And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

ACTS 20:32KJV
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Acts 20:32 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:32 mean?

Acts 20:32 describes Paul entrusting the believers in Ephesus to God and to the message of God’s kindness, saying that this message has the power to strengthen them and give them a share with all those who are set apart for God. Paul is expressing confidence that God and His gracious message will continue to support and bless the believers after Paul leaves.

Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus as he prepares to depart, knowing he may never see them again. He reassures them that, even in his absence, God’s grace and the teachings they have received are enough to help them grow and remain part of the community of those made holy. This verse is both a farewell and a reminder of where their true help and inheritance come from.

The Greek behind Acts 20:32

  • παρατίθημι (paratithēmi, “commend”): This word often means to entrust or place something into someone’s care. Paul is not just saying goodbye; he is actively placing the believers into God’s hands, showing deep trust.
  • λόγος (logos, “word”): Here, “word” refers to the message or teaching about God’s grace. The focus is on the content of what they have learned, not just spoken words.
  • χάρις (charis, “grace”): This word means kindness or favor that is not earned. Paul highlights that it is God’s generous kindness, not human effort, that strengthens and gives an inheritance.
  • κληρονομία (klēronomia, “inheritance”): This term refers to a share or portion given to someone, often in a family context. Paul uses it to show that believers are included among those who belong to God in a lasting, meaningful way.

Why Acts 20:32 matters

  • Acts 20:32 clarifies that spiritual growth and security do not depend on a human leader’s presence but on God and the message of His grace.
  • The verse emphasizes that all believers who are “sanctified” (set apart for God) share equally in the inheritance, underlining unity and inclusion in the Christian community.
  • Paul’s words connect to the larger farewell speech in Acts 20, showing his pastoral care and his confidence in God’s ongoing work among the believers, even as he leaves.

Where else these words appear

“now” Greek G3569 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
  • Acts 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
  • Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

“up” Greek G2026 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
  • Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

“inheritance” Greek G2817 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 21:38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
  • Acts 7:5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
  • Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

“commend” Greek G3908 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 9:16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
  • Acts 16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.