What does Acts 20:25 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Paul continued by laying out his plans for the future. The kingdom Paul preached is God"s rule over His elect. It probably includes His spiritual rule now and His messianic rule during the Millennium. [source][source]

[source]

"Usually in the book of Acts the kingdom of God refers to the eschatological realm of salvation ( Acts 14:22). But in this passage, the kingdom of God is the summary of Paul"s entire message in Ephesus and refers to the present blessings of redemption in Christ." ^[1] [source]

"Paul clearly equated preaching the Gospel of the grace of God with the preaching of the kingdom of God. Once again ^[2] we see that the two terms are used interchangeably ^[3].... [source][source]

[source]

"Thus as we survey Paul"s ministry as recorded in the Book of Acts , we see that he was an ambassador of the kingdom of God-but his message was salvation through the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. No reference is made to support the notion that the earthly Davidic kingdom had been established. Rather, the message concerns entrance into a present form of the kingdom of God by faith in Jesus Christ." ^[4] [source]

Paul was confident that all the men he addressed would not see him again, though some of them might. He did not plan to return to Ephesus for some time if ever (cf. Romans 15:23-29). [source][source]

[source]

Context Summary

The vessel had to stop at Miletus and Paul sent word to the Ephesian elders, urging them to come and see him. He spent the day in their company, and before parting delivered this pathetic and helpful address. There are many incidental touches revealing the nature of his work in the great city, of which there is little or no mention elsewhere in the Acts. For instance, we were not aware of his tears and trials through the opposition of the Jews, Acts 20:19, nor of the labors of his toil-worn hands, Acts 20:34. We hardly realized that his ministry was not simply the public proclamation of the gospel, but a visitation from house to house as well, Acts 20:20.

The Greek word in Acts 20:20; Acts 20:27 for kept back and shunned is a nautical word which literally means "reefed up." It was so natural for Paul to use a nautical word which he must have been hearing every day. But, notice how this heroic soul alludes to the lightness with which he held comfort and life, if only he might serve his Master perfectly, and fulfill in full measure his opportunities. How Paul loved that great word grace! It was his perpetual theme, and as we come to know ourselves better, and consider how little we have deserved of God, we also shall have but one theme. We are debtors to the sovereign grace of God, and have nothing to pay. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 20

¹  Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas
⁷  He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches
⁹  Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life
¹³  Paul continues his travels;
¹⁷  and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,
²⁸  commits God's flock to them,
²⁹  warns them of false teachers,
³²  commends them to God,
³⁶  prays with them, and departs