Acts 20:32 - Now, brothers, I entrust you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
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What does "Acts 20:32" mean?
Acts 20:32 is a heartfelt farewell and encouragement from the Apostle Paul to the elders of the church in Ephesus. Let's break down its meaning:
"Now, brothers...": Paul is addressing the elders of the Ephesian church whom he has just met with in Miletus (Acts 20:17). He considers them his brothers in Christ, emphasizing their shared faith and ministry.
"...I entrust you to God...": Paul is committing the elders to God's care and protection. He recognizes that his physical presence and direct guidance will no longer be available to them in the same way. He places them under God's sovereignty and power. To "entrust" implies not just leaving them, but specifically recommending them to God's care.
"...and to the word of his grace...": Paul isn't just entrusting them to God in a general sense, but specifically to "the word of His grace". This refers to the Gospel message, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. This "word of grace" is the foundation of their faith and ministry.
"...which is able to build you up...": This refers to the edifying and strengthening power of the Gospel. Paul emphasizes that the "word of His grace" isn't just a message for salvation, it is also sufficient for ongoing spiritual growth and maturity. It has the inherent capacity to make them stronger in their faith and better equipped to lead the church.
"...and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.": This speaks of the ultimate reward for faithful believers. "Inheritance" refers to the blessings and privileges promised to believers in God's kingdom, including eternal life, being in God's presence, and sharing in Christ's glory. "Those who are sanctified" are those who have been set apart for God's purpose – believers who are made holy through Christ's sacrifice. The idea is that adhering to the word of God's grace will lead them to participate fully in the eternal inheritance reserved for all believers.
In summary, this verse is Paul:
Committing the Ephesian elders to God's protection and guidance, now that he will be leaving them.
Emphasizing the crucial role of the Gospel (the "word of his grace") in their spiritual growth and leadership.
Assuring them that faithfully following the Gospel will lead them to their eternal reward and inheritance with all believers.
Significance:
The verse serves as a reminder for all Christians, especially church leaders:
Dependence on God: We are ultimately dependent on God's grace and power for our spiritual well-being and ministry.
Centrality of Scripture: The Bible (the "word of his grace") is essential for our growth and guidance.
Eternal Perspective: Our earthly efforts should be motivated by the hope of our eternal inheritance.
Acts 20:32 - Now, brothers, I entrust you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
What does "Acts 20:32" mean?
Acts 20:32 is a heartfelt farewell and encouragement from the Apostle Paul to the elders of the church in Ephesus. Let's break down its meaning:
"Now, brothers...": Paul is addressing the elders of the Ephesian church whom he has just met with in Miletus (Acts 20:17). He considers them his brothers in Christ, emphasizing their shared faith and ministry.
"...I entrust you to God...": Paul is committing the elders to God's care and protection. He recognizes that his physical presence and direct guidance will no longer be available to them in the same way. He places them under God's sovereignty and power. To "entrust" implies not just leaving them, but specifically recommending them to God's care.
"...and to the word of his grace...": Paul isn't just entrusting them to God in a general sense, but specifically to "the word of His grace". This refers to the Gospel message, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. This "word of grace" is the foundation of their faith and ministry.
"...which is able to build you up...": This refers to the edifying and strengthening power of the Gospel. Paul emphasizes that the "word of His grace" isn't just a message for salvation, it is also sufficient for ongoing spiritual growth and maturity. It has the inherent capacity to make them stronger in their faith and better equipped to lead the church.
"...and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.": This speaks of the ultimate reward for faithful believers. "Inheritance" refers to the blessings and privileges promised to believers in God's kingdom, including eternal life, being in God's presence, and sharing in Christ's glory. "Those who are sanctified" are those who have been set apart for God's purpose – believers who are made holy through Christ's sacrifice. The idea is that adhering to the word of God's grace will lead them to participate fully in the eternal inheritance reserved for all believers.
In summary, this verse is Paul:
Committing the Ephesian elders to God's protection and guidance, now that he will be leaving them.
Emphasizing the crucial role of the Gospel (the "word of his grace") in their spiritual growth and leadership.
Assuring them that faithfully following the Gospel will lead them to their eternal reward and inheritance with all believers.
Significance:
The verse serves as a reminder for all Christians, especially church leaders:
Dependence on God: We are ultimately dependent on God's grace and power for our spiritual well-being and ministry.
Centrality of Scripture: The Bible (the "word of his grace") is essential for our growth and guidance.
Eternal Perspective: Our earthly efforts should be motivated by the hope of our eternal inheritance.