For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

ACTS 20:29KJV
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Acts 20:29 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:29 mean?

Acts 20:29 warns that after Paul leaves, dangerous people—described as "grievous wolves"—will come into the community and harm the believers, not showing any mercy to them. Paul is telling the church leaders to expect serious threats from outsiders who will try to damage or take advantage of the group.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus as he prepares to depart, knowing he will not see them again. He uses the image of wolves attacking a flock to show how vulnerable the church will be without his guidance, and to stress the need for the leaders to be alert and protective over the people in their care.

The Greek behind Acts 20:29

  • λύκοι (lykoi, "wolves"): This word paints a vivid picture of danger, as wolves were known for attacking sheep. Here, it refers to people who would come in with harmful intentions.
  • βαρύς (barys, "grievous" or "heavy"): This word means severe or burdensome, emphasizing that the threat is not minor but very serious.
  • φείδομαι (pheidomai, "sparing"): The phrase "not sparing the flock" means these people will show no restraint or mercy, making the warning even more urgent.

Why Acts 20:29 matters

  • This verse clears up that the main threat Paul is warning about comes from outside the community, not just from within, which is important for understanding the context of his warning.
  • Paul’s use of strong language highlights how seriously he views the danger, urging the leaders to take their responsibility to protect the church very seriously.
  • This warning connects to the wider passage where Paul is giving his final instructions and encouragements, showing his deep concern for the future well-being of the church after his departure.

Where else these words appear

“wolves” Greek G3074 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  • Luke 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

“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 20:28 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.
  • 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;

“grievous” Greek G926 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

“sparing” Greek G5339 · used in 9 verses

  • Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
  • 1 Corinthians 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: