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the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). Paul told Timothy to “exhort with patience and teaching” (2 Timothy
4:2).

When people leave to go to another church, the pastor cannot demand they stay or pronounce
curses over them for leaving. If they are going to a church that is wrong or filled with false
doctrine, the pastor can warn and leave an open door for return. If they are attending a good
church, the pastor must release them as seed sown. The sheep are God’s property.

PAUL WARNS PASTORS

Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not
sparing the flock.

For I know (eido: perceive, understand) this, that after my departing shall grievous (barous:
vicious) wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Wolves represent unbelievers (Matthew 7:15; 10:16; Luke 10:3). They come from the outside
(Colossians 4:5) and desire to destroy the work of God. They do not seek people to follow after
them, they only desire to destroy God’s work in the earth.

Act 20:30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away
the disciples after themselves.

Also of (ek: out from) your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse (diastrepho: distorted,
twisted, corrupt) things, to draw away disciples after them.

This is the worst group. They “rise up” in arrogance from within the church. They know the
correct teaching, but twist and pervert it to draw people away and after themselves. They are
looking for an audience, a congregation they do not have to raise up for themselves. They
prefer taking an existing congregation, dividing it, and drawing their own followers from that
existing congregation. They are looking for a unique teaching to create their ministry from.
They take good doctrine (a sound teaching) and confuse people with perversions.

The same men are setting before Paul as he speaks. Paul prophesies they will rise up and split
congregations for their own selfish desires. Peter also mentions these types of ministers in 2
Peter 2:10.

Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn
everyone night and day with tears.

Therefore watch (be alert), and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to
warn (admonish) everyone night and day with tears.
Paul is concluding his teaching and instruction to the pastors at Ephesus. He wants them to
remember his own teaching and examples from the previous three years. They must also use