Bible Strands
Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Ephesian elders at Miletus during his final journey to Jerusalem, concluding his ministry among them and warning them of internal threats before committing them to God’s grace.
The words — γρηγορεῖτε (grēgoreite) translates literally as "keep watch," paired with μνημονεύοντες (mnēmoneuontes), "remembering." The text commands vigilance and recollection of his relentless, tearful warnings delivered night and day for three years.
The thread — The extended ministry timeline parallels the prolonged evangelistic campaigns recorded in Acts 19:8 and Acts 19:10, while the emphasis on tearful service aligns with his account in Acts 20:19.
Why it lands — The verse demands readers examine their spiritual vigilance and actively recall the sacrificial labor of faithful teachers. It requires deliberate remembrance and alertness rather than passive reliance on human leadership.
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
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Cross-references
- Acts 19:8 Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
- Acts 19:10 This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.
- Acts 20:19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.
- Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
- Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
- Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
- Matthew 13:25 But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away.
- Luke 21:36 So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
- 2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
- Matthew 3:7 But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?