Acts 20:32

KJV

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} now {G3569}, brethren {G80}, I commend {G3908} you {G5209} to God {G2316}, and {G2532} to the word {G3056} of his {G846} grace {G5485}, which {G3588} is able {G1410} to build you up {G2026}, and {G2532} to give {G1325} you {G5213} an inheritance {G2817} among {G1722} all {G3956} them which are sanctified {G37}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“And now I entrust you to the care of the Lord and to the message of his love and kindness, for it can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who have been set apart for God.

Berean Standard Bible

And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

American Standard Version

And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, the Apostle Paul delivers his final charge, entrusting them not to human leadership but directly to God and to the transformative power of His grace-filled word. This verse encapsulates Paul's deep pastoral concern, highlighting the divine resources available for their spiritual growth, stability, and the ultimate assurance of their eternal inheritance as those set apart by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 20:32 serves as the climactic benediction within Paul's emotional and weighty farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, whom he had summoned to meet him in Miletus (see [Acts 20:17](/acts/20-17 "Acts 20:17 - Paul Summons the Ephesian Elders")). Preceding this verse, Paul recounts his faithful, selfless ministry among them, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to proclaiming "the whole counsel of God" (as stated in [Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Paul's Unwavering Proclamation")). He then issues stern warnings about future dangers, particularly the emergence of "fierce wolves" (false teachers) from both outside and within their own ranks, who would seek to distort the truth and draw away disciples (as detailed in [Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Acts 20:29-30 - Warnings Against False Teachers")). Knowing that he is "bound in the Spirit" for Jerusalem, facing potential imprisonment and suffering, and believing he will not see them again (as he expresses in [Acts 20:22-25](/acts/20-22-25 "Acts 20:22-25 - Paul's Journey to Jerusalem")), this commendation acts as his ultimate pastoral entrustment, a profound act of faith in God's continuing care for His church. The speech concludes with Paul's example of working with his own hands and remembering Jesus' words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" ([Acts 20:35](/acts/20-35 "Acts 20:35 - The Blessing of Giving")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's address takes place around 57-58 AD, at the end of his third missionary journey. Ephesus was a major Roman city and a significant center for early Christianity, where Paul had spent over two years ministering (as described in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")). The elders (presbyteroi, also called overseers/episkopoi in [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - God's Flock and Overseers")) were local leaders entrusted with the spiritual care of the burgeoning Christian community. In the Greco-Roman world, "commending" someone often involved placing them under the protection or care of a powerful patron or deity, especially when a protector was departing. Paul's act here resonates with this cultural understanding, but with a profoundly spiritual dimension: he is entrusting the church to the ultimate Patron, God Himself. The concept of "inheritance" was also deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, referring to the land promised to Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:1](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1 - The Promised Land")) and, in a broader sense, to the spiritual blessings and covenant promises of God. Paul reinterprets this inheritance in Christ, extending it to all who are sanctified, regardless of their ethnic background.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes present in Acts and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and faithfulness of God** in sustaining His church, even when human leaders depart. Paul's act of "commending" is an expression of profound trust in God's ability to protect and guide His people. Secondly, the passage highlights the **power and efficacy of God's Word**, specifically the "word of his grace." This is not merely information but a dynamic, life-giving force that actively "builds up" believers, fostering their spiritual maturity and resilience. This aligns with themes seen in Paul's letters, such as the transformative power of the Gospel in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **spiritual growth and edification**, portraying the Christian life as a continuous process of being built up into maturity, a theme central to Paul's pastoral concerns, as seen in his desire for believers to "grow up into him who is the head, that is, Christ" ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Growing in Christ")). Finally, it points to the **certainty of the believer's inheritance**, a future hope and eternal reward that is graciously given to all who are "sanctified," reinforcing the eschatological dimension of Christian faith and the secure standing of God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commend (Greek, _paratíthēmi'_):** From G3908, meaning "to place alongside," "to present (food, truth)," or "to deposit (as a trust or for protection)." In this context, Paul is entrusting the Ephesian elders and, by extension, the church, into God's safekeeping. It implies a transfer of responsibility and a deep trust in the recipient's ability to guard and care for that which is committed. It is an act of solemn entrustment, like depositing a valuable treasure.
* **build you up (Greek, _epoikodoméō'_):** From G2026, meaning "to build upon," or "to rear up." This term is used figuratively here to describe spiritual edification and growth. It signifies the process of strengthening, establishing, and maturing believers in their faith, character, and knowledge of Christ. It suggests a continuous, constructive work that results in stability and spiritual resilience, much like constructing a sturdy building.
* **inheritance (Greek, _klēronomía'_):** From G2817, meaning "heirship," "patrimony," or "possession." In the New Testament, this term often refers to the spiritual blessings and eternal life that believers receive in Christ, not by human merit but by divine grace. It encompasses the full participation in God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His promises, a future hope that is guaranteed to those who belong to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, brethren, I commend you to God,"**: Paul, addressing the Ephesian elders as "brethren" (a term of endearment and shared spiritual kinship), makes a profound gesture of entrustment. Recognizing his impending departure and the challenges ahead, he places them squarely under the sovereign care and protection of God. This act signifies his ultimate confidence in God's faithfulness to His people, even in the absence of their earthly leader.
* **"and to the word of his grace,"**: Paul clarifies the means by which God will sustain them. It is not just a vague commendation to God, but specifically to "the word of his grace." This refers to the Gospel message—the good news of God's unmerited favor revealed through Jesus Christ. This "word" is not passive information but an active, living, and powerful divine instrument.
* **"which is able to build you up,"**: The power of "the word of his grace" is immediately specified. It possesses the inherent capacity to "build you up," meaning to spiritually edify, strengthen, and mature believers. This ongoing process of growth involves deepening their understanding, fortifying their faith, and shaping their character to be more like Christ, preparing them for the challenges of ministry and life.
* **"and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified."**: The ultimate outcome and promise of God's grace-filled word is the bestowal of an "inheritance." This refers to the eternal blessings, privileges, and full participation in God's kingdom that await believers. This inheritance is not earned but is a gracious gift, shared "among all them which are sanctified"—those who have been set apart and made holy by God through faith in Christ, demonstrating their belonging to His redeemed community.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's farewell in Acts 20:32 is rich with several literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "able to build you up." This imagery likens spiritual growth and maturity to the construction of a building, suggesting a process of careful, intentional development that results in strength, stability, and completion. It implies that believers are not static but are continually being shaped and fortified. There is also an element of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in "the word of his grace," where "word" stands for the entire Gospel message and its inherent divine power. The message itself, though intangible, is presented as an active agent capable of performing a transformative work. Paul's direct address, "brethren," serves as an **Apostrophe** or **Direct Address**, creating an intimate and personal tone, underscoring his deep affection and pastoral concern for the elders. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Benediction** or **Blessing**, a formal expression of divine favor and well-wishing, serving as Paul's final, powerful entrustment of the Ephesian church to God's care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:32 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's ongoing care for His people and the instrumental role of His Word. It teaches that the spiritual well-being and future of the church rest ultimately on God's sovereign power and the active, transformative nature of the Gospel. Paul, recognizing his own limitations and impending absence, directs the elders' reliance away from human leadership and firmly onto the divine, emphasizing that God's grace, conveyed through His Word, is the sufficient means for both present edification and future glorification. This verse underscores the stability and security found in God's promises, providing a bedrock of hope for believers facing uncertainty and challenges.

* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Living and Active Word of God") - "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
* [Ephesians 4:12](/ephesians/4-12 "Equipping the Saints") - "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."
* [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "The Inheritance of the Saints") - "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:32 offers profound encouragement and a timeless blueprint for Christian living and ministry. It reminds us that our ultimate security, spiritual growth, and eternal hope are not dependent on the presence or performance of human leaders, but solely on the unchanging character of God and the enduring power of His Word. In a world marked by constant change, uncertainty, and the inevitable departure of even the most gifted leaders, this verse calls us to anchor our faith deeply in God's faithfulness and the Gospel of His grace. It challenges us to continually immerse ourselves in biblical truth, recognizing that it is the primary means by which God "builds us up," equipping us for every good work and assuring us of our glorious inheritance. For those in leadership, it is a powerful reminder to point people to Christ and His Word, rather than to themselves. For all believers, it is an invitation to trust God fully with our lives and futures, knowing that His Word is sufficient for every need, capable of transforming us and securing our eternal destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need God's "word of his grace" to "build you up" today?**
* **How does understanding your spiritual "inheritance" affect your perspective on present trials or challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently immerse yourself in God's Word, allowing it to work its transformative power in you?**
* **If you are in a position of leadership, how does Paul's act of "commending" the church to God inform your approach to ministry and your reliance on divine power?**

### FAQ
**What does "commend you to God" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 20:32, when Paul says, "I commend you to God," he is performing a solemn act of entrustment. The Greek word *paratíthēmi* (G3908) means to "place alongside," "deposit," or "commit into someone's safekeeping." Paul is essentially placing the Ephesian elders, and by extension the entire church under their care, into God's sovereign protection and guidance. Knowing he will likely not see them again and anticipating challenges they will face (as he warns in [Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Acts 20:29-30 - Warnings Against False Teachers")), Paul expresses his ultimate confidence that God Himself is the faithful guardian and sustainer of His people. It signifies a transfer of responsibility from Paul's earthly leadership to God's divine oversight.

**What is the "word of his grace"?**

Answer: The "word of his grace" refers to the Gospel message—the good news of salvation and God's unmerited favor (grace) revealed through Jesus Christ. It encompasses the entire message of God's redemptive plan, from creation to consummation, centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This "word" is not merely human speech or information; it is divinely inspired and empowered. Paul emphasizes that this word is "able to build you up," highlighting its active, transformative power in the lives of believers. It is the truth about God's character and His saving work that brings spiritual growth, strength, and maturity. This concept is foundational to Paul's theology, where the Gospel is described as "the power of God unto salvation" in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel").

**What is the "inheritance among all them which are sanctified"?**

Answer: The "inheritance" (Greek *klēronomía*, G2817) refers to the spiritual blessings, privileges, and eternal life that believers receive as a gracious gift from God through faith in Christ. It is not something earned but is freely given to those who are "sanctified." To be "sanctified" (Greek *hagiázō*, G37) means to be set apart and made holy by God's work, through faith in Jesus Christ. This inheritance includes full participation in God's kingdom, eternal life, resurrection, and all the promises of God fulfilled in Christ. It is a future hope that is guaranteed to all who belong to God's redeemed family. Passages like [Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11-14 "Our Inheritance in Christ") and [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance") further elaborate on the glorious nature and security of this spiritual inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:32 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "word of his grace" and the source of our inheritance and sanctification. When Paul commends the elders to "God, and to the word of his grace," he implicitly points to Christ. Jesus is the [Logos, the living Word of God](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom all grace and truth came (as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Incarnate") and [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")). It is through faith in Him that we are "built up," for Christ is the [cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone") and the head of the church, the body He continually nourishes and builds (as described in [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up in Christ")). Furthermore, the "inheritance among all them which are sanctified" is secured and guaranteed solely through Christ. He is the [heir of all things](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - The Son, Heir of All Things"), and we, as co-heirs with Him, receive our portion by virtue of our union with Him (as affirmed in [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). Our sanctification, the process of being set apart and made holy, is accomplished by the [blood of Jesus](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Sanctifies His People") and the work of the Holy Spirit, applying the finished work of Christ to our lives (as taught in [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Thus, Acts 20:32, though spoken by Paul, is a profound testament to the all-sufficiency of Christ for the church's growth, preservation, and ultimate destiny.

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

Colossians 1:12

¶ Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Colossians 3:24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Ephesians 1:14

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Hebrews 9:15

¶ And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Colossians 2:7

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.