King James Version

What Does Acts 20:28 Mean?

Acts 20:28 in the King James Version says “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to fee... — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Acts 20:28 · KJV


Context

26

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood—Paul's charge to Ephesian elders combines pastoral authority, responsibility, and motivation. Take heed... unto yourselves prioritizes leaders' spiritual health before ministry. The Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (ἐπισκόπους) establishes divine appointment, not human ambition, as pastoral authority's source. To feed (ποιμαίνειν, 'shepherd') defines pastoral work as nourishing, guiding, protecting. Church of God, which he purchased with his own blood grounds pastoral urgency in the cross—shepherds serve blood-bought people. The phrase 'his own blood' remarkably attributes blood-shedding to God, affirming Christ's deity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's farewell address to Ephesian elders at Miletus (circa 57 AD), during his final journey to Jerusalem. He knew imprisonment awaited (v.23) and expected never to see them again (v.25). The 'savage wolves' warning (v.29) proved prophetic—false teachers later infiltrated Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3-7, 2 Timothy 1:15). This speech models pastoral succession and leader accountability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering the church's blood-purchase affect pastoral priorities and methods?
  2. What does the Holy Spirit's appointment of overseers teach about church governance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
προσέχετε1 of 27

Take heed

G4337

(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to

οὖν2 of 27

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἑαυτοῖς3 of 27

unto yourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καὶ4 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παντὶ5 of 27

to all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῷ6 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποιμνίῳ7 of 27

the flock

G4168

a flock, i.e., (figuratively) group (of believers)

ἐν8 of 27

over

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἣν9 of 27

the which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὑμᾶς10 of 27

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τὸ11 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμα12 of 27

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὸ13 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἅγιον14 of 27

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἔθετο15 of 27

hath made

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

ἐπισκόπους16 of 27

overseers

G1985

a superintendent, i.e., christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively)

ποιμαίνειν17 of 27

to feed

G4165

to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)

τὴν18 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησίαν19 of 27

the church

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

τοῦ20 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ21 of 27

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἣν22 of 27

the which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

περιεποιήσατο23 of 27

he hath purchased

G4046

to make around oneself, i.e., acquire (buy)

διὰ24 of 27

with

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ25 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίου26 of 27

his own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

αἵματος27 of 27

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 20:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 20:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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