- Home
- Bible
- Acts
- Chapter 20
- Verse 20
Acts 20:29
Verse
Context
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians
28Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.29I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.30Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.
Sermons
George Verwer
Warren Wiersbe
Ian PaisleyGeorge Verwer
Jack HudsonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
After my departing - Referring, most likely, to his death; for few of these evils took place during his life. Grievous wolves - Persons professing to be teachers; Judaizing Christians, who, instead of feeding the flock, would feed themselves, even to the oppression and ruin of the Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you--Two classes of coming enemies are here announced, the one more external to themselves, the other bred in the bosom of their own community; both were to be teachers, but the one, "grievous wolves," not sparing, that is, making a prey of the flock; the other (Act 20:30), simply sectarian "perverters" of the truth, with the view of drawing a party after them. Perhaps the one pointed to that subtle poison of Oriental Gnosticism which we know to have very early infected the Asiatic churches; the other to such Judaizing tendencies as we know to have troubled nearly all the early churches. See the Epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, and Timothy, also those to the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 2:1-3:22). But watchfulness against all that tends to injure and corrupt the Church is the duty of its pastors in every age.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now brethren,.... So the apostle calls the elders of the church at Ephesus; though they had not the same gifts, and were not in the same high office as he was, yet he puts himself upon a level with them, as if he and they were fellow elders, as Peter calls himself, Pe1 5:1 which is an instance of the apostle's humility and affection: I commend you to God; to God the Father; to his grace, to supply all their need; to his wisdom, to direct them in all their affairs; and to his power, to keep them from the sins and corruptions of the times, and from the errors and heresies now broaching, or to be broached. And to the word of his grace: either the Gospel, before called the Gospel of the grace of God, Act 20:24 This is sometimes called "the word", the word of faith, of truth, of righteousness, of reconciliation and salvation; and is "his" word, the word of God, and not of man; it comes from him, is concerning him, and is succeeded by him; and it is the word of "his grace", since it publishes his free grace and mercy in Christ Jesus, and declares salvation to, be wholly of the grace of God; to which this church is commended by the apostle as a rule of faith and practice, to attend unto, and abide by, and as a preservative from those errors and heresies which he had observed would spring up among them, and which would be for their instruction, comfort, and establishment: or else the Lord Jesus is intended, who is the eternal and essential word of God; who, as the word, inwardly conceived, is the image of the mind, equal to it, and yet distinct from it, so Christ is the image of the invisible God, equal to him, and yet a distinct person from him; and as the word expressed is the interpreter of the mind, so Christ the word, who was in the beginning with God, and lay in his bosom, has spoke all things from him, declared his mind, and explained his will: besides, he is the word who in the everlasting council and covenant spoke on the behalf of all his people, asked for every blessing for them, and engaged to be the surety of them; and is the word, who, in the beginning of time, spoke all things out of nothing; and now is the advocate, and speaks for the saints in heaven, as well as he has been the word spoken of by all the holy prophets from the beginning of the world: and he may be thought the rather to be designed, since the saints never commend themselves, or others, either in life, or in death, to any but to a divine person; nor is any but a divine person capable of taking the care and charge of the saints, and of making it good; nor will they trust any other; nor are the saints ever said to be committed or commended to the Gospel, but on the other hand, that is said to be committed to them: the written word is committed to the care and keeping of the saints, but not the saints to the care and keeping of that; nor does it appear so agreeable to put the written word upon a level with the divine Being; a commendation of the saints, equally to the written word, as to God himself, seems to be a lessening of the glory of the divine Being, and an ascribing too much to the word, but suits well with Christ the essential word: and who may be called the word of his grace, because the grace of God is greatly displayed in him; and because all fulness of grace dwells in him; and he is the author, donor, and object of all grace, and so a proper person to be commended to; and what follows is very applicable to him: which is able to build you up: in faith and holiness, and on himself, the sure foundation; for though the Gospel is an instrument in the hands of the Spirit of God, in building up saints on their most holy faith, yet Christ is the master builder; it is he that builds the temple, the church, and every particular believer, and must bear the glory. The saints, though they are built on Christ the foundation, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail, and so are safe; yet they stand in need of building up, or of edification; and a church may be said to be built up, or edified, when additions are made unto it of such as shall be saved; and particular members are built up, when additions are made to their grace, or they grow in the exercise of it; when their spiritual strength increases, when their understandings are more enlightened, their judgments better informed, and their memories filled with divine truths and Gospel doctrines; when they are more and more confirmed in the faith of Christ, both as a grace, and as a doctrine; and their wills are brought to a greater resignation to the will of God, as well as their afflictions are set upon things in heaven, and their souls are more seeking after them: and now this is what God is able to do, and does do; for except he builds, in vain do the builders build; he causes all grace to abound; and so does his word, his essential word; he is the author and finisher of faith, and gives both grace and glory, as it follows: and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified: by the inheritance is meant the heavenly glory, which is a free grace gift and not obtained by the works of the law, or the industry of men. It is a distribution by lot, as the land of Canaan was, even by the lot of God's eternal purpose and decree: it is what belongs to children, to the children of God, and them only; and therefore bears this name, and comes unto them upon, and in consequence of the death of Christ the testator: it is his righteousness which entitles unto it; and it is the grace of God which makes meet for it; and the Spirit of God is the earnest of it: it is an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in the heavens, and is an eternal one; it lies in light, and among the saints there. God is able to give it; it is a gift of his grace, of his sovereign will, which he gives to whom he pleases; it is an inheritance of his preparing and disposing, which he calls unto, makes meet for, and bestows: and Christ, the word of his grace, is able to give it; it is in his hands, not only the promise of it, but that itself; he is in possession of it, and it is in his power to give it; and he does give it to all that the Father has given him, and who are here described from their sanctification; for this is only enjoyed by such, who are set apart by God the Father, whose sins are expiated by the blood of Christ, and to whom he is made sanctification, and who are sanctified by the blessed Spirit. Now though the Gospel, the written word, may be as a map, which shows where this inheritance lies, and which is the way to it; yet it is Christ, the living word, who gives the right unto it, the meetness for it, the earnest of it, and will put into the possession of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:29-30 vicious wolves: Paul’s prophecy did in fact happen, prompting him to write to Timothy in Ephesus some five years later (see 1 Tim 1:3-7, 19-20; 4:1-5; see also Matt 7:15; 10:16; Mark 13:22; Luke 10:3; 2 Pet 2:1-22; 3:3).
Acts 20:29
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians
28Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.29I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.30Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Balance, Not Tangents
By George Verwer4.1K1:00:04BalanceMAT 6:33ACT 20:29In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing two principles in the Christian life: grace and truth. He also discusses the balance between organization and freedom, highlighting the need to be flexible and adaptable in a fellowship or organization. The speaker emphasizes the supernatural nature of God and the importance of relying on His power for healing and answered prayer. He also mentions a group in California that took the teachings of Watchman Knee to an extreme, cautioning against falling into legalism. The sermon concludes with a call to wake up, pray, and fast as the New Testament teaches in order to evangelize the world and uphold godly leaders.
An Enemy in the Neighborhood
By Warren Wiersbe2.1K57:48MAT 13:37MAT 13:51ACT 20:292CO 11:13GAL 1:61JN 3:12REV 2:9
This sermon delves into the parable of the chairs in Matthew chapter 13, highlighting the dual sowers at work in the world - Jesus sowing good seed and Satan sowing counterfeits. It emphasizes the presence of counterfeit believers, the lineage of the devil's children from Cain to false ministers in the New Testament, and the importance of discernment to identify counterfeits. The sermon stresses the need to be alert, avoid detours, have a global concern, and maintain a long-term perspective in the spiritual battle against counterfeits. It concludes with a call to be faithful stewards who share both old and new treasures of God's Word.
Fire! More Fire!! Much Fire!!!
By Ian Paisley2.0K32:31ISA 26:9ISA 43:1ISA 43:18MAL 3:1MAT 6:33ACT 20:29In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking through the fire and not being consumed by it. He warns against the temptations of sinful passion and the corruption in the world through lust. The preacher also highlights the need for perseverance in the Christian journey, as many start well but end disastrously. He references Isaiah 43:2, which assures believers that they will not be burned or consumed by the flames. The sermon also touches on the topic of persecution for righteousness' sake and the importance of the church maintaining its message without toning it down.
(Church Leadership) 12. Hating Spiritual Death
By Zac Poonen1.7K59:49MRK 13:34ACT 20:29HEB 5:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discernment and not being fooled by false teachings. He warns against being swayed by psychological gimmicks and encourages listeners to follow the example of Jesus. The speaker also highlights the need to seek and obey God's word, rather than just hearing it. He uses the story of Gideon and his army to illustrate the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and not being distracted by worldly desires.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Church - Part 4
By Zac Poonen1.0K1:14:26PRO 29:25MAT 10:7JHN 3:30ACT 20:29ROM 12:61CO 14:31CO 14:29
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church, focusing on prophecy, discernment, and sensitivity in conscience. It warns against seeking significance, honor from men, and security in others rather than in Christ. The goal is to glorify Christ, be transformed, and have a deep connection with Him.
No 5 Spiritual Balance Eng to Germann
By George Verwer92957:33GermanACT 20:29In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tendency of religious Christians to fall into extremism and deviate from God's word. He emphasizes the need for young people to fully commit their lives to Christ and warns about the rise of false teachers and cults. The preacher shares his own experience of sharing the message of Christ for the past 25 years and highlights the ongoing threat of the devil's influence. He urges believers to be vigilant and discerning, reminding them of the balance between spiritual growth and crisis experiences. The sermon is supported by references to Acts chapter 20, verse 29, where the apostle Paul warns about savage wolves infiltrating the church and leading disciples astray.
Contending for the Faith
By Jack Hudson85339:43FaithACT 20:291TI 5:202TI 4:2TIT 1:10TIT 1:13JUD 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of setting a good example and maintaining faith in God. He uses the analogy of picking up an apple to illustrate the simplicity of recognizing truth. The preacher also discusses the influence of what we see and hear on our beliefs and actions, particularly in the context of education and peer influence. He strongly condemns immoral behavior and warns against the negative consequences it can have on individuals and society. Throughout the sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to stand against evil and uphold the standards of faith.
Studies in 1 Peter-15 1 Peter 5:1-5
By Dwight Pentecost73239:14ZEC 13:7ACT 20:27ACT 20:291PE 5:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the attitude and motive that should guide those who serve as shepherds or elders in the church. They emphasize the importance of viewing oneself as a servant rather than a lord over God's heritage. The speaker highlights the need for shepherds to be attentive to the needs of the flock and to provide them with the truth of God's word. They also mention the reward that God has specifically reserved for those who faithfully serve as shepherds. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be vigilant against false teachings and to constantly warn and protect the flock.
Promise Believers #4 - Unpopular Promises
By Bob Hoekstra54157:20MAT 6:33ACT 20:292TI 3:12In this sermon, the pastor discusses the unpopular promises of God, specifically regarding the consequences of sin and the standards of righteousness. He emphasizes the prevalence of pride and self-exaltation in the world, using the example of Muhammad Ali. The pastor also mentions the belief in the new age thinking of humans evolving into gods. However, he reminds the congregation of the biblical promise that in the last days, perilous times will come, with evil men and imposters growing worse and deceiving others. The sermon concludes with a mention of a verse that haunted a godly man in Dallas, Texas, highlighting the importance of standing on God's promises.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 108
By Don Courville34026:40Radio ShowGEN 14:22JHN 12:6ACT 20:291TI 6:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Achan from Joshua chapter 7. Achan's disobedience and greed led to his downfall and caused problems for the entire community. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being careful not to have a "Judas spirit" and warns against picking on God's people. He also highlights the example of Abraham, who refused to take any reward from the king of Sodom, acknowledging that everything he had came from God. The sermon encourages listeners to trust in God and seek His provision rather than compromising their integrity for worldly gain.
How to Recognize Cults: 7 Characteristics
By Mike Bickle2650:41Cult AwarenessDiscernmentACT 20:29Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of recognizing cults by outlining seven key characteristics that deviate from historic Christianity. He warns that cults often begin with subtle tendencies and escalate into more dangerous behaviors, including inappropriate loyalty to leaders, isolation from family, and the promotion of special revelations outside of Scripture. Bickle encourages believers to be equipped with knowledge to discern and expose cult-like tendencies, not only for their own protection but also to help others who may be lured in. He stresses the necessity of critical thinking and testing teachings against the Bible, as well as maintaining healthy relationships with family and the broader church community.
Discerning Leadership
By A.W. Tozer0Leadership in the ChurchDiscernmentACT 20:29A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for discerning leadership within the church, warning against the rise of false teachings and worldly influences that threaten true Bible Christianity. He highlights the lack of opposition to these trends and calls for Spirit-filled individuals to step up and lead with discernment. Tozer encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's illumination to distinguish truth from falsehood, urging them to be proactive in their faith and leadership. He concludes with a prayer for personal illumination and usefulness for God's glory.
Despair and Deliverance
By W.T.P. Wolston0ACT 20:292CO 11:13GAL 2:42PE 2:1JUD 1:4William Barclay delves into the vivid verb 'crept in unawares,' illustrating how false believers sneak into the faith, settling alongside genuine believers, cloaked in counterfeit faith. Jude warns of the danger these bogus believers pose, insinuating evil into the church like stealthy thieves. Paul and Spurgeon emphasize the treachery of these infiltrators, who undermine the gospel from within. The importance of exposing these deceivers is highlighted, as they introduce error secretly among the brethren.
The Crown of Righteousness
By E.L. Bevir0ACT 19:10ACT 20:24ACT 20:29ACT 20:32ACT 24:25ACT 28:16ACT 28:302TI 4:8E.L. Bevir preaches about the apostle Paul's unjust imprisonment and impending death, highlighting the lack of justice he faced from both the Roman Empire and fellow Christians. Despite being deserted and neglected by many, Paul remained devoted to the Lord, exemplifying the heavenly virtues he preached. The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the Christian path, even in the face of unjust treatment, as the ultimate reward and crown of righteousness come from the righteous Judge, Jesus Christ.
Beware of False Teaching
By J. Vernon McGee0MAT 7:15MAT 13:33ACT 20:292PE 2:1J. Vernon McGee warns about the presence of false teachers in the church, emphasizing their deceptive nature and the danger they pose by spreading lies and denying the truth of the Word of God. He urges the congregation to be discerning and to test all teachings against the Scriptures, rather than blindly following charismatic leaders. False teachers often mix truth with falsehood, making them more deceptive and destructive to the church, as warned by Jesus and Paul in the Bible.
Exposing Error: Is It Worthwhile?
By Harry Ironside0Exposing ErrorContending for the FaithMAT 7:15ACT 20:292PE 2:1Harry Ironside emphasizes the necessity of exposing error within the church, arguing that much of the New Testament is dedicated to warning against false teachings and heresies. He highlights the importance of contending for the faith and the dangers posed by false prophets, urging believers to be vigilant and to reprove unfruitful works of darkness. Ironside asserts that while exposing error may be unpopular, it is a vital duty for Christians to protect the integrity of the Gospel and the person of Christ. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, recognizing that the battle against error is essential for the salvation of souls. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to truth, even in the face of opposition.
Stumble Causers
By A.W. Tozer0DEU 13:1MAT 7:15MAT 24:24JHN 15:8ACT 20:292PE 2:11JN 4:1REV 16:13Tony Garland delves into the concept of False Prophets, who claim to speak for God but actually utter falsehoods, often associated with the Antichrist in the end times. The False Prophet, depicted as benign like a lamb but speaking like a dragon, performs miracles to deceive people into worshiping the Beast. Scripture warns about the danger of false prophets, who are more deadly than physical predators as they can harm not just the body but the soul. Jesus and Paul both forewarn about the rise of false prophets, emphasizing the importance of discerning them by their fruits, which reveal their true nature.
The Church
By Marvin Cowan0MAT 7:15MAT 16:18ACT 2:47ACT 11:26ACT 20:29EPH 2:201TI 3:11TI 3:8TIT 1:5HEB 1:1Marvin Cowan preaches about the differences between Mormonism and the New Testament Church, emphasizing the LDS belief in a universal apostasy from the Christian doctrine and the need for a restoration of the Gospel. He challenges the LDS claim of being the one true church and questions the validity of their prophets and apostles. The sermon delves into the discrepancies between the LDS Church's structure and the offices in the New Testament Church, highlighting the importance of aligning with the biblical teachings and qualifications for church leadership.
(The Full Gospel) 14. Warnings to the Church for the Last Days
By Zac Poonen0PSA 121:3PRO 26:27DAN 11:31MAT 5:22LUK 16:13ACT 20:29ROM 6:14EPH 6:12HEB 12:31JN 2:18REV 3:19Zac Poonen preaches on the warnings found in Daniel 11:31-35 regarding the spirit of the antichrist infiltrating the church, defiling it with impurity, opposition to holiness, and disregard for God's covenant. He emphasizes the importance of standing firm for holiness, righteousness, and against corruption within the church, even in the face of opposition and persecution. Poonen highlights the need for a Daniel-ministry that leads others to righteousness and warns against a Lucifer-ministry that sows discord, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a daily sacrifice, facing persecution with faith, and trusting God's judgment on those who defile the church.
1 John 2:18
By John Gill0False TeachingsDiscernmentMAT 24:24ACT 20:292TH 2:31JN 2:181JN 2:22John Gill emphasizes the urgency of the message in 1 John 2:18, addressing the believers as 'little children' and warning them of the perilous times ahead as the apostolic age draws to a close. He explains that many antichrists have emerged, opposing the truth of Christ's incarnation and deity, and cautions the faithful to be vigilant against these deceivers. Gill highlights that the presence of these antichrists is a sign of the last hour, indicating a shift away from the pure teachings of the apostles. He notes that while the ultimate antichrist is yet to come, many have already arisen, leading believers to discern the truth amidst widespread heresy.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
After my departing - Referring, most likely, to his death; for few of these evils took place during his life. Grievous wolves - Persons professing to be teachers; Judaizing Christians, who, instead of feeding the flock, would feed themselves, even to the oppression and ruin of the Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you--Two classes of coming enemies are here announced, the one more external to themselves, the other bred in the bosom of their own community; both were to be teachers, but the one, "grievous wolves," not sparing, that is, making a prey of the flock; the other (Act 20:30), simply sectarian "perverters" of the truth, with the view of drawing a party after them. Perhaps the one pointed to that subtle poison of Oriental Gnosticism which we know to have very early infected the Asiatic churches; the other to such Judaizing tendencies as we know to have troubled nearly all the early churches. See the Epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, and Timothy, also those to the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 2:1-3:22). But watchfulness against all that tends to injure and corrupt the Church is the duty of its pastors in every age.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now brethren,.... So the apostle calls the elders of the church at Ephesus; though they had not the same gifts, and were not in the same high office as he was, yet he puts himself upon a level with them, as if he and they were fellow elders, as Peter calls himself, Pe1 5:1 which is an instance of the apostle's humility and affection: I commend you to God; to God the Father; to his grace, to supply all their need; to his wisdom, to direct them in all their affairs; and to his power, to keep them from the sins and corruptions of the times, and from the errors and heresies now broaching, or to be broached. And to the word of his grace: either the Gospel, before called the Gospel of the grace of God, Act 20:24 This is sometimes called "the word", the word of faith, of truth, of righteousness, of reconciliation and salvation; and is "his" word, the word of God, and not of man; it comes from him, is concerning him, and is succeeded by him; and it is the word of "his grace", since it publishes his free grace and mercy in Christ Jesus, and declares salvation to, be wholly of the grace of God; to which this church is commended by the apostle as a rule of faith and practice, to attend unto, and abide by, and as a preservative from those errors and heresies which he had observed would spring up among them, and which would be for their instruction, comfort, and establishment: or else the Lord Jesus is intended, who is the eternal and essential word of God; who, as the word, inwardly conceived, is the image of the mind, equal to it, and yet distinct from it, so Christ is the image of the invisible God, equal to him, and yet a distinct person from him; and as the word expressed is the interpreter of the mind, so Christ the word, who was in the beginning with God, and lay in his bosom, has spoke all things from him, declared his mind, and explained his will: besides, he is the word who in the everlasting council and covenant spoke on the behalf of all his people, asked for every blessing for them, and engaged to be the surety of them; and is the word, who, in the beginning of time, spoke all things out of nothing; and now is the advocate, and speaks for the saints in heaven, as well as he has been the word spoken of by all the holy prophets from the beginning of the world: and he may be thought the rather to be designed, since the saints never commend themselves, or others, either in life, or in death, to any but to a divine person; nor is any but a divine person capable of taking the care and charge of the saints, and of making it good; nor will they trust any other; nor are the saints ever said to be committed or commended to the Gospel, but on the other hand, that is said to be committed to them: the written word is committed to the care and keeping of the saints, but not the saints to the care and keeping of that; nor does it appear so agreeable to put the written word upon a level with the divine Being; a commendation of the saints, equally to the written word, as to God himself, seems to be a lessening of the glory of the divine Being, and an ascribing too much to the word, but suits well with Christ the essential word: and who may be called the word of his grace, because the grace of God is greatly displayed in him; and because all fulness of grace dwells in him; and he is the author, donor, and object of all grace, and so a proper person to be commended to; and what follows is very applicable to him: which is able to build you up: in faith and holiness, and on himself, the sure foundation; for though the Gospel is an instrument in the hands of the Spirit of God, in building up saints on their most holy faith, yet Christ is the master builder; it is he that builds the temple, the church, and every particular believer, and must bear the glory. The saints, though they are built on Christ the foundation, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail, and so are safe; yet they stand in need of building up, or of edification; and a church may be said to be built up, or edified, when additions are made unto it of such as shall be saved; and particular members are built up, when additions are made to their grace, or they grow in the exercise of it; when their spiritual strength increases, when their understandings are more enlightened, their judgments better informed, and their memories filled with divine truths and Gospel doctrines; when they are more and more confirmed in the faith of Christ, both as a grace, and as a doctrine; and their wills are brought to a greater resignation to the will of God, as well as their afflictions are set upon things in heaven, and their souls are more seeking after them: and now this is what God is able to do, and does do; for except he builds, in vain do the builders build; he causes all grace to abound; and so does his word, his essential word; he is the author and finisher of faith, and gives both grace and glory, as it follows: and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified: by the inheritance is meant the heavenly glory, which is a free grace gift and not obtained by the works of the law, or the industry of men. It is a distribution by lot, as the land of Canaan was, even by the lot of God's eternal purpose and decree: it is what belongs to children, to the children of God, and them only; and therefore bears this name, and comes unto them upon, and in consequence of the death of Christ the testator: it is his righteousness which entitles unto it; and it is the grace of God which makes meet for it; and the Spirit of God is the earnest of it: it is an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in the heavens, and is an eternal one; it lies in light, and among the saints there. God is able to give it; it is a gift of his grace, of his sovereign will, which he gives to whom he pleases; it is an inheritance of his preparing and disposing, which he calls unto, makes meet for, and bestows: and Christ, the word of his grace, is able to give it; it is in his hands, not only the promise of it, but that itself; he is in possession of it, and it is in his power to give it; and he does give it to all that the Father has given him, and who are here described from their sanctification; for this is only enjoyed by such, who are set apart by God the Father, whose sins are expiated by the blood of Christ, and to whom he is made sanctification, and who are sanctified by the blessed Spirit. Now though the Gospel, the written word, may be as a map, which shows where this inheritance lies, and which is the way to it; yet it is Christ, the living word, who gives the right unto it, the meetness for it, the earnest of it, and will put into the possession of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:29-30 vicious wolves: Paul’s prophecy did in fact happen, prompting him to write to Timothy in Ephesus some five years later (see 1 Tim 1:3-7, 19-20; 4:1-5; see also Matt 7:15; 10:16; Mark 13:22; Luke 10:3; 2 Pet 2:1-22; 3:3).