Acts 20:31
What does Acts 20:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:31 means
Because of these dangers, Paul commands constant vigilance, reminding them that for three years he warned each one night and day with tears. His example shows pastoral care is personal (“each one”), persistent (“night and day”), and heartfelt (“with tears”). Watchfulness is not suspicion but love that foresees harm and pleads, teaches, and corrects. The memory of Paul’s labor sets the bar for their own. He wept not from weakness but from Christlike compassion for souls. Faithful oversight takes time, tenderness, and tenacity, grounded in truth and aimed at the flock’s safety and growth in the Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So keep watch, having in mind that for three years without resting I was teaching every one of you, day and night, with weeping.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Therefore, watch, remembering that three years, night and day, I did not cease with tears warning each one;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore watch, keeping in memory that for three years I ceased not with tears to admonish every one of you, night and day.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wherefore watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not admonishing each one [of you] with tears.
Context
This verse concludes the warning section by appealing to Paul’s own pattern in Ephesus. It bridges to verse 32, where Paul entrusts the elders to God and His gracious word. After that, he will underscore his financial integrity (verses 33–34) and call them to generous, hardworking service patterned after Jesus’ teaching (verse 35). The sequence moves from danger and vigilance to dependence on God and practical examples of trustworthy leadership.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 3:7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8
neither did we eat bread for nought at any man’s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you:
- 1 Corinthians 4:14
I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
- Acts 20:11
And when he was gone up, and had broken the bread, and eaten, and had talked with them a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
- Revelation 16:15
(Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.)
- Acts 24:17
Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:
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