We see Paul’s farewell in one profound declaration that testifies to his unyielding devotion to Christ and his deep love for the believers of Ephesus.
In this verse, the Apostle Paul addresses the elders of the church at Ephesus (located in what is now western Turkey), expressing a poignant farewell. He says, “And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.” (v.25) Paul, who lived from approximately AD 5 to AD 66 or 67, had passionately dedicated himself to spreading the message of Jesus Christ throughout Asia Minor and beyond. By referencing his diligent ministry of preaching the kingdom, Paul underscores how he had tirelessly proclaimed salvation through Christ, forming and nurturing the early Christian communities. This statement shows his resolve to continue God’s work despite personal sacrifice, much like Jesus’ unwavering focus on His mission.
“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.” (v.25) also highlights the apostle’s bittersweet realization that his personal presence with the believers in Ephesus had come to an end. Paul’s travels had taken him across significant regions—particularly through Greece, Asia Minor, and Macedonia—strengthening existing churches and establishing new congregations. In Acts 20, he was on a journey to Jerusalem, fully aware that dangerous trials awaited him there (Acts 20:22-23). Consequently, he understood he might not physically return to see these beloved friends and disciples. His use of the phrase “no longer see my face” reveals the deep emotional bond he had with the believers in Ephesus, a congregation he had labored to shepherd with great care (Acts 19).
This verse also reminds Christians that the focus of Paul’s life and message was “the kingdom.” Through his commitment to proclaiming Jesus as the resurrected Messiah who offers eternal life (John 3:16), Paul called people to repentance, faith, and growth in holiness. The reference to not seeing them again conveys both his acceptance of God’s sovereign plan for his ministry and a directive for the elders to continue the mission. Though Paul would part from them physically, they were to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel. This moment foreshadows the steadfastness needed by future generations of believers, including us.
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Acts 20:25 meaning
In this verse, the Apostle Paul addresses the elders of the church at Ephesus (located in what is now western Turkey), expressing a poignant farewell. He says, “And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.” (v.25) Paul, who lived from approximately AD 5 to AD 66 or 67, had passionately dedicated himself to spreading the message of Jesus Christ throughout Asia Minor and beyond. By referencing his diligent ministry of preaching the kingdom, Paul underscores how he had tirelessly proclaimed salvation through Christ, forming and nurturing the early Christian communities. This statement shows his resolve to continue God’s work despite personal sacrifice, much like Jesus’ unwavering focus on His mission.
“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.” (v.25) also highlights the apostle’s bittersweet realization that his personal presence with the believers in Ephesus had come to an end. Paul’s travels had taken him across significant regions—particularly through Greece, Asia Minor, and Macedonia—strengthening existing churches and establishing new congregations. In Acts 20, he was on a journey to Jerusalem, fully aware that dangerous trials awaited him there (Acts 20:22-23). Consequently, he understood he might not physically return to see these beloved friends and disciples. His use of the phrase “no longer see my face” reveals the deep emotional bond he had with the believers in Ephesus, a congregation he had labored to shepherd with great care (Acts 19).
This verse also reminds Christians that the focus of Paul’s life and message was “the kingdom.” Through his commitment to proclaiming Jesus as the resurrected Messiah who offers eternal life (John 3:16), Paul called people to repentance, faith, and growth in holiness. The reference to not seeing them again conveys both his acceptance of God’s sovereign plan for his ministry and a directive for the elders to continue the mission. Though Paul would part from them physically, they were to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel. This moment foreshadows the steadfastness needed by future generations of believers, including us.