Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 20:31
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
31. Therefore watch ] The sort of watching implied is that unsleeping alertness which can never be taken by surprise.
and remember, that by the space of three years ] As the verb here is a participial form the Rev. Ver. translates “ Wherefore watch ye, remembering, &c.,” in which there is this gain, that the watchfulness which the Apostle enjoins is thus enforced by his own example. Be ye watchful, because ye know that I was so night and day while I was among you. The “three years” may be a speaking in round numbers, yet it cannot have been far from the length of time which Paul spent at Ephesus. See notes on Act 19:8; Act 19:10.
I ceased not to warn [admonish, Rev. Ver. ] every one night and day with tears ] We know from his appeal to the Corinthians (2Co 11:29) and other places, how sympathetic St Paul was in all that concerned his flock. “Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?” And if for weakness and offences, how much more in a city like Ephesus where idolatry was rampant everywhere. We need not confine the “every one” to the presbyters, St Paul’s labour was spent on the whole Ephesian Church.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Therefore watch – Mat 24:42. In view of the dangers which beset yourselves Act 20:28, the danger from people not connected with the church Act 20:29, and the danger which will arise from the love of power among yourselves Act 20:30, be on your guard. Observe the approach of danger, and set yourselves against it.
Remember – Recall my counsels and admonitions in reference to these dangers.
By the space of three years – In Act 19:10, we are told that Paul spent two years in the school of Tyrannus. In Act 19:8, it is said that he was teaching in the synagogue at Ephesus three months. In addition to this, it is not improbable that he spent some months more in Ephesus in instructing the church in other places. Perhaps, however, by the phrase three years, he meant to use merely a round number, denoting about three years; or, in accordance with the Jewish custom, part of each of the three years one whole year, and a considerable portion of the two others. Compare the notes on Mat 12:40.
I ceased not – I continued to do it.
To warn – To admonish; to place before the mind noutheton; setting the danger and duty of each individual before him.
Everyone – He had thus set them an example of what he had enjoined, Act 20:28. He had admonished each individual, whatever was his rank or standing. It is well when a minister can refer to his own example as an illustration of what he meant by his precepts.
Night and day – Continually; by every opportunity.
With tears – Expressive of his deep feeling, and his deep interest in their welfare. See the notes on Act 20:19.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 31. Therefore watch, and remember] The only way to abide in the truth is to watch against evil, and for good; and to keep in mind the heavenly doctrines originally received. Unwatchfulness and forgetfulness are two grand inlets to apostasy.
By the space of three years] . The Greek word here does not necessarily mean three whole years: it may be months more or less. In Ac 19:8; Ac 19:10, we have an account of his spending two years and three months among them; probably this is all that is intended. One MS., perceiving that the time of three years was not completed, inserts , the space of two years.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Watch; take heed yourselves, and warn others to take heed.
By the space of three years; from St. Pauls first coming to Ephesus it was three years current, and now almost complete, Act 19:8,10; 20:3.
With tears; a great, and no feigned ; as Christ wept over Jerusalem, Luk 19:41, so St. Paul over the unbelieving Jews; it went to his heart to think that they could not be saved. See how St. Paul loved souls, and pitied souls.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
31. by the space of threeyearsspeaking in round numbers; for it was nearer three thantwo years.
I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tearsWhat an appeal to be able to make!”And if this was an apostle’s part, how much more a pastor’s!”[BENGEL].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Therefore watch,…. Meaning both over themselves, and the flock; to prevent, if possible, false teachers entering in, and to nip the buds of heresy and schism, as soon as they appear, and to preserve themselves, and the church, from being carried away with the error of the wicked.
And remember that by the space of three years; reckoning from his first coming to Ephesus, unto this time, that he now called at Miletus; see Ac 18:19 and
I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears; that is, he was constantly and continually cautioning them against false teachers, and their doctrines, in the most tender and affectionate manner; shedding tears at the thoughts of what mischief would be done, and how many souls would be ruined by them; which gives a lively idea of the apostle, and his ministry, of his affection, zeal, and diligence, very worthy of the imitation of all the preachers of the Gospel. Several copies, and all the Oriental versions, read, “everyone of you”.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Wherefore watch ye ( ). Paul has concluded his defence of himself and his warning. Now he exhorts on the basis of it () because of which thing. The very command of Jesus concerning the perils before his return as in Mr 13:35 (), the very form (late present imperative from the second perfect of , to arouse). Stay awake.
I ceased not to admonish ( ). Participle describes Paul, I did not cease admonishing, night and day ( , accusative of extent of time, for three years , accusative of extent of time also). is from , to put sense into one. So Paul kept it up with tears (verse 19) if so be he could save the Ephesians from the impending perils. Forewarned is to be forearmed. Paul did his duty by them.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Watch [] . See on Mr 8:35.
To warn [] . From nouv, the mind, and tiqhmi, to put. Lit., to put in mind; admonish (so Rev., better than warn). “It’s fundamental idea is the well – intentioned seriousness with which one would influence the mind and disposition of another by advice, admonition, warning, putting right, according to circumstances” [] .
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Therefore watch, and remember,” (dio gregoreite mnemoneuontes) “Wherefore, you all watch (keep your eyes open) and continually remember,” never forget, stay alert like a sentry guard. The watching implies an unsleeping alertness that can never be taken by surprise, 2Ti 4:5; Heb 13:25; Col 1:28. Let my example show you the importance of watching, staying on guard against foes without and within the church.
2) “That by the space of three years night and day,” (hoti trietian nukta kai hemeran) “That night and day, for a period of three years,” approximately three years, roundly stated, Act 19:8-10; Act 20:18-21.
3) “I ceased not to warn every one with tears.” (ouk epausamen meta dakruon noutheton hena hekaston) “I ceased not admonishing each of you all (everyone), even with weeping,” with soft tears, as I preached to you and exhorted you, 1Co 9:19-23, If a missionary apostle worked and warned so diligently with tears, how much more fervently should the pastor of his flock, over which he has been Divinely set as overseer, serve in fervency and tears, Psa 126:5-6; Rom 12:15.
THE SHEPHERD’S STEWARDSHIP
“Cattle shall be delivered over to the cow herd in the morning; the cowherd shall tend them during the whole day with grass and water; and in the evening shall deliver them to the master, in the same manner as they were entrusted to him. If, by the fault of the cowherd, any of the cattle be lost or stolen, that cowherd shall make it good. When a cowherd has led cattle to any distant place to feed, if any die of distemper, in spite of the fact that the cowherd applied proper remedy, the cowherd shall carry the head, the tail, the fore-foot, or some such convincing proof taken from the animal’s body, to the owner of the cattle. having done this, he shaII be no further answerable. If he neglects to act thus, he shall make good the loss.” Paul, therefore, compares the Ephesian Church to a flock of sheep, seeking pasturage under the guidance of their shepherds.
S.S. Times
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
−
31. For which cause, watch. Paul doth again exhort them unto diligence by his own example, though he doth join therewithal fear of danger, as if he should say that they have need of great attention to beware; and that it is an unseemly thing that they should be wearied who had seen his singular − (442) patience by the space of three years. Also, he speaketh of his tears, which did add no small efficacy to his exhortations. Whereas he saith that he admonished every one, it may be referred as well unto the common people as unto the elders. For because he was determined to speak such things as should be common to the whole Church, he speaketh as if the whole body were present. Nevertheless, if any had rather restrain it unto the order of the pastors, the meaning shall be this, that their studies must be kindled, not only with this speech which he now maketh, but that it is meet that they remember those often exhortations which he did continually beat in − (443) by the space of three years, and that with many tears. Yet it seemeth to me to be more likely that he speaketh of all in general. −
(442) −
“
Infractam,” unbroken.
(443) −
“
Assidue inculcaverat,” had assiduously inculcated.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(31) Therefore watch . . .The word was, as it were, an echo from our Lords teaching (Mat. 24:42; Mat. 25:13, et al.), which could hardly have been unknown to St. Paul. Here, however, it receives a fresh significance from its connection with the term episcopi. They who were the bishops, the overseers, the watchers of the flock, ought, above all others, to set an example of vigilance.
By the space of three years.Strictly speaking, the narrative of the Acts accounts for three months preaching in the synagogue (Act. 19:8), two years in the school of Tyrannus (Act. 19:10), and an undefined period embracing the time immediately before and after the tumult of Demetrius. This would be enough to warrant him describing the time of his ministry, speaking roughly, as extending over three years.
To warn every one night and day with tears.Comp. Note on Act. 20:19.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
31. Three years In round numbers. Three months in the synagogue, (Act 19:8,) two years in the school of Tyrannus, (Acts 10,) preceded by a brief visit, (Act 18:21,) and followed, perhaps, by a short delay, (Act 20:1.)
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
“For which reason watch you, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears.”
He reminds them how while he was with them over the ‘three year’ period he had not ceased, often with tears, to admonish them night and day so as to lead them into and keep them in the truth (compare 2Co 2:4; Php 3:18). Let them therefore take the more earnest heed ( Rom 11:21 ; 1Co 10:12; Heb 2:1), and let them follow his example. Let them too learn to weep and admonish.
He Commends Them to God, Under Whose Kingly Rule They Are, and To The Word of His Grace (the whole counsel of God) Which Can Build Them Up and Give Them Their Inheritance Among Those Who Are Made Holy By Faith in Him, Thus Fulfilling His Saving Purposes (Act 20:32).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Act 20:31. To warn every one night and day with tears. If this expression be taken in any other than a general sense for incessantly, or without intermission, it may probably intimate that the Christians sometimes assembled at nights, either about the time of the tumult, to avoid offence, or because many of the Christians, being poor, were obliged to spend great part of the day in secular labours. Compare Act 20:7; Act 20:34.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Act 20:31 . ] “ verbum pastorale, ” Bengel, comp. Act 20:28 , and that, encouraged by the recollection of my own example, , . . .
] See on Act 19:10 .
] extorted both by afflictions (Act 20:19 ) and by the sympathetic fervour with which Paul prosecuted his quite special ( ) pastoral care, 2Co 11:29 ; 2Co 2:4 .
. .] See on Luk 2:37 . is here placed first, because it most closely corresponds to the figurative .
As to the idea of , admonition, see on Eph 6:4 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
DISCOURSE: 1801
WATCHFULNESS RECOMMENDED
Act 20:31. Therefore watch, and remember, that, by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
IT is, for the most part, a blessing to mankind that they cannot look into futurity: for, on the one hand, they would have their present enjoyments almost entirely destroyed by the prospect of future ills, while, on the other hand, a prospect of remote good would prove but a small alleviation of their present troubles. Nevertheless, from a wise foresight of probable and contingent events, the most incalculable benefits arise. St. Paul knew, by immediate revelation from God, that, after his departure, some would be found amongst the leading members of the Ephesian Church, who would labour to introduce divisions and dissensions among them: and the probability was, that, unless extraordinary watchfulness were maintained by the elders of that Church, the restless sectaries would succeed in their efforts: he therefore, in the farewell discourse which he delivered to the elders at Miletus, put them on their guard; and thus, by forewarning them of their danger, contributed in a very high degree to the preservation of that Church in peace and purity.
From the caution contained in the words before us, we observe,
I.
That to warn men of their danger is the kindest office of love
[Will any one doubt whether it was an act of love in St. Paul to warn the Ephesians: to warn them individually as well as collectively; to warn them by night and by day, as often as he could gain access to them; to warn them with such earnestness as scarcely ever to address them without floods of tears; to do this incessantly, for three years together, when there was perhaps no other Church with whom he made so long an abode? However his fidelity might have been represented there, we have no doubt of the source from whence it sprang. Shall it be thought harsh then and unkind in us to warn our hearers? Who would impute it to harshness, if a parent warned his child, when walking on the brink of an unseen precipice, or playing on the hole of an asp, or cockatrice den? We know the terrors of the Lord; and therefore we persuade men. We know, that the soul that dies in an unregenerate state can never be admitted into the kingdom of heaven [Note: Joh 3:3.]: we know, that no person can be saved, who does not truly believe in Christ, and rely upon him alone for salvation [Note: Joh 3:18; Joh 3:36. Php 3:9.]: we know, that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. On these accounts we warn the unholy, the unbelieving, the unregenerate; and intreat them to flee from the wrath to come. If we appear earnest at any time, ought we to be blamed as too zealous, or needlessly severe? No: you have infinitely more reason to complain on account of our coldness and treachery, than on account of any excess in our fidelity and earnestness. What little zeal we do shew, should be esteemed the fruit of love. And, if we could follow you from the public ordinances to your respective houses, and there renew to you separately, and with tears, the warnings we have given you in public, we should perform to you the kindest office; and most approve ourselves the servants of Him, who wept over the murderous Jerusalem, and died for the salvation of a ruined world.]
To evince that such fidelity cannot under any circumstances be dispensed with, we observe,
II.
That there are none so established, but they need to be put upon their guard
[The persons warned by St. Paul, were not the low, the ignorant, the obscure, but the most distinguished persons in the Ephesian Church: they were the elders, who superintended and governed the Church, and had doubtless been appointed to their high office because of their superior attainments in piety and virtue. Who then are they that can claim an exemption from pastoral admonitions? Shall the rich? they perhaps, of all people in the world, most need to be put upon their guard, because their dangers are increased far beyond those of any other class [Note: Mar 10:25.]. Are those whose proficiency in. knowledge or grace has raised them to eminence in the Church, exempt from danger? Look on David, or Solomon, or Peter, or Hymeneus and Philetus, or Demas, and then say whether any qualifications or attainments can place us beyond the reach of temptation; or whether there be a man in the universe to whom the exhortation in the text may not with great propriety be addressed? Be it known to you, that even St. Paul himself found it necessary to keep under his body, and bring it into subjection, lest he should at last become a cast-away: and therefore what I say unto one I say unto all, Watch.]
It is of importance too to remember,
III.
That the oftener we are warned, the more our responsibility is increased
[The guilt contracted by the inhabitants of Bethsaida and Chorazin, far exceeded that of the idolatrous Tyrians or Sidonians, because they had disregarded the warnings given them by our blessed Lord: and the people of Capernaum, who had been exalted to heaven in their privileges, were cast down to hell for their abuse of them, and were doomed to a more awful condemnation than even Sodom or Gomorrha [Note: Mat 11:21-24.]. Our Lord told the Jews, that if he had not come and spoken to them, they had not had sin (comparatively): but that, after the warnings he had given them, they had no cloak for their sin. Precisely to the same effect is St. Pauls admonition in the text: he reminds the Ephesians how long and earnestly he had warned them; and from thence insinuates, that, if they he unwatchful, their guilt will be proportionably increased. And is not this rule of judging universally admitted and approved? Is it not in this way that we estimate the criminality of our fellow-creatures? Do we not always consider, that, the more earnestly the necessity of obedience has been pressed upon them, the more aggravated is their disobedience or neglect? Surely then we should remember how many years we have been warned; and expect, that to whom much has been committed, of them will God require the more.]
Application
[Let believers watch, lest being led astray by the error of the wicked, or by their own deceitful lusts, they fall from their own steadfastness [Note: 2Pe 3:17.] Let backsliders also watch lest being hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, they abandon themselves to wickedness or despair Let all watch, lest being blinded by the god of this world, they become slaves to his dominion, and partakers of his misery ]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Ver. 31. Night and day with tears ] Good men weep easily, saith the Greek poet; a and the better any is, the more inclined to weeping; as David than Jonathan, 1Sa 20:41 . Some (as they say of witches) cannot weep for sin. But they that weep not here, where there are wiping handkerchiefs in the hands of Christ, shall have their eyes whiped out in hell.
a .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
31. ] . is only (retf.) used by Paul.
. ] This expression is remarkable: we have it (see reff.) in Mark, but Luke always uses the genitive, except in the speeches of Paul: and so Paul himself, except as in reff.
(reff.) is used only by Paul.
On the three years spoken of in this verse, see note, ch. Act 19:10 . We may just remark here (1) that this passage being precise and definite, must be the master key to those others (as in ch. 19) which give wide and indefinite notes of time: and (2) that it seems at first sight to preclude the idea of a journey (as some think) to Crete and Corinth having taken place during this period. But this apparent inference may require modifying by other circumstances: cf. Prolegg. to 1 Cor. Act 20:4 .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 20:31 . .: the pastoral metaphor continued; verb used four times by St. Paul, and it may well have passed into familiar use in the early Church by the solemn injunction of our Lord on the Mount of Olives to watch, cf. also Luk 12:37 , 1Pe 5:8 , Rev 3:2-3 ; Rev 16:15 , and the names Gregory, Vigilantius , amongst the early converts. : the three years may be used summarily i.e. , as speaking in round numbers, or literally. It would have seemed out of place in such an appeal to say “two years and three months,” or whatever the exact time may have been. The intention was to give a practical turn to this watchfulness: triennium celeste , Bengel. The word is regarded by Vogel as a decided employment of a medical term by Luke from Dioscorides, see also to the same effect Meyer Weiss, Evangelium des Lukas , note on Act 1:1 . The word is found only here in N.T., not at all in LXX, but used by Theophr., Plut., Artem. : perhaps placed first because it corresponded more closely to the idea of watching against attacks, or perhaps because it emphasised the ceaselessness of the Apostle’s labours, cf. Act 26:7 , 1Th 2:9 ; 1Th 3:10 , 1Ti 5:5 , 2Ti 1:3 . , cf. 2Co 2:4 , Chrys., Hom. , xliv. “Quod cor tamen saxatum, ut hisce lacrimis non emolliatur? qui non fleat flente Paulo?” Corn. Lapide; see also Farrar, St. Paul , ii., 283. : only here in Acts, but seven times in St. Paul’s Epistles, but nowhere else in N.T., “admonish,” R.V. In classical Greek it is joined both with and ; St. Paul too used it in gentleness, or “with a rod”. In LXX, Job 4:3 ; Wis 11:10 ; Wis 12:2 . , 2Co 11:29 and Joh 10:3 ; twice in St. Luke’s Gospel, Luk 4:40 , Luk 16:5 , six times in Acts, five times in St. Paul’s Epistles (only once elsewhere in N.T., Mat 26:22 , but not in T.R.).
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
watch. Compare 1Pe 5:8.
and remember = remembering. Greek. mnemoneuo. Always translated “remember”, save Heb 11:15, Heb 11:22.
by the space of three years. Greek. trietia. Only here.
warn. Greek. noutheteo. Used only by Paul, here and seven times in his epistles.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
31.] . is only (retf.) used by Paul.
. ] This expression is remarkable: we have it (see reff.) in Mark, but Luke always uses the genitive, except in the speeches of Paul: and so Paul himself, except as in reff.
(reff.) is used only by Paul.
On the three years spoken of in this verse, see note, ch. Act 19:10. We may just remark here (1) that this passage being precise and definite, must be the master key to those others (as in ch. 19) which give wide and indefinite notes of time: and (2) that it seems at first sight to preclude the idea of a journey (as some think) to Crete and Corinth having taken place during this period. But this apparent inference may require modifying by other circumstances: cf. Prolegg. to 1 Cor. Act 20:4.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 20:31. , watch) A pastoral expression.–, by night-every one) This was great watchfulness. [And if this was becoming in an apostle, how much more is it so in a pastor!-V. g.]
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
watch: Mat 13:25, Mar 13:34-37, Luk 21:36, 2Ti 4:5, Heb 13:17, Rev 16:15
by: Act 19:8, Act 19:10
warn: Eze 3:17-20, Mat 3:7, 1Co 4:14, Col 1:28, 1Th 5:14
night: Act 20:7, Act 20:11, 1Th 2:9, 1Th 2:10, 2Th 3:8
with: Act 20:19
Reciprocal: Gen 43:30 – wept there 2Ki 8:11 – wept 2Ch 19:10 – warn them Ezr 8:29 – Watch ye Psa 19:11 – Moreover Eze 3:21 – if thou Mat 25:13 – General Act 18:11 – he Act 19:9 – daily Act 20:20 – I kept Act 26:7 – instantly 1Co 9:12 – Nevertheless 2Co 6:5 – watchings 2Co 11:3 – so 2Co 11:27 – in watchings Eph 4:14 – tossed Phi 3:18 – even 1Th 5:6 – watch 2Th 2:5 – Remember 1Ti 4:6 – thou put 2Ti 1:4 – being Heb 12:15 – and thereby Rev 4:8 – and they
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1
Act 20:31. The three main duties of the elders are to feed, rule and watch. The first two are commanded in verse 28, and the third is stated here. Heb 13:17 states for what or why the rulers are to watch, namely, for the souls of the flock, because the elders will have to give an account of their work with the members of the flock. The warning of three years included that recorded in chapter 19:8, 10.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 20:31. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. We have the statement in Act 19:8-10 that Paul disputed in the Ephesian synagogue three months, and for two years taught publicly in the school of Tyrannus; added to this there is the undefined time which elapsed after the Diana tumult and his first departure. This would amply justify him in representing his ministry as extending over three years. The approving words to the angel to the Church of Ephesus, written about a quarter of a century after these warnings of St. Paul, tell us that the earnest wishes and the affectionate pleadings of the apostle were not in vain:I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my names sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted (Rev 2:2-3).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Act 20:31. Therefore watch With all diligence and care; take heed yourselves, and warn others to take heed; and remember, that by the space of three years, (for so long had he been preaching at Ephesus and the parts adjacent,) I ceased not to warn every one To whom I had access; night and day with tears This was watching indeed! Who copies after this example? Let it then, as if he had said, be your care, that a church planted by me with so much labour and solicitude, may not be ravaged and overthrown by the enemy, but that it may long continue to flourish. Observe here, reader, 1st, Paul, like a faithful watchman, had warned them publicly, by preaching, and by the warnings he thus gave them was instrumental in prevailing with them to receive the truth and turn to God. 2d, He warned every one. Besides the public warnings he gave to all in general that attended his ministry, he applied himself to particular persons, according as he saw their case called for it. 3d, He was constant in giving warning; he warned them night and day, his time was filled up with this work. 4th, He was indefatigable in it, he ceased not to warn; though some might be obstinate and persist in sin, disregarding his warnings, yet he persevered, hoping, that at length, by the grace of God, they would be reformed. And though others might appear to comply with his warnings, yet still he did not desist, fearing lest, although they were now righteous, they should, through the power of temptation, be overcome in some unguarded hour, and turn from their righteousness, Eze 3:18 to Eze 21:5 th, He addressed them, whether in public or private, with a great deal of affection and concern; he warned them with tears, namely, with tears of compassion; thereby showing how much he was himself affected with the danger an misery of those who were in a sinful state and false way; or with tears of love and gratitude to God in behalf of those who were savingly converted to him and adorned his gospel.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
See notes on verse 28
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
31. Watch, therefore, remembering that three years, night and day, I ceased not warning each one of you with tears. Paul was a weeping prophet, his tears giving a force to the truth as nothing else could. I preached fifteen years with dry eyes. Then sanctification, breaking up the fountains of my tears, made me a weeping prophet, so I have preached thirty years, my eyes flowing like rivers. Rest assured the Holy Ghost can find the pent-up fountains of tears in the most arid soul. God help us to be personal like Paul, looking our beloved in the face and telling them the whole truth, as here you see he looks these Ephesian elders squarely in the physiognomy and tells them that some of them will turn Satans wolves and lead off disciples after them. How signally true has this sad Pauline prophecy been verified in the merciless laceration of the Apostolic church into six thousand sectarian denominations, filling the world with confusion, i. e., Babylon. Entire sanctification, the only grace adequate to fortify us against human leadership and put us where we will follow Jesus only, has for this very reason been rejected and antagonized by the party leaders of all ages, from the simple fact that it renders the people unmanageable by human manipulators and puts them where God alone can lead them by His precious Word, instructing their minds, His sweet Holy Spirit illuminating their spirits, and His gracious providence determining their environments. Glory to God, for His wonderful triple leadership, actually infallible when duly appreciated. Sad will be the day for the present holiness movement when captured and manipulated by human leaders. As Gods revivals in by- gone ages, the Church of God is ruled by the Holy Ghost alone, having no laws, no creed and no authority but Gods Word. It is the very audacity of Satan to invade Gods Church through the instrumentality of his preachers, i. e., the grievous wolves predicted by Paul. Oh, how they have scattered, torn and devoured Gods flock in all ages! The word heresy means separation. Hence all separation from God and His Word is heresy. Such is the predominant influence of Satan in this awfully wicked world during these dark ages of Satanic triumph, that he actually perverts everything pertaining to truth and righteousness, calling evil good, and good evil. Hence the Lords people, in all ages, have been anathematized and slaughtered under charge of heresy. It was true, they had separated from the devil and his people, and were heretics from their standpoint. So it is, this day, very difficult to walk with God in the beauty of holiness and the clear light of His Word, the fullness and freedom of His Spirit, without constant collision, ostracism and persecution by the great human ecclesiasticisms, antagonistical to Gods Word and Spirit, and claiming a right to domineer human conscience, which is the prerogative of God alone. Hence we live amid the awful fulfillment of the Pauline prediction of these grievous wolves, i. e., carnal men, speaking perverse things, in order to draw off disciples after them.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Watchfulness would be imperative for these shepherds. Paul probably labored in Ephesus from the fall of A.D. 52 to the summer of A.D. 55. Some scholars believe that he spent some of this time in prison there (cf. 2Co 11:23) and that he wrote his Prison Epistles, at least Philippians, from Ephesus. This is a minority opinion, however, that does not have as strong support as the Roman origin of the Prison Epistles theory does.
Reference to his tears shows that Paul’s ministry was not just intellectual but also emotional; he became emotionally involved in it (cf. Joh 11:35). Specifically he delivered his admonitions feeling the pain that they caused his hearers. The Book of Acts does not picture Paul as weeping over the people to whom he ministered or over ministry situations. Rather it presents him as equal to any occasion. We only see this human side of his ministry from Paul’s own comments here and in his epistles.