Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

ACTS 20:28KJV
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Acts 20:28 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:28 mean?

Acts 20:28 urges leaders to carefully watch over themselves and the community of believers, reminding them that the Holy Spirit has given them responsibility as overseers to care for the church, which God bought at great cost—by his own blood. The verse highlights both the seriousness of their role and the value God places on the church.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus during his farewell meeting with them. He warns them to be diligent and attentive, not just for their own sake but for the well-being of everyone under their care. The verse emphasizes that their authority comes from the Holy Spirit and that the church is precious because of the sacrifice God made.

The Greek behind Acts 20:28

  • "overseers" (ἐπίσκοπος, episkopos): This word means someone who watches over or supervises others. In this context, it refers to the elders’ role as caretakers and leaders of the church, not just administrators.
  • "feed" (ποιμαίνω, poimainō): This Greek word is often used for shepherding, suggesting not just teaching, but protecting, guiding, and caring for the people, like a shepherd with sheep.
  • "purchased" (περιποιέω, peripoieō): This word means to acquire or obtain at a price. The verse stresses that God’s church is valuable because it was obtained through a costly sacrifice—his own blood.

Why Acts 20:28 matters

  • Acts 20:28 clarifies that spiritual leadership is a responsibility given by the Holy Spirit, not just a human appointment or title.
  • The verse underscores the immense worth of the church by stating it was purchased with God’s own blood, pointing to the depth of God’s commitment and love.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s warning in the following verses about dangers from both inside and outside the church, showing why careful, loving oversight is so important.

Where else these words appear

“purchased” Greek G4046 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

“flock” Greek G4168 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
  • Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
  • 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

“overseers” Greek G1985 · used in 7 verses

  • Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
  • 2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.
  • Titus 3:15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.

“feed” Greek G4165 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
  • Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.