Acts 20:26
What does Acts 20:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:26 means
Paul testifies that he is innocent of the blood of all. The language evokes the responsibility of a watchman who must warn of danger. Paul’s conscience is clear because he did not withhold necessary truth. Leaders bear a sacred duty to speak what God commands, especially concerning salvation and judgment. By fulfilling his charge among them, Paul has discharged his accountability. This underscores the seriousness of gospel ministry: silence or selective teaching can harm hearers, but faithful proclamation frees the messenger from guilt before God and commends him as a true servant of Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And so I say to you this day that I am clean from the blood of all men.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862wherefore I take you to witness this day, that I <FI>am<Fi> clear from the blood of all,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore I take you to witness this day that I am clear from the blood of all men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wherefore I witness to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all,
Context
This verse flows from Paul’s declaration that they will not see him again (verse 25). He now asserts that his ministry among them leaves him with a clear conscience. Verse 27 explains why: he proclaimed the whole counsel of God. These statements prepare the ground for his charge in verse 28, as those who inherit oversight must likewise be faithful watchmen, guarding the flock purchased at great cost and warning against threats from outside and within (verses 29–31).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 8:3
For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,
- 1 Thessalonians 2:10
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and righteously and unblamably we behaved ourselves toward you that believe:
- 2 Corinthians 1:23
But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth.
- Romans 10:2
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
- 2 Samuel 3:28
And afterward, when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before Jehovah for ever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
- John 19:35
And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye also may believe.
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