Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul’s urgent call to "watch" isn't just a general command to be alert; it's directly linked to his own tireless, tearful labor over three years. He emphasizes this isn't abstract teaching, but a fierce dedication to each individual, showing that true spiritual leadership demands personal sacrifice and a profound, even painful, investment in others' lives.
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Ephesian elders, whom he has called to Miletus, in his final farewell. He's reminding them of his diligent, loving ministry among them for about three years, warning them to guard themselves and the church from deceptive teachers who will inevitably arise. This call to vigilance is the natural outflow of his own example and his profound concern for their spiritual well-being.
Paul's final words to the Ephesian elders are a call to action, a charge to stay awake. What does it truly mean to 'watch' in the spiritual life?
Paul uses the word 'watch' (Greek: grēgoreite), a term also used by Jesus himself, to emphasize the need for constant spiritual alertness. This isn't just about staying awake; it's about being vigilant against dangers, both internal and external, that can harm the flock.
Guarding the Flock
Paul reminds the elders of his dedicated, tear-filled ministry. Why is remembering this history so crucial for their future?
The command to 'remember' isn't just about recalling facts; it's about letting the memory of Paul's tireless, emotional labor shape their present and future actions. His three years in Ephesus were marked by an extraordinary level of commitment.
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The Ministry of Tears
Understand the original words
grēgoreō · Greek Verb
To be vigilant, watchful, or spiritually awake; it implies a state of constant readiness and attention to spiritual dangers.
noutheteō · Greek Verb
To warn, instruct, or counsel, often with the aim of correcting behavior or preventing spiritual error.
The 'three years' mentioned by Paul in Ephesus wasn't necessarily a continuous, unbroken period, but encompassed his extensive ministry there. This deep commitment highlights the intense pastoral care he poured into the Ephesian church, setting a profound example for its future leaders.
c. AD 52
Paul arrives in Ephesus
Paul begins his extended ministry in Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia. He would stay here for approximately three years.
c. AD 52 - c. AD 55— this verse
Paul's ministry in Ephesus
During this period, Paul preached, taught, and performed miracles. He faced significant opposition, notably from the silversmith Demetrius, yet the gospel spread widely.
c. AD 55
Paul departs from Ephesus
After his lengthy ministry, Paul leaves Ephesus, entrusting the church to elders. He delivers his farewell address, urging them to remain vigilant.
c. AD 60
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus (or possibly Philippi), Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian church. The letter addresses various issues and reflects his pastoral concerns for churches facing difficulties.
This passage emphasizes the responsibility of a watchman to warn the wicked, directly paralleling Paul's intense dedication to admonishing the Ephesian believers.
John 10:11-13Jesus describes the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, contrasting with the hired hand who flees. Paul's tireless, tearful ministry exemplifies this sacrificial shepherding.
1 Thessalonians 2:11Paul uses a similar tone of paternal care here, describing how he exhorted, encouraged, and implored each one of them, echoing the personal and persistent nature of his admonition in Acts.
Philippians 3:18Paul here warns about 'enemies of the cross of Christ' who walk with 'weeping' – a similar emotional intensity to Paul's own tears in Acts, highlighting the deep concern for those straying from the truth.
2 Corinthians 11:28This verse directly mentions the daily pressure and concern for all the churches, providing further evidence of the relentless, all-encompassing nature of Paul's pastoral care that is evident in Acts 20:31.
clarkeActs 20:31: "Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."
Therefore watch, and remember - The only way to abide in the truth is to watch against evil, and for good; and to keep in mind the heavenly doctrines originally received. Unwatchfulness and forgetfulness are two grand inlets to apostasy. By the space of three years - Τριετιαν. The Greek word here does not necessarily mean three whole years: it may be months more…
pulpitActs 20:31: "Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."
Verse 31. - Wherefore watch ye for therefore watch, A.V.; remembering for and remember, A.V.; admonish for warn, A.V. By the space of three years (τριετίαν). The word is only found here in the New Testament; but it is used in the LXX. of Isaiah 15:5 and 2 Chronicles 31:16, and in classical Greek. We have here one of the few chronological data in the Acts. Three…
Paul’s urgent call to "watch" isn't just a general command to be alert; it's directly linked to his own tireless, tearful labor over three years. He emphasizes this isn't abstract teaching, but a fierce dedication to each individual, showing that true spiritual leadership demands personal sacrifice and a profound, even painful, investment in others' lives.
Paul is addressing the Ephesian elders, whom he has called to Miletus, in his final farewell. He's reminding them of his diligent, loving ministry among them for about three years, warning them to guard themselves and the church from deceptive teachers who will inevitably arise. This call to vigilance is the natural outflow of his own example and his profound concern for their spiritual well-being.
Paul is addressing the Ephesian elders, whom he has called to Miletus, in his final farewell. He's reminding them of his diligent, loving ministry among them for about three years, warning them to guard themselves and the church from deceptive teachers who will inevitably arise. This call to vigilance is the natural outflow of his own example and his profound concern for their spiritual well-being.
"Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears." — Paul’s urgent call to "watch" isn't just a general command to be alert; it's directly linked to his own tireless, tearful labor over three years. He emphasizes this isn't abstract teaching, but a fie…
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Last reviewed October 2026