This verse highlights Paul’s heartfelt dedication and calls believers to persevere vigilantly in their faith walk.
When Paul exhorts the believers in Ephesus, he says, “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.” (v.31) This statement captures both his deep concern for their spiritual well-being and the persistent nature of his ministry among them. Paul spent approximately three years in Ephesus, a prominent city located in the region of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), known for its strategic trade routes and great Temple of Artemis. During this time (around AD 53-56), he encouraged believers, warned them of false teachings, and strengthened their faith. Here, his command to “be on the alert” underscores his desire for them to remain vigilant against any influence that could lead them away from the truth of the gospel.
In recounting that he admonished the believers “night and day for a period of three years,” Paul reminds them of the love, dedication, and urgency he displayed in his ministry. His tears testify that his warnings and teachings were not casual or indifferent, but heartfelt. Paul, who lived from around AD 5 to AD 67, was radically changed after encountering Jesus Christ (Acts 9), and he devoted his life to spreading the message that salvation is found in Jesus alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Here, his emotional plea points to the shepherd-like care he had for the Ephesian church, similar to Jesus’s compassion for His flock (Matthew 9:36).
Paul’s use of the word “remembering” emphasizes his wish that the Ephesians would recall his faithful example and follow suit by keeping guard in their relationship with the Lord. In the broader context of Acts 20, this passage forms part of Paul’s farewell address at Miletus, south of Ephesus, highlighting his anticipation of future trials yet welcoming them for the sake of Christ (Acts 20:22-24). The believers, in turn, are to be mature in their faith and remain steadfast, motivated by Paul’s model of resolve and by the ever-present guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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Acts 20:31 meaning
When Paul exhorts the believers in Ephesus, he says, “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.” (v.31) This statement captures both his deep concern for their spiritual well-being and the persistent nature of his ministry among them. Paul spent approximately three years in Ephesus, a prominent city located in the region of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), known for its strategic trade routes and great Temple of Artemis. During this time (around AD 53-56), he encouraged believers, warned them of false teachings, and strengthened their faith. Here, his command to “be on the alert” underscores his desire for them to remain vigilant against any influence that could lead them away from the truth of the gospel.
In recounting that he admonished the believers “night and day for a period of three years,” Paul reminds them of the love, dedication, and urgency he displayed in his ministry. His tears testify that his warnings and teachings were not casual or indifferent, but heartfelt. Paul, who lived from around AD 5 to AD 67, was radically changed after encountering Jesus Christ (Acts 9), and he devoted his life to spreading the message that salvation is found in Jesus alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Here, his emotional plea points to the shepherd-like care he had for the Ephesian church, similar to Jesus’s compassion for His flock (Matthew 9:36).
Paul’s use of the word “remembering” emphasizes his wish that the Ephesians would recall his faithful example and follow suit by keeping guard in their relationship with the Lord. In the broader context of Acts 20, this passage forms part of Paul’s farewell address at Miletus, south of Ephesus, highlighting his anticipation of future trials yet welcoming them for the sake of Christ (Acts 20:22-24). The believers, in turn, are to be mature in their faith and remain steadfast, motivated by Paul’s model of resolve and by the ever-present guidance of the Holy Spirit.