Definition: For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 20:29. It's a pretty serious warning about the dangers of sin and deceit. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that after I leave, there will be people – “wolves” – who will try to trick and harm the believers. It’s a direct threat to their safety and trust. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For I know this…” : This is a declaration from Paul, someone who was already traveling with the early church. He’s acknowledging something that’s true. “…that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you…” : "Wolves" here are symbolic of sin , deception , and harm . "Entering in among you" means those harmful things will infiltrate the community. "...not sparing the flock." : This is the key part. “The flock” refers to the believers – the people God has chosen to protect. “Scoring the flock” means to harm, deceive, or even kill them. Putting it Together - The Warning: Paul is telling us that when I leave , there will be a period where these harmful things will come into our community. It’s not just about occasional problems; it's a sustained and deliberate effort to endanger the people God has entrusted to our care. What does this mean practically? This verse is a reminder that: We need to be vigilant: It encourages us to watch out for potential dangers and challenges to the community of faith. Paul was aware of this risk: He knew it was possible, which highlights his commitment to protecting the believers. We must guard against deception: It's a call to be cautious about what we believe and how we act, as there’s a potential for manipulation and harm. In essence, it's a message of urgency – that the danger is real and needs our attention. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail (e.g., when did Paul write it)?