Devine Scripture

Acts 20:17

What does Acts 20:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 20:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 20:17 means

From Miletus Paul summons the elders of the church in Ephesus. He cannot visit the whole congregation, but he can equip its leaders. This move reflects a New Testament pattern: care for the flock through faithful overseers. By calling them to himself, Paul creates a focused setting for instruction, warning, and encouragement. Leadership development is not optional but essential. This verse highlights Paul’s pastoral heart and his trust that, though he may be absent, Christ will guard His church through qualified, vigilant elders who receive and pass on apostolic teaching.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the rulers of the church.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And sending from Miletus to Ephesus, he called the ancients of the church.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But from Miletus having sent to Ephesus, he called over [to him] the elders of the assembly.

Context

The elders’ arrival introduces the main discourse of the chapter. Verses 18–21 review Paul’s manner of life and message among them. Verses 22–27 reveal his Spirit-bound journey to Jerusalem and his clear conscience from declaring God’s truth. Verses 28–31 charge the elders to watch and shepherd amid coming dangers. Verses 32–35 commend them to God and to a generous, self-denying pattern of ministry. What follows is among Acts’ clearest portraits of pastoral oversight and apostolic priorities.

v.16For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

v.17This passage

v.18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 20:28

    Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.

  • Acts 15:6

    And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.

  • Acts 15:4

    And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church and the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

  • 2 John 1:1

    The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth;

  • Acts 15:23

    and they wrote thus by them, The apostles and the elders, brethren, unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting:

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