Acts 20:25
What does Acts 20:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:25 means
Paul soberly asserts that those among whom he preached the kingdom will not see his face again. This is a final farewell, not a temporary parting. The kingdom he preached remains, though the messenger departs. The statement invests the coming exhortations with urgent weight. It also shows Paul’s realism: he knows the cost of his path and prepares his friends to carry on without his physical presence. Their hope is not in Paul but in the King and His Word, which endure. Grief will come, but it will not undo the kingdom advance begun among them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And now I am conscious that you, among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom, will not see my face again.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And now, lo, I have known that no more shall ye see my face, --ye all among whom I did go preaching the reign of God;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And now behold, I know that all you, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom [ofGod], shall see my face no more.
Context
After declaring his life’s aim, Paul now anticipates permanent separation from the Ephesian elders. This intensifies the seriousness of his ensuing claims (verses 26–27) and the charge to watch the flock (verses 28–31). The farewell tone will culminate in prayer and tears (verses 36–38). Placing this statement here underscores why Paul speaks so plainly and thoroughly: this may be his last chance to strengthen these leaders face-to-face before he journeys to Jerusalem.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 15:23
but now, having no more any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come unto you,
- Matthew 13:19
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.
- Luke 16:16
The law and the prophets were until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.
- Matthew 13:52
And he said unto them, Therefore every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
- Acts 28:31
preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him.
- Galatians 1:22
And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judæa which were in Christ:
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