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Acts 20:23 I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.
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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/20-22.htm" title="Acts 20:22">◄</a> Acts 20:23 <a href="/acts/20-24.htm" title="Acts 20:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit fully testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit solemnly [and emphatically] affirms to me in city after city that imprisonment and suffering await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />In every city I visit, I am told by the Holy Spirit that I will be put in jail and will be in trouble in Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />save that the Holy Ghost testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />However, the Holy Spirit warns me in every city that imprisonment and suffering are waiting for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit has warned me that prison and troubles wait for me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />except that in town after town the Holy Spirit assures me that imprisonment and suffering are waiting for me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit warns me in town after town that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Save that the Holy Spirit testifieth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit, at town after town, testifies to me that imprisonment and suffering are awaiting me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit fully testifies in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations remain for me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit fully testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> save that the Holy Spirit in every city doth testify fully, saying, that for me bonds and tribulations remain;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But that the Holy Spirit testifies in the city, saying that bonds and pressures await me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Save that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesseth to me, saying: That bands and afflictions wait for me at Jerusalem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit, throughout every city, has cautioned me, saying that chains and tribulations await me at Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />except that in one city after another the holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Save that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“However, The Spirit of Holiness testifies in every city to me and he says, 'Chains and afflictions are prepared for you.'”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />except that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />except that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesses to me, saying that bonds and tribulations await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />only this, that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and tribulation await thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />save what the holy spirit in every city declares, "that bonds and afflictions wait for me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit, at town after town, testifies to me that imprisonment and suffering are awaiting me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />except that the Holy Spirit testifieth to me in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />save that the holy Spirit testifieth in every city, that bonds and afflictions await me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/20-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=6794" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/4133.htm" title="4133: plēn (Conj) -- However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.">I only know</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">in town after town</a> <a href="/greek/4172.htm" title="4172: polin (N-AFS) -- A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: Hagion (Adj-NNS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">Holy</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneuma (N-NNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit</a> <a href="/greek/1263.htm" title="1263: diamartyretai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To give solemn evidence, testify (declare) solemnly. From dia and martureo; to attest or protest earnestly, or hortatively.">warns</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legon (V-PPA-NNS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. "></a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1199.htm" title="1199: desma (N-NNP) -- Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability.">chains</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2347.htm" title="2347: thlipseis (N-NFP) -- Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.">afflictions</a> <a href="/greek/3306.htm" title="3306: menousin (V-PIA-3P) -- To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.">await</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/21-11.htm">Acts 21:11</a></span><br />Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-16.htm">Acts 9:16</a></span><br />I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23-27</a></span><br />Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. / Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-11.htm">2 Timothy 3:11-12</a></span><br />my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. / Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a></span><br />I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-17.htm">Matthew 10:17-18</a></span><br />But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12-14</a></span><br />Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Romans 8:35-37</a></span><br />Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-29.htm">Philippians 1:29-30</a></span><br />For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, / since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-10</a></span><br />We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-12.htm">Luke 21:12</a></span><br />But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:3-4</a></span><br />so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. / Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a></span><br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">2 Timothy 2:9</a></span><br />for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3-5</a></span><br />He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.</p><p class="hdg">the Holy Ghost.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/9-16.htm">Acts 9:16</a></b></br> For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Acts 14:22</a></b></br> Confirming the souls of the disciples, <i>and</i> exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/21-4.htm">Acts 21:4,11</a></b></br> And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem… </p><p class="hdg">abide me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/18-20.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Afflictions</a> <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Await</a> <a href="/acts/10-24.htm">Awaiting</a> <a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/acts/19-35.htm">City</a> <a href="/acts/17-21.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/20-21.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Hardships</a> <a href="/acts/20-7.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/ezra/7-26.htm">Imprisonment</a> <a href="/acts/15-18.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/acts/2-24.htm">Pains</a> <a href="/acts/16-40.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Save</a> <a href="/acts/20-21.htm">Solemnly</a> <a href="/acts/20-22.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/acts/19-30.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/john/21-24.htm">Testifies</a> <a href="/john/21-24.htm">Testifieth</a> <a href="/acts/10-43.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-3.htm">Warns</a> <a href="/john/5-32.htm">Witnesseth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/27-31.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">Afflictions</a> <a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Await</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-7.htm">Awaiting</a> <a href="/acts/22-5.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/acts/21-5.htm">City</a> <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Except</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">Hardships</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/acts/23-29.htm">Imprisonment</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Pains</a> <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Save</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Solemnly</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/acts/26-23.htm">Suffering</a> <a href="/romans/8-16.htm">Testifies</a> <a href="/romans/8-16.htm">Testifieth</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/acts/22-16.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-7.htm">Warns</a> <a href="/john/5-32.htm">Witnesseth</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-7.htm">He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-13.htm">Paul continues his travels;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-17.htm">and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">commits God's flock to them,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">warns them of false teachers,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-32.htm">commends them to God,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/20-36.htm">prays with them, and departs.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Greek word for "town" here is "πόλις" (polis), which refers to a city or town, often a center of culture and commerce. Historically, Paul's missionary journeys took him through many such cities, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities for spreading the Gospel. This phrase underscores the relentless and unwavering commitment Paul had to his calling, moving from one urban center to another, despite the hardships he faced.<p><b>the Holy Spirit warns me</b><br />The phrase "the Holy Spirit warns me" indicates the divine guidance and revelation that Paul received. The Greek word for "warns" is "διαμαρτύρομαι" (diamarturomai), which means to testify or solemnly affirm. This suggests a strong, clear communication from the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the seriousness of the message. In the context of Paul's life, this divine warning was crucial for preparing him for the trials ahead. It reflects the intimate relationship between Paul and the Holy Spirit, where he is not only guided but also forewarned of impending challenges.<p><b>that chains and afflictions</b><br />The mention of "chains and afflictions" foretells the physical and emotional hardships Paul would endure. The Greek word for "chains" is "δεσμός" (desmos), which literally means bonds or imprisonment. "Afflictions" is translated from "θλῖψις" (thlipsis), meaning pressure, distress, or tribulation. Historically, Paul faced numerous imprisonments and sufferings for the sake of the Gospel. This phrase serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution for those who boldly proclaim their faith.<p><b>await me</b><br />The phrase "await me" conveys a sense of inevitability and acceptance of what is to come. The Greek word "μένω" (meno) means to remain or stay, indicating that these trials are not just possibilities but certainties in Paul's future. This reflects Paul's steadfast faith and courage, as he willingly embraces the path laid out for him by God, fully aware of the suffering it entails. It is an inspirational testament to his unwavering dedication to his mission and trust in God's plan, regardless of the personal cost.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city.</span>--This can hardly refer to mere internal previsions of the future, but implies, like the analogous phraseology of <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm" title="Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;">1Timothy 4:1</a>, predictions uttered by the mouth of prophets, such as that which was afterwards spoken by Agabus (<a href="/acts/21-11.htm" title="And when he was come to us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus said the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that ownes this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.">Acts 21:11</a>). In every city, Corinth, Ber?a, Thessalonica, Philippi, Troas, there had been like utterances, of which, though they are here implied, we have no separate record. There was a general dread as to the results of his journey, which led the disciples who loved him to dissuade him from attempting it. We may trace the influence of such predictions in the anxiety which he himself expresses when he asks for the prayers of his friends at Rome (<a href="/context/romans/15-30.htm" title="Now I beseech you, brothers, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;">Romans 15:30-31</a>) that he may be delivered from those that did not believe in Judaea. The words are not without their value as throwing light on the nature and limits of inspiration. The prophets of whom St. Paul speaks were truly inspired, as far as their prevision of the future was concerned, and yet that inspiration did not make them infallible advisers, and the Apostle felt that he was right in acting on those convictions of his own in which he, too, recognised the promptings of the Holy Ghost.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> <span class="accented">- Testifieth unto me</span> for <span class="accented">witnesseth</span>, A.V. and T.R. <span class="cmt_word">The Holy Ghost</span>, speaking by the prophets in the different Church assemblies, as the apostle journeyed from city to city. We have one instance of such prophesying recorded in <a href="/acts/21-10.htm">Acts 21:10, 11</a>. The instances to which St. Paul here alluded were not mentioned in Luke's brief narrative. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/20-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[I] only [know]</span><br /><span class="grk">πλὴν</span> <span class="translit">(plēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4133.htm">Strong's 4133: </a> </span><span class="str2">However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in town after town</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Holy</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἅγιον</span> <span class="translit">(Hagion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> </span><span class="str2">Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Spirit</span><br /><span class="grk">Πνεῦμα</span> <span class="translit">(Pneuma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">warns</span><br /><span class="grk">διαμαρτύρεταί</span> <span class="translit">(diamartyretai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1263.htm">Strong's 1263: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give solemn evidence, testify (declare) solemnly. From dia and martureo; to attest or protest earnestly, or hortatively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="grk">μοι</span> <span class="translit">(moi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">chains</span><br /><span class="grk">δεσμὰ</span> <span class="translit">(desma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1199.htm">Strong's 1199: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">afflictions</span><br /><span class="grk">θλίψεις</span> <span class="translit">(thlipseis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2347.htm">Strong's 2347: </a> </span><span class="str2">Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">await</span><br /><span class="grk">μένουσιν</span> <span class="translit">(menousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3306.htm">Strong's 3306: </a> </span><span class="str2">To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me.</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/20-23.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 20:23 Except that the Holy Spirit testifies (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/20-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 20:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 20:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/20-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 20:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 20:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>