Acts 20:29
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
American King James Version (AKJV)
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
American Standard Version (ASV)
I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;
Basic English Translation (BBE)
I am conscious that after I am gone, evil wolves will come in among you, doing damage to the flock;
Webster's Revision
For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
World English Bible
For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
English Revised Version (ERV)
I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;
Clarke's Acts 20:29 Bible Commentary
After my departing - Referring, most likely, to his death; for few of these evils took place during his life.
Grievous wolves - Persons professing to be teachers; Judaizing Christians, who, instead of feeding the flock, would feed themselves, even to the oppression and ruin of the Church.
Barnes's Acts 20:29 Bible Commentary
For I know this - By what he had seen in other places; by his knowledge of human nature, and of the dangers to which they were exposed; and by the guidance of inspiration.
After my departure - His presence had been the means of guarding the church, and preserving it from these dangers. Now that the founder and guide of the church was to be removed, they would be exposed to dissensions and dangers.
Grievous wolves - Heavy βαρεῖς bareis, strong, mighty, dangerous wolves - so strong that the feeble flock would not be able to resist them. The term "wolves" is used to denote "the enemies of the flock - false, and hypocritical, and dangerous teachers." Compare Matthew 10:16.
Enter in among you - From abroad; doubtless referring particularly to the Jews, who might be expected to distract and divide them.
Not sparing the flock - Seeking to destroy the church. The Jews would regard it with special hostility, and would seek to destroy it in every way. Probably they would approach them with great professed friendship for them, and expressing a desire only to defend the laws of Moses.
Wesley's Acts 20:29 Bible Commentary
20:29 Grievous wolves - From without, namely, false apostles.They had, not yet broke in on the Church at Ephesus.