Acts 20:25
New International Version
“Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.

New Living Translation
“And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again.

English Standard Version
And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.

Berean Standard Bible
Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again.

Berean Literal Bible
And now, behold, I know that all of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face no more.

King James Bible
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

New King James Version
“And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

New American Standard Bible
“And now behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.

NASB 1995
“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.

NASB 1977
“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more.

Legacy Standard Bible
“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.

Amplified Bible
“And now, listen carefully: I know that none of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see me again.

Christian Standard Bible
“And now I know that none of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will ever see me again.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And now I know that none of you will ever see my face again—everyone I went about preaching the kingdom to.

American Standard Version
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more.

Contemporary English Version
I have gone from place to place, preaching to you about God's kingdom, but now I know that none of you will ever see me again.

English Revised Version
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, shall see my face no more.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Now I know that none of you whom I told about the kingdom [of God] will see me again.

Good News Translation
"I have gone about among all of you, preaching the Kingdom of God. And now I know that none of you will ever see me again.

International Standard Version
"Now I know that none of you among whom I traveled preaching about the kingdom will ever see my face again.

Majority Standard Bible
Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom of God will see my face again.

NET Bible
"And now I know that none of you among whom I went around proclaiming the kingdom will see me again.

New Heart English Bible
"And now, look, I know that you all, among whom I went about proclaiming the Kingdom, will see my face no more.

Webster's Bible Translation
And now behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

Weymouth New Testament
"And now, I know that none of you among whom I have gone in and out proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom will any longer see my face.

World English Bible
“Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching God’s Kingdom, will see my face no more.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And now, behold, I have known that you will no longer see my face, among all you [to] whom I went preaching the Kingdom of God;

Berean Literal Bible
And now, behold, I know that all of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face no more.

Young's Literal Translation
'And now, lo, I have known that no more shall ye see my face, -- ye all among whom I did go preaching the reign of God;

Smith's Literal Translation
And now, behold, I know that all ye shall see my face no more, among whom I passed through, proclaiming the kingdom of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And now behold, I know that all you, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And now, behold, I know that you will no longer see my face, all of you among whom I have traveled, preaching the kingdom of God.

New American Bible
“But now I know that none of you to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels will ever see my face again.

New Revised Standard Version
“And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And now I know that you, among whom I have traveled and preached the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And now I know that none of you will see my face again, all of you among whom I have gone and preached to you The Kingdom.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

Godbey New Testament
And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I came preaching the gospel of the kingdom, shall see my face no more.

Haweis New Testament
And now behold, I know that ye shall see my face no more, even ye all, among whom I have gone in and out preaching the kingdom of God.

Mace New Testament
and now I am persuaded you will none of you see my face any more: whilst I have been among you, I have proclaim'd the kingdom of the Messias:

Weymouth New Testament
"And now, I know that none of you among whom I have gone in and out proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom will any longer see my face.

Worrell New Testament
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom, will see my face no more.

Worsley New Testament
And now behold I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians
24But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. 25 Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again. 26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.…

Cross References
Acts 13:31-32
and for many days He was seen by those who had accompanied Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now His witnesses to our people. / And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 28:23-31
So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. / Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe. / They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: ...

Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Acts 14:22-23
strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. / Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

Acts 18:21
But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Acts 26:16-18
‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. / I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them / to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’

Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

Acts 22:21
Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

Acts 15:36
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

Acts 16:9-10
During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” / As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 24:14-16
I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, / and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. / In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

Acts 8:4
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.


Treasury of Scripture

And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

I know.

Acts 20:38
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

Romans 15:23
But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

preaching.

Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 28:31
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Matthew 4:17,23
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…

see.

Galatians 1:22
And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:

Colossians 2:1
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

Jump to Previous
Conscious Face Kingdom Longer Preaching Proclaiming Reign
Jump to Next
Conscious Face Kingdom Longer Preaching Proclaiming Reign
Acts 20
1. Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.
7. He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.
9. Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.
13. Paul continues his travels;
17. and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,
28. commits God's flock to them,
29. warns them of false teachers,
32. commends them to God,
36. prays with them, and departs.














Now I know
This phrase indicates a deep conviction and certainty in Paul's heart. The Greek word for "know" here is "oida," which implies an intuitive knowledge or understanding. Paul, through the Holy Spirit, has a profound awareness of his future and the path that lies ahead. This certainty is not just intellectual but spiritual, reflecting his close walk with God and the guidance he receives from the Holy Spirit.

that none of you
Paul is addressing the elders of the church in Ephesus, a group he deeply loves and has invested in spiritually. The phrase "none of you" underscores the personal and communal nature of his ministry. It highlights the relational aspect of the early church, where leaders and congregants shared a deep bond. Historically, this reflects the close-knit communities of the early Christian church, where leaders like Paul were not just teachers but also spiritual fathers and friends.

among whom I have gone about
This phrase speaks to Paul's active ministry and missionary journeys. The Greek word "peripateo," translated as "gone about," literally means "to walk around." It suggests Paul's tireless efforts and dedication to spreading the Gospel. Archaeological findings and historical records affirm the extensive travels of Paul, who journeyed across the Roman Empire, establishing churches and strengthening believers. His life was a testament to the Great Commission, embodying the call to go and make disciples of all nations.

preaching the kingdom
The central theme of Paul's message was the "kingdom of God." The Greek word "basileia" refers to the reign and rule of God, both a present reality and a future hope. Paul's preaching was not just about personal salvation but about entering into the transformative reign of God. This kingdom message was counter-cultural, challenging the Roman Empire's authority and offering a new allegiance to Christ as King. Scripturally, this aligns with Jesus' own ministry, which began with the proclamation, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).

will see my face again
This poignant phrase reflects the emotional weight of Paul's farewell. The Greek word "opsesthe," meaning "will see," is in the future tense, indicating a finality to their earthly relationship. Paul is aware of the trials and eventual martyrdom that await him. Historically, this moment is part of Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders, a deeply moving and personal speech recorded in Acts 20. It underscores the transient nature of life and ministry, reminding believers of the eternal hope and reunion in Christ. Paul's words inspire a legacy of faithfulness, urging the church to continue the work of the kingdom even in his absence.

(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 Troas (2Timothy 4:13), Miletus (2Timothy 4:20), and, in all probability, Ephesus also (1Timothy 1:3). We need not be startled at this seeming discrepancy. The Apostle expressly disclaims foresight of his own future, and when he says, "I know," he speaks after the manner of men who take the fulfilment of their purpose for granted. In one sense, perhaps, his words were true. When he returned to Asia, and all were turned away from him (2Timothy 1:15), how many of that company was he likely to have met again? . . . Verse 25. - Went about for have gone, A.V.; kingdom for kingdom of God, A.V. and T.R. I know that ye all, etc. It is a very perplexing question whether St. Paul in this statement spake with prophetic, and therefore infallible, foreknowledge, or whether he merely expressed the strong present conviction of his own mind, that he should never return to Asia again. The question is an important one, as the authenticity of the pastoral Epistles is in a great measure bound up with it. For, in the apparent failure of all hypotheses to bring the writing of them within the time of St. Luke's narrative, prior to St. Paul's journey to Rome, we are driven to the theory which places the writing of them, and the circumstances to which they allude, to a time subsequent to St. Paul's imprisonment at Rome. But this involves the supposition that St. Paul returned to Ephesus after his release from his Roman imprisonment (1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:15, 18; 2 Timothy 4:9-14, 19; Titus 1:5), and consequently that St. Paul's anticipation, that he was in Asia for the last lime, was not realized. The question is well discussed by Alford, in the 'Prolegomena to the Pastoral Epistles,' and in Paley's 'Horae Paulinae,' Acts 11. But it can hardly be said to be definitively settled (see above, note to ver. 15). Bengel thinks the explanation may be that most of those present were dead or dispersed when Paul returned some years later.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
νῦν (nyn)
Adverb
Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

know
οἶδα (oida)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[none of]
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

you
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

whom
οἷς (hois)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

I have preached
κηρύσσων (kēryssōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2784: To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλείαν (basileian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

will see
ὄψεσθε (opsesthe)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

face
πρόσωπόν (prosōpon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4383: From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.

[again].
οὐκέτι (ouketi)
Adverb
Strong's 3765: No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.


Links
Acts 20:25 NIV
Acts 20:25 NLT
Acts 20:25 ESV
Acts 20:25 NASB
Acts 20:25 KJV

Acts 20:25 BibleApps.com
Acts 20:25 Biblia Paralela
Acts 20:25 Chinese Bible
Acts 20:25 French Bible
Acts 20:25 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 20:25 Now behold I know that you all (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 20:24
Top of Page
Top of Page