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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 20:31 Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/20-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/44_Act_20_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 20:31 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/20-31.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/20-31.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 31</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/20-30.htm" title="Acts 20:30">◄</a> Acts 20:31 <a href="/acts/20-32.htm" title="Acts 20:32">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/acts/20.htm">New International Version</a> So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. <a href="/nlt/acts/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. <a href="/esv/acts/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. <a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. <a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore stay awake, remembering that three years night and day I never ceased admonishing each one with tears. <a href="/kjv/acts/20.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. <a href="/nkjv/acts/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. <a href="/nasb_/acts/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nasb/acts/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Therefore 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. <a href="/nasb77/acts/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “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. <a href="/lsb/acts/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore be watchful, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. <a href="/amp/acts/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore be continually alert, remembering that for three years, night or day, I did not stop admonishing and advising each one [of you] with tears. <a href="/csb/acts/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I never stopped warning each one of you with tears. <a href="/hcsb/acts/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I did not stop warning each one of you with tears.&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears. <a href="/cev/acts/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Be on your guard! Remember how day and night for three years I kept warning you with tears in my eyes. <a href="/erv/acts/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears. <a href="/gwt/acts/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So be alert! Remember that I instructed each of you for three years, day and night, at times with tears in my eyes. <a href="/gnt/acts/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Watch, then, and remember that with many tears, day and night, I taught every one of you for three years. <a href="/isv/acts/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> So be alert! Remember that for three years, night and day, I never stopped tearfully warning each of you. <a href="/msb/acts/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. <a href="/net/acts/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Therefore be alert, remembering that night and day for three years I did not stop warning each one of you with tears. <a href="/nheb/acts/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears. <a href="/wbt/acts/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. <a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore be on the alert; and remember that, night and day, for three years, I never ceased admonishing every one, even with tears. <a href="/web/acts/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Therefore, watch, remembering that three years, night and day, I did not cease with tears warning each one; <a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore stay awake, remembering that three years night and day I never ceased admonishing each one with tears. <a href="/ylt/acts/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Therefore, watch, remembering that three years, night and day, I did not cease with tears warning each one; <a href="/slt/acts/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore watch ye, remembering that the space of three years night and day I ceased not reminding each one with tears.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Therefore watch, keeping in memory, that for three years I ceased not, with tears to admonish every one of you night and day. <a href="/cpdv/acts/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Because of this, be vigilant, retaining in memory that throughout three years I did not cease, night and day, with tears, to admonish each and every one of you. <a href="/nabre/acts/20.htm">New American Bible</a> So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore watch, and remember, that for three years, night and day, I did not cease to teach every one of you with tears. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Therefore be vigilant, and remember that for three years I have not been silent by night and by day, while with tears I was warning each one of you.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by day and by night, I ceased not to warn every one of you with tears. <a href="/godbey/acts/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Watch therefore, remembering, that three years night and day I ceased not admonishing you with tears. <a href="/haweis/acts/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by night and by day, I have never ceased with tears to admonish every individual. <a href="/mace/acts/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a> be then upon the watch, and remember, that for three years I have not ceased by night, or by day to warn every soul of you, even with tears. <a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore be on the alert; and remember that, night and day, for three years, I never ceased admonishing every one, even with tears. <a href="/worrell/acts/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Wherefore, watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not to admonish every one with tears. <a href="/worsley/acts/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Watch therefore, remembering that for the space of three years I ceased not by night and by day to warn every one with tears. <a href="/parallel/acts/20-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=6867" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians</a> …30Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. 31<a href="/greek/1352.htm" title="1352: dio (Conj) -- Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/1127.htm" title="1127: grēgoreite (V-PMA-2P) -- (a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch.">be alert</a> <a href="/greek/3421.htm" title="3421: mnēmoneuontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. Recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse.">and remember</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/5148.htm" title="5148: trietian (N-AFS) -- A space of three years. From a compound of treis and etos; a three years' period.">for three years</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3973.htm" title="3973: epausamēn (V-AIM-1S) -- A primary verb; to stop, i.e. Restrain, quit, desist, come to an end.">I never stopped</a> <a href="/greek/3560.htm" title="3560: nouthetōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To admonish, warn, counsel, exhort. From the same as nouthesia; to put in mind, i.e. to caution or reprove gently.">warning</a> <a href="/greek/1538.htm" title="1538: hekaston (Adj-AMS) -- Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.">each</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hena (Adj-AMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">of you</a> <a href="/greek/3571.htm" title="3571: nykta (N-AFS) -- The night, night-time. A primary word; night.">night</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmeran (N-AFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">day</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/1144.htm" title="1144: dakryōn (N-GNP) -- A tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear.">tears.</a> 32And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:11-12</a> For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children— / encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">2 Corinthians 11:28-29</a> Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. / Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief? <a href="/1_timothy/4-16.htm">1 Timothy 4:16</a> Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you. <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">2 Timothy 4:2-5</a> Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. / For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ... <a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28-29</a> We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. / To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. <a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">Philippians 3:18</a> For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> 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. <a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm">1 Peter 5:1-3</a> As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: / Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4</a> For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14</a> I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. <a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17-19</a> “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. / If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. <a href="/jeremiah/6-17.htm">Jeremiah 6:17</a> I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’ <a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6</a> On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, <a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Proverbs 8:34</a> Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. <a href="/ezekiel/33-7.htm">Ezekiel 33:7-9</a> As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me. / If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. / But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.watch.<a href="/matthew/13-25.htm">Matthew 13:25</a> But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.<a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Mark 13:34-37</a> For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch… <a href="/luke/21-36.htm">Luke 21:36</a> Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.by.<a href="/acts/19-8.htm">Acts 19:8,10</a> And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God… warn.<a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17-20</a> Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me… <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Matthew 3:7</a> But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?<a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14</a> I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.night.<a href="/acts/20-7.htm">Acts 20:7,11</a> And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight… <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9,10</a> For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God… <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8</a> Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:with.<a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Acts 20:19</a> Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/lamentations/2-13.htm">Admonish</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-11.htm">Admonishing</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Alert</a> <a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Ceased</a> <a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Night</a> <a href="/acts/19-8.htm">Period</a> <a href="/john/16-32.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/luke/1-54.htm">Remembering</a> <a href="/acts/16-34.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/acts/19-34.htm">Space</a> <a href="/acts/15-13.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/acts/20-30.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Three</a> <a href="/acts/4-17.htm">Warn</a> <a href="/mark/1-43.htm">Warning</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/acts/9-39.htm">Weeping</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Admonish</a> <a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Admonishing</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Alert</a> <a href="/acts/27-33.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/acts/21-14.htm">Ceased</a> <a href="/acts/24-23.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Night</a> <a href="/acts/24-2.htm">Period</a> <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Remembering</a> <a href="/acts/21-23.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/acts/27-28.htm">Space</a> <a href="/acts/21-32.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/acts/25-1.htm">Three</a> <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Warn</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">Warning</a> <a href="/acts/22-26.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/acts/20-37.htm">Weeping</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 20</div>1. <a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.</a> 7. <a href="/acts/20-7.htm">He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.</a> 9. <a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.</a> 13. <a href="/acts/20-13.htm">Paul continues his travels;</a> 17. <a href="/acts/20-17.htm">and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,</a> 28. <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">commits God's flock to them,</a> 29. <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">warns them of false teachers,</a> 32. <a href="/acts/20-32.htm">commends them to God,</a> 36. <a href="/acts/20-36.htm">prays with them, and departs.</a> </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 "alert" is "γρηγορέω" (grēgoreō), which means to stay awake or be watchful. This is a recurring theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance. In a historical context, the early church faced numerous challenges, including false teachings and persecution. Paul’s exhortation to be alert is a reminder to the Ephesian elders—and to all believers—to remain steadfast in their faith and attentive to the spiritual dangers that may arise.and remember that for three years The mention of "three years" highlights the duration of Paul's ministry in Ephesus. This was a significant period during which Paul invested deeply in teaching and nurturing the church. The Greek word for "remember" is "μνημονεύω" (mnēmoneuō), which means to recall or keep in mind. Paul is urging the elders to recall the depth of his commitment and the truths he imparted. Historically, this period was marked by intense teaching and the establishment of a strong Christian community in a city known for its pagan worship, particularly of the goddess Artemis.I never stopped warning each of you Paul's use of "never stopped warning" underscores his relentless dedication to the spiritual well-being of the believers. The Greek word for "warning" is "νουθετέω" (noutheteō), which means to admonish or instruct. This reflects Paul's pastoral heart and his role as a shepherd, guiding the flock away from spiritual danger. The phrase "each of you" indicates the personal nature of his ministry; Paul was not just addressing the church collectively but was concerned for each individual believer.night and day The expression "night and day" emphasizes the continuous and tireless nature of Paul's ministry. It suggests a sense of urgency and the importance of the message he was delivering. In the context of the early church, this phrase also reflects the dedication required to nurture a fledgling Christian community amidst a predominantly pagan society. Paul's commitment serves as an example for Christian leaders to be diligent and persistent in their ministry.with tears The mention of "tears" reveals the deep emotional investment Paul had in the Ephesian church. The Greek word "δάκρυον" (dakryon) for "tears" indicates genuine sorrow and compassion. This emotional element highlights the seriousness of his warnings and the love he had for the believers. In a broader scriptural context, tears are often associated with earnest prayer and heartfelt concern, as seen in other parts of the Bible. Paul's tears are a testament to his sincere care and the gravity of the spiritual dangers he foresaw.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) Therefore watch . . .--The word was, as it were, an echo from our Lord's teaching (<a href="/matthew/24-42.htm" title="Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come.">Matthew 24:42</a>; <a href="/matthew/25-13.htm" title="Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes.">Matthew 25:13</a>, et al.), which could hardly have been unknown to St. Paul. Here, however, it receives a fresh significance from its connection with the term episcopi. They who were the bishops, the overseers, the watchers of the flock, ought, above all others, to set an example of vigilance.By the space of three years.--Strictly speaking, the narrative of the Acts accounts for three months' preaching in the synagogue (<a href="/acts/19-8.htm" title="And he went into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.">Acts 19:8</a>), two years in the school of Tyrannus (<a href="/acts/19-10.htm" title="And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelled in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.">Acts 19:10</a>), and an undefined period embracing the time immediately before and after the tumult of Demetrius. This would be enough to warrant him describing the time of his ministry, speaking roughly, as extending over three years.To warn every one night and day with tears.--Comp. Note on <a href="/acts/20-19.htm" title="Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:">Acts 20:19</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 31. - Wherefore watch ye for therefore watch, A.V.; remembering for and remember, A.V.; admonish for warn, A.V. By the space of three years (τριετίαν). The word is only found here in the New Testament; but it is used in the LXX. of <a href="/isaiah/15-5.htm">Isaiah 15:5</a> and <a href="/2_chronicles/31-16.htm">2 Chronicles 31:16</a>, and in classical Greek. We have here one of the few chronological data in the Acts. Three years includes the whole of his sojourn at Ephesus as his headquarters. There were first the three months during which he preached in the synagogue; then the two years which he spent in preaching in the school of Tyrannus, and which terminated with the incident of burning the books of magic (<a href="/acts/19-8.htm">Acts 19:8, 10, 19</a>). Then there was an indefinite time described in <a href="/acts/19-22.htm">Acts 19:22</a> as "for a while" (αὐτὸς ἐπέσχε χρόνον), during which he was busy making plans, probably writing letters, sending off Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia, and perhaps making missionary expeditions in the neighborhood. This may have occupied three or four months longer, and made up a term of two years and six, seven, or eight months, which would quite justify the term τριετία. Every one. Each one separately, not merely the whole flock together. A weighty lesson for every one who has the cure of souls (comp. <a href="/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3</a>). Night and day. The night is mentioned first, in accordance with Hebrew usage (<a href="/genesis/1-5.htm">Genesis 1:5, 8, 13</a>, etc.; comp. the word νυχθήμερον in <a href="/2_corinthians/11-25.htm">2 Corinthians 11:25</a>) St. Paul enforces the word "Watch," so appropriate to shepherds who watch over their flocks by night (<a href="/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8</a>), by his own example of admonishing by night as well as day. <a href="/commentaries/acts/20-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore διὸ (dio) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1352.htm">Strong's 1352: </a> Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently. be alert γρηγορεῖτε (grēgoreite) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1127.htm">Strong's 1127: </a> (a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch. [and] remember μνημονεύοντες (mnēmoneuontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3421.htm">Strong's 3421: </a> From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. Recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. for three years τριετίαν (trietian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5148.htm">Strong's 5148: </a> A space of three years. From a compound of treis and etos; a three years' period. I never stopped ἐπαυσάμην (epausamēn) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3973.htm">Strong's 3973: </a> A primary verb; to stop, i.e. Restrain, quit, desist, come to an end. warning νουθετῶν (nouthetōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3560.htm">Strong's 3560: </a> To admonish, warn, counsel, exhort. From the same as nouthesia; to put in mind, i.e. to caution or reprove gently. each ἕκαστον (hekaston) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. [of you] ἕνα (hena) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. night νύκτα (nykta) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3571.htm">Strong's 3571: </a> The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. day ἡμέραν (hēmeran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. with μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. tears. δακρύων (dakryōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> A tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 20:31 Therefore watch remembering that for a period (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/20-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 20:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 20:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/20-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 20:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 20:32" /></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>