Acts 20:30

KJV

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also {G2532} of {G1537} your {G5216} own selves {G846} shall {G450} men {G435} arise {G450}, speaking {G2980} perverse things {G1294}, to draw away {G645} disciples {G3101} after {G3694} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even from among your own number, men will arise and teach perversions of the truth, in order to drag away the talmidim after themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

American Standard Version

and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:30 serves as a solemn prophetic warning from the Apostle Paul to the Ephesian elders, delivered during his farewell address in Miletus. He cautions them that not only will external threats ("grievous wolves") endanger the church, but even from within their own ranks, individuals will emerge. These internal adversaries will speak distorted, corrupting doctrines, not out of error but with deliberate intent, aiming to draw away and establish a following of disciples for themselves rather than for Christ. This verse underscores the critical need for vigilance among spiritual leaders to protect the flock from insidious, self-serving deception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 20:30 is situated within Paul's deeply emotional and significant farewell address to the Ephesian elders, delivered in Miletus (Acts 20:17-38). This speech is unique in Acts as Paul's longest recorded discourse to Christian leaders, not an evangelistic sermon. It follows his extensive ministry in Ephesus, which lasted over two years (Acts 19:10). Paul, feeling compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem despite forebodings of imprisonment and suffering (Acts 20:22-23), gathers the elders to impart final, crucial instructions. He first reminds them of his own blameless conduct and tireless ministry among them (Acts 20:18-21, 26-27), then transitions to urgent warnings about future dangers. Verse 29 speaks of "savage wolves" attacking from outside, but verse 30 immediately shifts the focus to an even more insidious internal threat, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the dangers facing the nascent church. The address concludes with a powerful commendation to God and His Word, and a final exhortation to work hard and support the weak, remembering the words of Jesus (Acts 20:32-35).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Ephesus was highly impactful, establishing a strong church in a significant Roman provincial capital known for its devotion to Artemis and widespread magical practices (Acts 19:19). The city was a melting pot of cultures and religions, making the fledgling Christian community vulnerable to various philosophical and spiritual influences. In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a "disciple" following a teacher was common, but Paul's warning here specifically addresses those who would exploit this dynamic for personal gain, rather than for the advancement of the Gospel. The early church was still developing its theological frameworks and leadership structures, making it susceptible to charismatic individuals who might introduce heterodox teachings. Paul's concern reflects a broader apostolic awareness of the fragility of new communities and the constant threat of false teaching, a theme echoed in his later epistles to Timothy, who would serve in Ephesus.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Acts and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of **Apostolic Succession and Responsibility**, as Paul entrusts the Ephesian elders with the solemn duty of guarding the flock, echoing his earlier charge to them to "shepherd the church of God" ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Shepherd the Church of God")). The passage also powerfully underscores the theme of **Internal Threats to the Church**, emphasizing that spiritual dangers are not exclusively external but can arise from within the very community, even from those who appear to be leaders. This concern for internal purity and doctrinal integrity is a recurring motif in Paul's letters, such as his warnings against false teachers in [Galatians](/galatians/1-6-9 "Galatians 1:6-9 - Warning Against False Gospel") and [Colossians](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Warning Against False Philosophy"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Spiritual Discernment and Vigilance**, urging believers and leaders alike to be alert to deceptive teachings and self-serving motives that seek to undermine the unity and truth of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Greek, _anḗr'_):** This word refers to a male individual, often with an emphasis on his distinct identity or role, as opposed to a generic human (ἀνθρωπος). In this context, it highlights that specific individuals, likely those who were part of the community or even its leadership, would be the source of this internal corruption, lending a particular gravity to Paul's warning.
* **speaking (Greek, _laléō'_):** This term means "to talk" or "to utter words." While it can refer to general speech, in this context, when combined with "perverse things," it implies a deliberate articulation and propagation of doctrines or ideas that are contrary to the truth. It signifies the active teaching or communication of these destructive messages.
* **perverse things (Greek, _diastréphō'_):** From *diá* (through) and *stréphō* (to turn), this word means "to distort," "to misinterpret," or "to corrupt." It implies a deliberate twisting or perversion of the truth, not merely an accidental error. The "things" spoken are not just wrong, but fundamentally warped, designed to lead astray and undermine sound doctrine.
* **to draw away (Greek, _apospáō'_):** This verb means "to drag forth," "to pull away," or "to detach." It conveys the idea of a forceful or manipulative separation. The intent of these false teachers is not merely to teach differently, but to actively pull disciples away from the true body of believers and the genuine Gospel, creating a following for themselves.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also of your own selves shall men arise":** This phrase delivers a shocking and profoundly concerning revelation. The "also" (καί) links this internal threat directly with the external one mentioned in Acts 20:29. The phrase "of your own selves" (ἐξ ὑμῶν αὐτῶν) underscores that the danger will not come from outside the church, but from within the very community of elders or those closely associated with them. "Shall men arise" (ἀναστήσονται ἄνδρες) indicates that these individuals will emerge from among them, perhaps even from those who had previously been respected or in positions of influence.
* **"speaking perverse things":** This describes the nature of their destructive activity. They will "speak" (λαλοῦντες), indicating active teaching or proclamation. The "perverse things" (διεστραμμένα) are not simply errors, but doctrines or ideas that are twisted, distorted, or corrupted from the truth of the Gospel. This implies a deliberate misrepresentation or reinterpretation of Christian teaching for nefarious purposes, rather than an innocent misunderstanding.
* **"to draw away disciples after them":** This reveals the ultimate motivation and destructive goal of these individuals. They aim "to draw away" (ἀποσπᾶν), to forcibly detach or separate, "disciples" (μαθητάς) – those who are meant to be followers of Christ. The phrase "after them" (ὀπίσω αὐτῶν) is crucial, indicating that their objective is to establish a personal following, shifting allegiance from Christ to themselves. This ambition leads to division, spiritual harm, and the undermining of the church's unity and mission.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's address in Acts 20:30 employs powerful **Imagery** and **Antithesis**. The imagery of "men arising" from within the flock, immediately following the warning about "savage wolves" (Acts 20:29), creates a stark contrast: external predators versus internal betrayers. This highlights the insidious nature of the internal threat, as those who appear to be part of the community are, in fact, working against it. The **Antithesis** is evident in the contrast between true discipleship (following Christ) and the perverted goal of drawing "disciples after them," emphasizing the self-serving ambition of these false teachers. This rhetorical strategy serves to heighten the urgency and gravity of Paul's warning, impressing upon the elders the dual nature of the dangers they must guard against.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:30 serves as a foundational text for understanding the persistent challenge of false teaching and internal division within the church throughout history. It reveals that the purity of the Gospel and the unity of the body of Christ are constantly under assault, not only from external persecution but, perhaps more dangerously, from those who arise from within. This internal threat is characterized by a deliberate distortion of truth and a self-serving ambition to draw followers to oneself rather than to Christ. The theological implication is that vigilance, discernment, and an unwavering commitment to sound doctrine are paramount for leaders and believers alike, as the health and mission of the church depend on its adherence to the truth and its loyalty to its true Head.

* [2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3-4 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - People will turn from truth to myths")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's prophetic warning in Acts 20:30 remains profoundly relevant for the church today. It calls every believer, and especially those in leadership, to a heightened sense of spiritual discernment and accountability. We must cultivate a deep love for God's Word, allowing it to be the ultimate standard by which all teaching is evaluated. This means not passively accepting every charismatic speaker or popular trend, but actively engaging with Scripture, praying for wisdom, and seeking counsel from trusted, biblically grounded leaders. For those in leadership, the verse is a sobering reminder of the immense responsibility to guard the flock, not just from obvious external attacks, but from the subtle, insidious distortions that can arise from within. It demands integrity, courage, and a selfless devotion to Christ and His people, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the congregation over personal gain, popularity, or influence. True discipleship means following Jesus alone, and leaders are called to point people to Him, not to themselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I personally cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize "perverse things" being spoken, even by those within the church?**
* **In what ways might I, or leaders I know, be susceptible to the temptation of drawing disciples "after them" rather than pointing them solely to Christ?**
* **What practical steps can our church take to safeguard against false teaching and promote a culture of biblical literacy and accountability?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "perverse things"?**

Answer: When Paul warns about "speaking perverse things," he is referring to teachings or doctrines that are deliberately twisted, distorted, or corrupted from the truth of the Gospel. The Greek word *diastréphō* (G1294) implies a turning away or perversion, suggesting that these are not merely honest mistakes or differences of opinion, but intentional misrepresentations of biblical truth. These "perverse things" are designed to lead people astray, often for the self-serving purposes of the one speaking them, rather than for the glory of God or the edification of the church. This concept is similar to what Paul warns against in [Galatians 1:6-9](/galatians/1-6-9 "Galatians 1:6-9 - Warning Against a Different Gospel"), where he condemns those who preach "a different gospel."

**How can disciples be "drawn away" from the church?**

Answer: The phrase "to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:30) signifies a manipulative and divisive act where individuals seek to shift the allegiance of believers from Christ and the unified body of the church to themselves. This "drawing away" (Greek: *apospáō*, G645) implies a forceful or cunning detachment, much like pulling something away from its proper place. It can happen through various means: by offering a seemingly "deeper" or "new" revelation outside of established doctrine, by appealing to personal charisma, by fostering an exclusive group identity, or by subtly undermining the authority of legitimate church leadership. The goal is always to create a personal following, leading to fragmentation and spiritual harm, as seen in the warnings in [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Destructive Heresies").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:30, while a stark warning about internal threats, ultimately points to the supreme authority and singular headship of Jesus Christ over His church. The "perverse things" spoken by false teachers are a distortion of the truth that is "in Christ Jesus" ([Ephesians 4:21](/ephesians/4-21 "Truth is in Christ Jesus")), and their aim to draw disciples "after them" directly opposes the call to follow Christ alone. Jesus Himself warned of false prophets and false Christs who would arise ([Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - False Christs and False Prophets")). The true shepherd, as depicted by Jesus in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), lays down His life for the sheep, whereas these "savage wolves" ([Acts 20:29](/acts/20-29 "Paul's Warning of Savage Wolves")) and internal deceivers seek to devour and scatter the flock for their own gain. The ultimate fulfillment of this warning is found in the ongoing need for the church to remain steadfastly centered on Christ, His finished work on the cross, and His authoritative Word, recognizing that He is the "head over everything for the church" ([Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Christ the Head of the Church")) and the only one worthy of ultimate allegiance and discipleship.

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 Timothy 1:19

Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

1 Timothy 1:20

Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Timothy 4:4

And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Proverbs 23:33

Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

1 John 2:19

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Proverbs 19:1

¶ Better [is] the poor that walketh in his integrity, than [he that is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool.