Acts 20:28-29 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:17-36

Mingled fidelity and tenderness: an example for Christian ministers. Perhaps there is no other place in which we have so much of the nature of personal detail respecting Paul from his own lips. For the most part in his Epistles, there is a singular abstinence on his part from personal references. They seem to abound here. Without doubting their bare justification, we desiderate some other and higher account of them. May not this be found in a twofold consideration?— I. PAUL 'S ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:17-38

Paul's farewell to the elders of Ephesus. I. THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE EVANGELICAL PREACHING . ( Acts 20:17-21 .) 1. The spirit and conduct of the preacher himself; for this is inseparable from the preaching ( Acts 20:18-20 ). He had lived with his flock. His life had been devoted to their service. He had entered the sphere of their life as the loving sharer in their joys and sorrows. He had presented to them a pattern of humility. He had borne them on his heart.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:17-38

Last words. The scene at Miletus representative. I. Of the relations between the apostolic leaders and the Churches. 1. Affectionate. 2. Founded on a common faith in the gospel of the grace of God. 3. Absolutely free from all sordid and worldly entanglements. 4. While recognizing the eminence o! the leaders, still not dependent on individual men. Sorrowing separation was not overwhelming despair. II. Of the character of primitive Christianity as exemplified in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:22-32

Paul at Miletus: the forecast which exalts. Paul had received intimations "in every city" ( Acts 20:23 ) that "bonds and afflictions" were in store for him; he looked forward with absolute certainty to personal suffering of some kind; but this assurance was so far from daunting or depressing him that his spirit rose on strong and eager wing to the full height of such apostolic opportunity ( Matthew 5:10-12 ). The anticipated future, with its bonds and its sufferings and possibly death... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:28

Take heed for take heed therefore, A.V. and T.R.; in for over, A.V.; bishops for overseers, A.V.; purchased for hath purchased, A.V. Take heed , etc.; προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς , peculiar to Luke ( Acts 5:1-42 :53; Luke 12:1 ; Luke 17:3 ; Luke 21:34 ). Now follows the weighty charge of this great bishop to the clergy assembled at his visitation. With the true feeling of a chief pastor, he thinks of the whole flock, but deals with them chiefly through the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:28

The true Church. "The Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood." Significance of this passage in view of Church history and present controversies. I. THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE CHURCH . "Purchased with his own blood." Therefore neither an external organism nor a mere idea, but composed of living souls, whose salvation is secured by the merit of his blood. Not a mixed multitude, united by a formal rite, but, professedly at least, these who are partakers of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:28

Blood purchased. This figure of speech is directly connected with a reference to the Church as a flock; to the officers as overseers, or shepherds; and to their duty as feeding the flock. It is important to inquire how far the shepherd and sheep figure will explain the scriptural allusions to redemption, or salvation by blood. The figure as used by our Lord in John 10:1-42 . should be compared with the expression in our text, "which he hath purchased with his own blood." The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:28-31

Paul at Miletus: the prospect which pains. Paul, pursuing his path of self-sacrificing devotion, going on to he knew not what dangers ahead, looking a violent death in the face, was calm, tranquil, even joyful. But the apostle, looking forward to a distracted and injured Church, torn by false doctrine, laid waste by sinful men, was grieved at heart, and he uses the language of solemn adjuration and entreaty. I. HUMAN APPREHENSION . We often go forward with painful apprehension that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:29

I know for, for I know this, A.V. and T.R.; grievous wolves shall for shall grievous wolves, A.V. After my departure ( ἄφιξιν , not ἀνάλυσιν , as 2 Timothy 4:6 ). The word, which is only found here in the New Testament, usually means "arrival" in classical Greek, but it also means, as here, "departure." It is not to be taken in the sense of "departure from this life," but refers to that separation, which he thought was forever, which was about to take place. Grievous... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 20:28

Take heed, therefore - Attend to; be on your guard against the dangers which beset you, and seek to discharge your duty with fidelity.Unto yourselves - To your own piety, opinions, and mode of life. This is the first duty of a minister; for without this all his preaching will be vain. Compare Colossians 4:17; 1 Timothy 4:14. Ministers are beset with unique dangers and temptations, and against them they should be on their guard. In addition to the temptations which they have in common with other... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:17-36

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:17-38

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:17-38

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:22-32

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:28

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:28

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:28

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:28-31

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 20:29

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 20:28

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