- Home
- Bible
- Acts
- Chapter 20
- Verse 20
Acts 20:31
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Therefore watch, and remember - The only way to abide in the truth is to watch against evil, and for good; and to keep in mind the heavenly doctrines originally received. Unwatchfulness and forgetfulness are two grand inlets to apostasy. By the space of three years - Τριετιαν. The Greek word here does not necessarily mean three whole years: it may be months more or less. In Act 19:8, Act 19:10, we have an account of his spending two years and three months among them; probably this is all that is intended. One MS., perceiving that the time of three years was not completed, inserts διετιαν, the space of two years.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
by the space of three years--speaking in round numbers; for it was nearer three than two years. I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears--What an appeal to be able to make! "And if this was an apostle's part, how much more a pastor's!" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
I have showed you all things,.... Both as to doctrine and practice, and had set them an example how to behave in every point, and particularly in this: how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak; the sense of which is, that they should labour with their hands as he did, and so support the weak; either such who were weak in body, and unable to work and help themselves, and therefore should be helped, assisted, relieved, and supported by the labours of others, that were able; or the weak in faith, and take nothing of them, lest they should think the preachers of the word sought only their own worldly advantage, and so they should be stumbled and fall from the truth: and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; which the apostle had either collected as the sense of some passages of his, such as Luk 6:30, &c. or which though not recorded in any of the Gospels, the apostle might have received from one or other of the twelve disciples, as what were frequently used by Christ in the days of his flesh; and which the apostle had inculcated among the Ephesians, and now puts them in mind of them, they being worthy of remembrance: how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive: it is more comfortable, honourable, pleasant, and profitable: the giver is in a more comfortable situation, having an abundance, at least a sufficiency, and something to spare; whereas the receiver is often in want and distress, and so uncomfortable: it is an honour to give; an honour is reflected upon the giver, both by the receiver, and others; when to receive is an instance of meanness, and carries in it, among men, some degree of dishonour: it is a pleasure to a liberal man to distribute to the necessities of others; and it cannot be grateful to a man to be in such circumstances, as make it necessary for him to receive from others, and be dependent on them; and great are the advantages and profit which a cheerful giver reaps, both in this world, and that to come: wherefore the conclusion which the apostle would have drawn from hence is, that it is much more eligible for a man to work with his own hands, and support himself, and assist others, than to receive at the hands of others.
Acts 20:31
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians
30Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.31Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Playing at Soldiers
By George Verwer4.9K49:58ACT 20:19ACT 20:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there are no shortcuts to holiness and discipleship. He highlights the example of the Apostle Paul, who dedicated three years of his life to warning and teaching others about the gospel. Paul served the Lord with humility, tears, and perseverance, not holding back anything that was profitable for others. The speaker encourages believers to have the same dedication and willingness to finish the work that God has given them, just as Jesus and Paul did.
(Through the Bible) Titus
By Chuck Smith2.4K1:25:29Through The BibleACT 20:31EPH 2:8TIT 2:6TIT 3:8TIT 3:14PHM 1:1HEB 11:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. He highlights that this hope is based on the promise of God, who cannot lie, and has been manifested through the preaching of the word. The preacher acknowledges that the plan of redemption existed before the world, even though the reasons behind God creating man knowing they would fall are unknown. The sermon also addresses the lack of solid doctrine teaching in many churches today, with a focus on entertainment rather than sound teaching. The preacher concludes by reminding the audience of God's love and mercy, which conquered our fallen state and offers hope for a transformed life.
No Tears
By R. Edward Miller2.1K50:27TearsPSA 84:6PSA 126:5LUK 6:6ACT 20:19ACT 20:31In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of experiencing emotional breakings in our relationship with God. He refers to Luke 6:6-13, where Jesus speaks about the different types of soil and how they receive the seed. The preacher emphasizes the need for breakings in our soul, will, mind, and heart. Specifically, he discusses the importance of emotional breakings and how tears can be a powerful expression of our love and devotion to God. He encourages the congregation not to be afraid of their emotions and to seek a deep connection with God through emotional vulnerability.
The Ministry of Fasting
By Wesley Duewel1.8K1:00:40FastingEZK 33:8JOL 2:12JOL 2:14MAT 6:33ACT 20:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of one lone monk named Savonarola who preached against the sins of Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. Despite facing opposition and eventually being martyred, Savonarola's preaching drew thousands of people who were hungry to hear the word of God. The speaker emphasizes the power of fasting and prayer in turning the tide of sin and encourages believers to be all out for God and against sin. He shares personal experiences and testimonies of how fasting can bring joy and blessings in one's life. The sermon concludes with a challenge to set examples for future generations through our actions and devotion to God.
The Real or the Plastic
By Reuben Walter1.2K41:47CounterfeitDEU 4:9MAT 6:33MRK 13:22ACT 20:312TI 3:16HEB 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being watchful and prayerful, as we do not know when the time of the Lord's return will be. He encourages the congregation to examine teachings and beliefs closely, using the light of God's word as a guide. The sermon also highlights the need to discern between truth and lies, and between what is genuine and what is fake. The preacher emphasizes the importance of constantly being alert and on guard against deception and false teaching.
Hosanna (Compilation)
By Compilations1.2K11:33CompilationNEH 1:3LUK 2:49LUK 19:37JHN 2:16ACT 20:28ACT 20:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual desperation and the need for believers to be vigilant in protecting the church from false teachings. He warns that after his departure, there will be vicious wolves who will try to lead the disciples astray. The speaker also highlights the significance of the cross and the thirst for God, stating that desperation is a hunger that consumes and dominates. He concludes by referencing the story of Nehemiah, who wept and fasted in prayer for the broken walls of Jerusalem, emphasizing the need for repentance and seeking God's forgiveness.
Reality in the Book of Acts Eng to German
By George Verwer88950:00RealityACT 1:14ACT 4:31ACT 5:42ACT 20:20ACT 20:31ROM 15:202CO 10:16In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about his relationship with his fiancée and their commitment to abstain from physical intimacy until they were engaged. He then discusses the importance of evangelism and cites examples from the book of Acts, highlighting the apostle Paul's dedication to spreading the message of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be involved in face-to-face evangelism and shares his own experiences of witnessing in a bus station. He also mentions the biblical basis for global evangelism and the importance of training programs to ensure that individuals are qualified and equipped for ministry.
Book of Acts Series - Part 31 | a Snapshot of Greatness
By Jim Cymbala80444:58Book Of ActsMAT 6:33ACT 20:19ACT 20:24ACT 20:28ACT 20:31ACT 20:35In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and compassion in the lives of believers. He highlights the tendency for people to easily judge others while ignoring their own flaws. The preacher shares a personal experience where he chose to walk away from a confrontational situation, demonstrating the need to respond with grace and love even in difficult circumstances. He references the apostle Paul's example of serving the Lord with humility and tears, challenging listeners to value these qualities in their own lives.
Raising Support
By George Verwer64537:06PRO 11:24MAT 6:33ACT 20:312CO 8:122CO 9:6PHP 4:191TI 6:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of financial support for the work of God. He emphasizes the need for a vision in order to make the process of gathering support more meaningful and less burdensome. The speaker shares his personal motivation for this ministry, stating that he has a vision of what money can do in advancing the work of God. He also highlights the significance of effective communication skills, particularly in writing letters, and recommends books on communication and public speaking for further improvement.
Cd Gv285 Big Vision
By George Verwer63500:00PSA 37:4MAT 6:33ACT 2:41ACT 20:312TI 2:15JAS 1:271JN 3:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking action in spreading the word of God. They acknowledge the progress that has been made in the world of missions but stress that it will not be completed unless individuals actively participate. The speaker encourages Christians to have a vision and to think big in their efforts to reach others with the gospel. They also highlight the need for consolidation within the mission movement and the importance of having a biblical foundation for missions. The sermon concludes with a call for churches to prioritize world missions and to become more informed and involved in missionary work.
Providence Mission Conference 99 Session 2
By George Verwer62150:12ISA 6:1EZK 3:18MAT 6:33ACT 4:13ACT 20:31In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to consider committing to missions for at least two years. He emphasizes the abundance of resources available for those who are willing to go and shares his own experience of learning how to raise money for the kingdom of God. The speaker also addresses the challenges of cross-cultural missions and the importance of obeying God's call. He concludes by reminding the audience that they have been given much and therefore much is expected of them, urging them to take advantage of the missionary opportunities and literature available to them.
What Happened to Acts Ch 29
By George Verwer58241:05MissionsMAT 9:35ACT 9:1ACT 20:31ACT 28:311CO 4:131CO 4:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the gospels and understanding the character of Jesus Christ. They highlight how Jesus went about towns and villages, driven by compassion. The speaker also explains the concept of "operation mobilization" and how it involves believers actively demonstrating their love for Jesus. They emphasize that every believer has the responsibility to be a witness for Christ, regardless of their background or abilities. The sermon concludes with the example of the man who was cured of demons, illustrating the power of personal testimony in sharing the saving power of Jesus Christ.
Financing Missions in the 90s 22.1.1990
By George Verwer5301:02:05MissionsMAT 6:33ACT 20:31ROM 12:10PHP 2:32TI 2:15HEB 10:25JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching and understanding the principles of support raising, winning friends, mobilizing God's people, and finding resources for world evangelism. The lack of knowledge and willingness to sacrifice in the church is a concern for the speaker. He encourages the audience to consider their lifestyle, mentality, and approach to money in relation to the unreached people and make decisions that will bring about a great missionary thrust. The speaker also mentions the need for radical changes in various aspects of life to obey Jesus' commandments and do the will of the Father.
Gv in Holland Logica Van Toewijding (3) (Eng to Dutch)
By George Verwer15852:22DutchMAT 22:37LUK 14:27LUK 14:33ACT 20:31HEB 12:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of total surrender and commitment to Jesus Christ. He references Luke 14:33, where Jesus teaches that whoever does not forsake all they have cannot be His disciple. The preacher highlights the need for dedication and passion in every area of life, comparing it to the dedication seen in sports and business. He also mentions the obedience to God's word as a logical reason for this commitment. Overall, the sermon encourages believers to live a life of surrender and wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ.
Entitled
By Anton Bosch0PRO 11:2MAT 5:12ACT 20:31ROM 12:3GAL 6:3PHP 2:31TH 2:9JAS 4:61PE 5:5Anton Bosch preaches about the dangerous mindset of entitlement that has infiltrated society and even the church, emphasizing how entitlement is rooted in arrogance, selfishness, and self-centeredness. He highlights that true entitlement belongs to Jesus alone, who surrendered His rights for the sake of saving us, despite being entitled to supreme honor and worship. Bosch challenges believers to shift from an entitled mindset to one of humility, contentment, and gratitude, reminding them that God's blessings are out of His love and grace, not owed to us.
On the Priesthood - Part 5
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 5:19ACT 20:31COL 3:161TH 5:111TI 4:131TI 5:172TI 2:242TI 3:141PE 3:15John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of being skilled and knowledgeable in the ministry, highlighting the dangers of unskilled leadership in the Church. He uses the example of St. Paul's mastery in both speech and doctrine, showing how his teachings and epistles have had a profound impact on the Church. Chrysostom stresses the need for priests and laity to be well-versed in Scripture, capable of defending the faith and refuting false teachings. He warns against the perils of unskilled leadership leading to the spiritual ruin of many souls.
Epistle to the Ephesians
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ACT 19:24ACT 20:31EPH 3:1EPH 4:7EPH 4:11EPH 4:17EPH 4:20EPH 5:1EPH 5:3Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the city of Ephesus, the temple of Artemis, and the Apostle Paul's ministry in Ephesus. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, walking in love, and imitating Christ in our actions. Gaebelein highlights the unity of the Spirit in the body of Christ, the gifts given for ministry, and the purpose of these gifts in building up the Church. He urges believers to walk in holiness, righteousness, and separation from the ways of the world, following the example of Christ's sacrificial love.
Speak the Truth in Love
By Shane Idleman0JER 17:9JER 20:9JHN 4:23ACT 20:311JN 5:13Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of standing firm in absolute truth, likening it to a lighthouse that guides and protects amidst the darkness and challenges of relativism and postmodernism. He highlights the danger of departing from absolute truth, leading to a mechanical approach to Christianity and a loss of spiritual guidance. Idleman stresses the need to speak the truth in love, even when it may be perceived as narrow-minded or intolerant, drawing from personal experiences and biblical examples like the apostle Paul and Jesus.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Therefore watch, and remember - The only way to abide in the truth is to watch against evil, and for good; and to keep in mind the heavenly doctrines originally received. Unwatchfulness and forgetfulness are two grand inlets to apostasy. By the space of three years - Τριετιαν. The Greek word here does not necessarily mean three whole years: it may be months more or less. In Act 19:8, Act 19:10, we have an account of his spending two years and three months among them; probably this is all that is intended. One MS., perceiving that the time of three years was not completed, inserts διετιαν, the space of two years.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
by the space of three years--speaking in round numbers; for it was nearer three than two years. I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears--What an appeal to be able to make! "And if this was an apostle's part, how much more a pastor's!" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
I have showed you all things,.... Both as to doctrine and practice, and had set them an example how to behave in every point, and particularly in this: how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak; the sense of which is, that they should labour with their hands as he did, and so support the weak; either such who were weak in body, and unable to work and help themselves, and therefore should be helped, assisted, relieved, and supported by the labours of others, that were able; or the weak in faith, and take nothing of them, lest they should think the preachers of the word sought only their own worldly advantage, and so they should be stumbled and fall from the truth: and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; which the apostle had either collected as the sense of some passages of his, such as Luk 6:30, &c. or which though not recorded in any of the Gospels, the apostle might have received from one or other of the twelve disciples, as what were frequently used by Christ in the days of his flesh; and which the apostle had inculcated among the Ephesians, and now puts them in mind of them, they being worthy of remembrance: how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive: it is more comfortable, honourable, pleasant, and profitable: the giver is in a more comfortable situation, having an abundance, at least a sufficiency, and something to spare; whereas the receiver is often in want and distress, and so uncomfortable: it is an honour to give; an honour is reflected upon the giver, both by the receiver, and others; when to receive is an instance of meanness, and carries in it, among men, some degree of dishonour: it is a pleasure to a liberal man to distribute to the necessities of others; and it cannot be grateful to a man to be in such circumstances, as make it necessary for him to receive from others, and be dependent on them; and great are the advantages and profit which a cheerful giver reaps, both in this world, and that to come: wherefore the conclusion which the apostle would have drawn from hence is, that it is much more eligible for a man to work with his own hands, and support himself, and assist others, than to receive at the hands of others.