Paul has fulfilled his mission fully and bears no responsibility for anyone’s rejection of God’s message.
“Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.” (v.26) In this passage from the Apostle Paul’s farewell address to the elders of Ephesus, Paul declares that he has faithfully fulfilled his duty to share God’s truth without reservation. Paul, whose name was Saul before his conversion (Acts 9:1-9), was likely born around AD 5 in Tarsus and ministered actively after his encounter with the risen Christ. By the time he is speaking here, he has planted churches and preached the gospel throughout much of the Roman world. In this address, which occurs in Miletus (a coastal city on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor, in present-day Turkey), Paul assembles the Ephesian elders to encourage and exhort them one last time (Acts 20:17-18). When he says “I am innocent of the blood of all men” (v.26), he is explaining that he has faithfully preached and taught everything God entrusted him to deliver, leaving no one with an excuse for not knowing the truth.
“I am innocent of the blood of all men” (v.26) also implies a solemn responsibility. Paul’s words echo the idea found in Ezekiel 3:18-19, that a watchman must warn those in danger, or else bear guilt themselves. He has done exactly that—warning everyone who would listen, and teaching them about Jesus, whose sacrifice and resurrection open the way to forgiveness. In doing so, Paul demonstrates that he has taken his calling as an apostle very seriously, fully discharging his obligation to his hearers. This principle underlines God’s deep priority: that the good news of Jesus be shared freely and passionately.
This statement also prepares the Ephesian elders to accept responsibility for the flock when Paul is gone. By stating unequivocally that “I am innocent of the blood of all men” (v.26), Paul is both challenging and encouraging these leaders to follow his example. Just as he has earnestly carried out his role, so must they serve diligently to protect and care for those under their spiritual guidance. This acknowledgment will help them understand why Paul had such a fervor for pointing everyone to repentance and belief in Christ (Acts 20:21). Paul’s life, from his ministry beginnings until his eventual martyrdom around AD 64-67, models faithfulness to God’s call, urging all believers to do the same.
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Acts 20:26 meaning
“Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.” (v.26) In this passage from the Apostle Paul’s farewell address to the elders of Ephesus, Paul declares that he has faithfully fulfilled his duty to share God’s truth without reservation. Paul, whose name was Saul before his conversion (Acts 9:1-9), was likely born around AD 5 in Tarsus and ministered actively after his encounter with the risen Christ. By the time he is speaking here, he has planted churches and preached the gospel throughout much of the Roman world. In this address, which occurs in Miletus (a coastal city on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor, in present-day Turkey), Paul assembles the Ephesian elders to encourage and exhort them one last time (Acts 20:17-18). When he says “I am innocent of the blood of all men” (v.26), he is explaining that he has faithfully preached and taught everything God entrusted him to deliver, leaving no one with an excuse for not knowing the truth.
“I am innocent of the blood of all men” (v.26) also implies a solemn responsibility. Paul’s words echo the idea found in Ezekiel 3:18-19, that a watchman must warn those in danger, or else bear guilt themselves. He has done exactly that—warning everyone who would listen, and teaching them about Jesus, whose sacrifice and resurrection open the way to forgiveness. In doing so, Paul demonstrates that he has taken his calling as an apostle very seriously, fully discharging his obligation to his hearers. This principle underlines God’s deep priority: that the good news of Jesus be shared freely and passionately.
This statement also prepares the Ephesian elders to accept responsibility for the flock when Paul is gone. By stating unequivocally that “I am innocent of the blood of all men” (v.26), Paul is both challenging and encouraging these leaders to follow his example. Just as he has earnestly carried out his role, so must they serve diligently to protect and care for those under their spiritual guidance. This acknowledgment will help them understand why Paul had such a fervor for pointing everyone to repentance and belief in Christ (Acts 20:21). Paul’s life, from his ministry beginnings until his eventual martyrdom around AD 64-67, models faithfulness to God’s call, urging all believers to do the same.