Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

ACTS 20:31KJV
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Acts 20:31 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:31 mean?

Acts 20:31 records Paul urging the elders of the church in Ephesus to stay alert and remember how, for three years, he continually warned each of them with deep emotion and concern, even to the point of tears, both day and night. Paul is reminding them of his constant care and vigilance for their spiritual well-being.

Paul is speaking to the leaders of the Ephesian church as he prepares to leave them, knowing he may not see them again. He wants them to recall his example of watchfulness and heartfelt warning, showing how seriously he took their spiritual safety. This verse highlights the depth of Paul’s commitment and the personal cost involved in his ministry among them.

The Greek behind Acts 20:31

  • "watch" (γρηγορεῖτε, grēgoreite): This word means to be alert or keep awake. Paul is not just telling them to remember, but to actively stay vigilant and attentive to spiritual dangers.
  • "warn" (νουθετῶν, nouthetōn): This word carries the sense of giving counsel or admonishing with the intent to correct or guide. Paul’s warnings were not harsh rebukes but caring, personal guidance.
  • "with tears" (διὰ δακρύων, dia dakryōn): The mention of tears shows Paul’s emotional investment and genuine love for the people, underlining that his warnings came from a place of deep concern, not anger or frustration.

Why Acts 20:31 matters

  • Acts 20:31 clears up any idea that Paul’s ministry was distant or impersonal; he was deeply involved and emotionally invested in the people he served.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance, not just for leaders but for anyone caring for others’ well-being.
  • This reminder connects to the larger farewell speech, where Paul is preparing the Ephesian elders to take responsibility for the church’s future, urging them to follow his example of dedication and heartfelt concern.

Where else these words appear

“warn” Greek G3560 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
  • Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

“tears” Greek G1144 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
  • Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
  • Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

“ceased” Greek G3973 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
  • Acts 6:13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“remember” Greek G3421 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 16:9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
  • Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
  • 2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: