Acts 20:31

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Therefore {G1352} watch {G1127}, and remember {G3421}, that {G3754} by the space of three years {G5148} I ceased {G3973} not {G3756} to warn {G3560} every {G1538} one {G1520} night {G3571} and {G2532} day {G2250} with {G3326} tears {G1144}.

So stay alert! Remember that for three years, night and day, with tears in my eyes, I never stopped warning you!

Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears.

In Acts 20:31, the Apostle Paul delivers a poignant and powerful exhortation to the Ephesian elders, highlighting the intensity and sincerity of his three-year ministry among them. This verse serves as a climactic reminder of his pastoral dedication and a crucial warning for their future vigilance.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's deeply moving farewell address to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he had summoned to Miletus (see Acts 20:17). Knowing that he would likely not see them again (as implied in Acts 20:25), Paul uses this opportunity to impart final instructions and warnings, emphasizing the sanctity of their calling to shepherd the flock of God. His ministry in Ephesus was one of the longest and most fruitful, detailed in Acts chapter 19, and characterized by persistent teaching and miraculous signs. The "Therefore" points back to his earlier warnings about dangerous spiritual threats.

Key Themes

  • Vigilance and Spiritual Alertness: The command "Therefore watch" (Greek: grēgoreō) is a call to constant spiritual awareness. Paul urges the elders to be alert to dangers, particularly the threat of false teachers, both external "grievous wolves" and internal dissenters who would arise from among themselves (Acts 20:29-30). This theme of spiritual watchfulness is echoed throughout the New Testament, reminding believers to be ready for the unexpected.
  • Persevering Pastoral Care: Paul's statement, "by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day," underscores his relentless and comprehensive dedication to the Ephesian church. This highlights the demanding nature of true pastoral care, which requires tireless effort, consistency, and a personal investment in each individual's spiritual growth. It was not a part-time endeavor but a consuming passion, demonstrating genuine biblical discipleship.
  • Compassionate Admonition: The phrase "with tears" reveals the deep emotional burden Paul carried for the spiritual well-being of those he taught. His warnings were not delivered harshly or out of anger, but with profound love, sorrow, and genuine concern for their salvation and perseverance in faith. This demonstrates that true biblical warning or admonition (Greek: noutheteō) is rooted in compassion, aiming for restoration and protection, not condemnation.
  • The Example for Leadership: Paul presents his own ministry as a model for the Ephesian elders. He implicitly challenges them to emulate his selfless dedication, tireless effort, and tearful concern for the flock under their charge. His consistent teaching, as noted in Acts 20:20, served as a foundation for their own future ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "watch" is grēgoreō, which means to be awake, to be vigilant, or to be on guard. It often carries the connotation of being spiritually alert, especially in anticipation of danger or a significant event. The term "warn" is from noutheteō, meaning to admonish, counsel, or instruct with a view to shaping the mind and will. It implies a loving but firm correction or instruction, often involving a warning against error or danger. The inclusion of "with tears" (Greek: meta dakryōn) powerfully conveys Paul's profound emotional investment and sincere grief over the potential spiritual pitfalls facing the Ephesian believers. This was not a perfunctory duty but a heartfelt burden.

Practical Application

For believers today, Acts 20:31 calls for continued vigilance in an age of diverse teachings and spiritual challenges. It reminds us to be discerning, to "watch" for anything that might subtly undermine our faith or draw us away from sound doctrine. For those in spiritual leadership, Paul's example is a powerful testament to the necessity of tireless, compassionate, and consistent pastoral care. It highlights that true ministry often involves difficult truths delivered with heartfelt love and a willingness to invest deeply in the lives of others, bearing their burdens as if they were our own. This verse encourages us to remember the foundational teachings we have received and to hold fast to them, just as Paul urged the Ephesians to remember his faithful warnings and dedication.

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 19:8

    ¶ And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

  • Acts 19:10

    And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

  • Acts 20:19

    Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

  • Hebrews 13:17

    Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

  • Colossians 1:28

    Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

  • Luke 21:36

    Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

  • 2 Timothy 4:5

    But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

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