or vulnerable members of the flock from harmful influences.
  • Prioritize Sound Doctrine: Emphasize and teach sound doctrine, which acts as a safeguard against error and deception.
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.

  • 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.

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