Acts 20:25
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
2 of 21
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οἶδα
know
G1492
οἶδα
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 21
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὄψεσθε
shall see
G3700
ὄψεσθε
shall see
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
8 of 21
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπόν
face
G4383
πρόσωπόν
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
10 of 21
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
οἷς
whom
G3739
οἷς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κηρύσσων
preaching
G2784
κηρύσσων
preaching
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
17 of 21
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Acts 28:31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.Acts 20:38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.Matthew 4:23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Historical Context
Whether Paul ever returned to Ephesus is debated. Some believe 1-2 Timothy indicate later ministry there; others accept this as final farewell.
Questions for Reflection
- How does awareness of final meetings affect pastoral relationships?
- What does 'preaching the kingdom' summarize about Paul's message?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.' This sobering prediction intensified the farewell. Paul's focus on 'the kingdom of God' summarizes his message - Christ's reign proclaimed and established.