Acts 20:29

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

لاني اعلم هذا انه بعد ذهابي سيدخل بينكم ذئاب خاطفة لا تشفق على الرعية.

What Does This Mean?

Paul is warning the Ephesians that after he leaves, dangerous people will come and harm the church community. He calls these individuals 'grievous wolves,' meaning they won't care about the well-being of the believers.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a group of friends who love playing together. Now, Paul is like an older friend telling everyone that when he goes away, some mean kids might come and try to ruin your games. He wants you all to be careful!

Historical Background

The book of Acts was written by Luke around the middle of the first century CE. This verse comes from a farewell speech given by Paul to the Ephesian elders during his third missionary journey, just before he heads back to Jerusalem.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this could be seen as a warning for church leaders and members today to stay vigilant against those who might try to harm the community. For example, a pastor might warn their congregation about false teachings that could disrupt the unity of the faith community.

Topics

• warning
• church leadership
• false teachers
• sheep and shepherd
• protection
• community care

Related Verses

• Matthew 7:15
• John 10:12
• Romans 16:18
• Ephesians 4:11-13
• Jude 1:4

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in this verse?

Paul, a key figure in early Christianity, is speaking to the Ephesian elders as he prepares to leave them.

What does 'not sparing the flock' mean?

It means that these false teachers will not care about the well-being of the church community and could potentially cause harm or division among believers.

Why was Paul concerned about this issue?

Paul cared deeply for the spiritual health and unity of the churches he helped establish, so he wanted to prepare them against potential threats from within and without.

How can a modern church protect itself according to this verse?

By staying informed, remaining vigilant, and building strong community bonds so that false teachings or harmful influences are recognized early and dealt with appropriately.