Acts 20:29
What does Acts 20:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:29 means
Paul forewarns that after his departure, “grievous wolves” will enter and not spare the flock. This vivid image signals ruthless false teachers who prey on believers. Their arrival is not a possibility but a certainty. The elders must therefore be proactive protectors, ready to confront and exclude destructive influences. The verse teaches that vulnerability increases when vigilant leaders are absent, and that shepherds must anticipate external threats. The church is not a safe pasture by default; it becomes safe through watchful care grounded in truth and love. Discernment and courage are essential shepherding tools.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am conscious that after I am gone, evil wolves will come in among you, doing damage to the flock;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for I have known this, that there shall enter in, after my departing, grievous wolves unto you, not sparing the flock,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I know that after my departure ravening wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[For] I know [this,] that there will come in amongst you after my departure grievous wolves, not sparing the flock;
Context
The warning follows naturally from the charge to shepherd the flock purchased by the Lord’s blood (verse 28). Paul first identifies external threats (verse 29), then internal ones (verse 30). These dangers explain why he modeled persistent admonition (verse 31) and why he entrusts the elders to God’s word of grace (verse 32). The flow intensifies the urgency: precious people, costly redemption, real predators—therefore, consistent, courageous oversight is nonnegotiable.
v.28Take 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.
v.29This passage
v.30and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:12
He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf snatcheth them, and scattereth them:
- 2 Peter 2:1
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
- Zechariah 11:17
Woe to the worthless shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
- Jeremiah 13:20
Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?
- Zephaniah 3:3
Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they leave nothing till the morrow.
- Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
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