Acts 20:25

Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul speaks to the Ephesian elders from Miletus during his final journey to Jerusalem. He marks the conclusion of his itinerant ministry among this specific group.

The words — The Greek ὄψεσθε (opsesthe) literally means "you will see," combined with οὐκέτι (ouketi) for "no longer" to indicate a permanent cutoff. Paul anchors the statement with οἶδα (oida), meaning "I know," to assert a settled conviction rather than a vague prediction.

The thread — The phrase "preached the kingdom" aligns with the mission described in Matthew 4:23 and Acts 28:31. The reality of parting forever is confirmed by the grief recorded in Acts 20:38.

Why it lands — The text states that physical presence with a ministry group will permanently end. It requires readers to separate their devotion to the assigned task from attachment to the people they serve.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Cross-references

Acts 28:31 Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Acts 20:38 They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 10:7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’
Matthew 13:19 When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
Matthew 13:52 Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Luke 9:60 But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Luke 16:16 The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.