Even trusted leaders in a church can fall into error and lead others astray.
The Apostle Paul, who lived approximately from 5 AD to 67 AD, spoke these words toward the end of his third missionary journey when he called together the elders of the church in Ephesus at the coastal city of Miletus in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). As a key leader of the early church, Paul had spent considerable time in Ephesus, teaching and ministering for about two to three years. Drawing on his concern for their future, he warns them that, “and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). This warning underscores that the greatest danger to the church could come from within their own fellowship, through individuals who distort truth and entice believers away.
Paul specifically cautions the elders—appointed leaders in the congregation—to remain vigilant and protect their community from false teaching. His choice of language, speaking perverse things, indicates teachings that twist or misrepresent the gospel. By saying these individuals would draw away the disciples after them, Paul foretells that such corrupt leaders would seek to rally followers to themselves instead of pointing them to Christ. Ephesus, located in a thriving trade hub, was exposed daily to new ideas, religious practices, and philosophies, making it fertile soil for deceptive influences if the leaders did not stand firm.
His somber prediction is part of a heartfelt farewell meant to stir the elders to diligently shepherd the flock of God and to cling to the pure gospel message. Rather than allowing division or personal ambition, Paul’s intention was that believers guard the unity of their fellowship in Christ.
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Acts 20:30 meaning
The Apostle Paul, who lived approximately from 5 AD to 67 AD, spoke these words toward the end of his third missionary journey when he called together the elders of the church in Ephesus at the coastal city of Miletus in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). As a key leader of the early church, Paul had spent considerable time in Ephesus, teaching and ministering for about two to three years. Drawing on his concern for their future, he warns them that, “and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). This warning underscores that the greatest danger to the church could come from within their own fellowship, through individuals who distort truth and entice believers away.
Paul specifically cautions the elders—appointed leaders in the congregation—to remain vigilant and protect their community from false teaching. His choice of language, speaking perverse things, indicates teachings that twist or misrepresent the gospel. By saying these individuals would draw away the disciples after them, Paul foretells that such corrupt leaders would seek to rally followers to themselves instead of pointing them to Christ. Ephesus, located in a thriving trade hub, was exposed daily to new ideas, religious practices, and philosophies, making it fertile soil for deceptive influences if the leaders did not stand firm.
His somber prediction is part of a heartfelt farewell meant to stir the elders to diligently shepherd the flock of God and to cling to the pure gospel message. Rather than allowing division or personal ambition, Paul’s intention was that believers guard the unity of their fellowship in Christ.