Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τανῦν
G3568
τανῦν
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
2 of 24
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
παρατίθεμαι
I commend
G3908
παρατίθεμαι
I commend
Strong's:
G3908
Word #:
3 of 24
to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
ἀδελφοὶ,
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ,
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 24
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγῳ
to the word
G3056
λόγῳ
to the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 24
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτος
grace
G5485
χάριτος
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
12 of 24
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
αὐτοῦ
of his
G846
αὐτοῦ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐποἰκοδομῆσαι,
to build you up
G2026
ἐποἰκοδομῆσαι,
to build you up
Strong's:
G2026
Word #:
16 of 24
to build upon, i.e., (figuratively) to rear up
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δοῦναι
to give
G1325
δοῦναι
to give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
18 of 24
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
κληρονομίαν
an inheritance
G2817
κληρονομίαν
an inheritance
Strong's:
G2817
Word #:
20 of 24
heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 1:12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Colossians 3:24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.Ephesians 1:14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.Colossians 2:7Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.Ephesians 1:18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,Jeremiah 3:19But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Ephesians 5:5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Historical Context
This farewell to the Ephesian elders (whom Paul expected never to see again, verse 25) established their spiritual resources for continuing ministry after his departure. His emphasis on Word over personality cult provided healthy foundation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your spiritual life rest on God's Word rather than dependency on human teachers?
- What does this teach about the sufficiency of Scripture and grace for Christian growth and ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's final commendation - 'I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace' - identifies the twin foundations for Christian perseverance: God's person and His revealed Word. The 'word of his grace' doesn't merely inform but actively 'builds up' and gives inheritance. This confidence in Scripture's power through the Spirit's work remains the church's hope across generations.