And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul doesn't just say "goodbye"; he states with deep conviction, "I know that you all... shall see my face no more." This isn't a casual prediction, but a declaration rooted in his understanding of God's Spirit revealing his impending suffering and potential death in Jerusalem, making a return to them highly unlikely, if not impossible. He shifts the focus from his own plans to the reality of his ministry's completion with them, emphasizing the finality of this parting.
And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is speaking to the elders of Ephesus, whom he has called to Miletus. He knows this is likely their final meeting, as he feels compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, where he expects suffering and possibly death. He's giving them a heartfelt farewell, reminding them of his faithful ministry among them and entrusting them with the care of the church.
Imagine standing before a crowd you love, knowing you’ll never see them again. Paul faces this moment, and his words carry a profound weight.
Paul begins this momentous speech with a stark declaration: 'I know that... you shall see my face no more.' This isn't a casual guess or a vague premonition. It’s a deeply felt certainty, born from the Holy Spirit's revelations about the trials awaiting him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-23). He understands that his impending suffering and potential death mean his ministry in this region is concluding.
While some scholars debate whether Paul had infallible prophetic knowledge or a strong personal conviction, the impact is the same. He's speaking from a place of absolute assurance about the end of this particular chapter of his life and ministry. This certainty fuels the urgency and emotional depth of his farewell.
Paul isn't just saying farewell; he's delivering a message that needs to land with undeniable force. Why the dramatic tone?
Paul deliberately frames his departure as permanent ('shall see my face no more') to make his subsequent message profoundly impactful. This isn't about guilt-tripping or making people sad; it’s about ensuring his final words are heard and absorbed.
This farewell address is packed with the 'whole counsel of God' (Acts 20:27). By signaling the end of his personal ministry to them, he elevates the importance of the message itself. It’s as if he’s saying, 'This is your last chance to hear these critical truths directly from me. Absorb them, live them, because I won’t be here to remind you.' This heightened awareness of finality presses upon both Paul and the elders the immense weight of their shared past and God’s ongoing work.
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Paul states he won't be seen again, but does that mean God's work stops? Not at all.
Paul’s declaration, 'ye shall see my face no more,' is intensely personal and specific to his direct ministry with these elders. It reflects his genuine belief, based on the Spirit’s promptings, that his time of walking among them and teaching them face-to-face was over.
However, the commentaries hint at a crucial nuance: even if Paul had returned later (as some suggest he might have), the composition of the group might have changed dramatically due to death or relocation. More importantly, Paul’s certainty about his personal ministry ending doesn't diminish his unwavering faith in God's ongoing sovereign plan. His focus shifts from his presence to the elders' responsibility and God's ultimate protection of His church. The Kingdom of God he preached doesn't depend on one apostle's itinerary, but on the Spirit's power working through faithful leaders and a resilient community.
Understand the original words
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule and reign of God, which was inaugurated through the ministry of Jesus and continues to expand through the proclamation of His message.
Paul's declaration that the Ephesian elders would not see his face again reflects his strong conviction, possibly informed by the Holy Spirit, that his current ministry among them was concluding permanently due to impending hardship and his likely death. While historical debate exists on whether he ever revisited Asia, his words convey a profound sense of finality and a deep awareness of the potential for his ministry to be cut short.
c. AD 52-57
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle Paul spent a significant amount of time in Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia, establishing and strengthening the church there.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul's Farewell to Ephesian Elders
Paul, on his way to Jerusalem, stopped at Miletus and summoned the elders from Ephesus. This is where he delivered his poignant farewell speech, foreseeing he would not see them again.
c. AD 57-60
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem and Arrest
Paul traveled to Jerusalem, where he was subsequently arrested, facing accusations from Jewish leaders.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
After his arrest, Paul was imprisoned in Rome for about two years, under house arrest but still able to preach.
c. AD 62-67
Potential Release and Later Ministry
Some scholars believe Paul was released from his Roman imprisonment and continued his ministry, possibly revisiting the Ephesian region, though the circumstances were difficult and many he knew had likely moved on or passed away.
Paul directly states he is ready to be poured out as a drink offering, and his departure is near, echoing the finality of his ministry that he senses in Acts 20:25.
Philippians 1:21Paul's statement that to live is Christ and to die is gain reflects his mindset of accepting his potential final separation from believers, understanding that his ultimate destiny is with the Lord, similar to how he faces this parting.
Acts 21:13Paul's willingness to go to Jerusalem despite knowing he faces chains and death demonstrates his surrender to God's will and his commitment to proclaiming the gospel, even at great personal cost, just as he prepares to leave the Ephesian elders.
John 16:22Jesus told His disciples that they would grieve but their grief would turn to joy, a concept that can be seen as a parallel to the sorrow of the Ephesian elders upon hearing Paul's farewell, with the hope of reunion in eternity.
ellicottActs 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."
(25) I know that ye all . . . shall see my face no more. —It is clear from these words, as well as from Romans 15:23-24 , that at this time St. Paul did not contemplate any further work in the Roman province of Asia, or in Greece. It is as clear, if we accept the Pastoral Epistles as genuine, that he did revisit Asia ( 2Timothy 1:15 ), and that that visit included T…
wesleyActs 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."
20:25 Ye shall see my face no more - He wisely inserts this, that what follows might make the deeper impression.
Paul doesn't just say "goodbye"; he states with deep conviction, "I know that you all... shall see my face no more." This isn't a casual prediction, but a declaration rooted in his understanding of God's Spirit revealing his impending suffering and potential death in Jerusalem, making a return to them highly unlikely, if not impossible. He shifts the focus from his own plans to the reality of his ministry's completion with them, emphasizing the finality of this parting.
Paul is speaking to the elders of Ephesus, whom he has called to Miletus. He knows this is likely their final meeting, as he feels compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, where he expects suffering and possibly death. He's giving them a heartfelt farewell, reminding them of his faithful ministry among them and entrusting them with the care of the church.
Paul is speaking to the elders of Ephesus, whom he has called to Miletus. He knows this is likely their final meeting, as he feels compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, where he expects suffering and possibly death. He's giving them a heartfelt farewell, reminding them of his faithful ministry among them and entrusting them with the care of the church.
"And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again." — Paul doesn't just say "goodbye"; he states with deep conviction, "I know that you all... shall see my face no more." This isn't a casual prediction, but a declaration rooted in his understanding of…
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Last reviewed October 2026