Acts 20:23
New International Version
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.

New Living Translation
except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.

English Standard Version
except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

Berean Standard Bible
I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.

Berean Literal Bible
except that the Holy Spirit fully testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

King James Bible
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

New King James Version
except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

New American Standard Bible
except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me.

NASB 1995
except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.

NASB 1977
except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.

Legacy Standard Bible
except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me.

Amplified Bible
except that the Holy Spirit solemnly [and emphatically] affirms to me in city after city that imprisonment and suffering await me.

Christian Standard Bible
except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.

American Standard Version
save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Contemporary English Version
In every city I visit, I am told by the Holy Spirit that I will be put in jail and will be in trouble in Jerusalem.

English Revised Version
save that the Holy Ghost testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, the Holy Spirit warns me in every city that imprisonment and suffering are waiting for me.

Good News Translation
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit has warned me that prison and troubles wait for me.

International Standard Version
except that in town after town the Holy Spirit assures me that imprisonment and suffering are waiting for me.

Majority Standard Bible
I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.

NET Bible
except that the Holy Spirit warns me in town after town that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me.

New Heart English Bible
except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Save that the Holy Spirit testifieth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Weymouth New Testament
except that the Holy Spirit, at town after town, testifies to me that imprisonment and suffering are awaiting me.

World English Bible
except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
except that the Holy Spirit fully testifies in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations remain for me;

Berean Literal Bible
except that the Holy Spirit fully testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

Young's Literal Translation
save that the Holy Spirit in every city doth testify fully, saying, that for me bonds and tribulations remain;

Smith's Literal Translation
But that the Holy Spirit testifies in the city, saying that bonds and pressures await me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Save that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesseth to me, saying: That bands and afflictions wait for me at Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
except that the Holy Spirit, throughout every city, has cautioned me, saying that chains and tribulations await me at Jerusalem.

New American Bible
except that in one city after another the holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me.

New Revised Standard Version
except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Save that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“However, The Spirit of Holiness testifies in every city to me and he says, 'Chains and afflictions are prepared for you.'”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
except that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me.

Godbey New Testament
except that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesses to me, saying that bonds and tribulations await me.

Haweis New Testament
only this, that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and tribulation await thee.

Mace New Testament
save what the holy spirit in every city declares, "that bonds and afflictions wait for me."

Weymouth New Testament
except that the Holy Spirit, at town after town, testifies to me that imprisonment and suffering are awaiting me.

Worrell New Testament
except that the Holy Spirit testifieth to me in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations await me.

Worsley New Testament
save that the holy Spirit testifieth in every city, that bonds and afflictions await me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians
22And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. 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.…

Cross References
Acts 21:11
Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

Acts 9:16
I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

2 Corinthians 11:23-27
Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. / Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. ...

2 Timothy 3:11-12
my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. / Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Matthew 10:17-18
But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

1 Peter 4:12-14
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Philippians 1:29-30
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, / since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Luke 21:12
But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors.

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. / Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

2 Timothy 2:9
for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!

Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.


Treasury of Scripture

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Acts 14:22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Acts 21:4,11
And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem…

abide me.

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Abide Afflictions Await Awaiting Bonds City Except Fully Ghost Hardships Holy Imprisonment Makes Pains Prison Save Solemnly Spirit Suffering Testifies Testifieth Testify Wait Warns Witnesseth
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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.














I only know that in town after town
This phrase highlights the Apostle Paul's journey and mission work, emphasizing the repetitive nature of his travels. The Greek word for "town" here is "πόλις" (polis), which refers to a city or town, often a center of culture and commerce. Historically, Paul's missionary journeys took him through many such cities, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities for spreading the Gospel. This phrase underscores the relentless and unwavering commitment Paul had to his calling, moving from one urban center to another, despite the hardships he faced.

the Holy Spirit warns me
The phrase "the Holy Spirit warns me" indicates the divine guidance and revelation that Paul received. The Greek word for "warns" is "διαμαρτύρομαι" (diamarturomai), which means to testify or solemnly affirm. This suggests a strong, clear communication from the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the seriousness of the message. In the context of Paul's life, this divine warning was crucial for preparing him for the trials ahead. It reflects the intimate relationship between Paul and the Holy Spirit, where he is not only guided but also forewarned of impending challenges.

that chains and afflictions
The mention of "chains and afflictions" foretells the physical and emotional hardships Paul would endure. The Greek word for "chains" is "δεσμός" (desmos), which literally means bonds or imprisonment. "Afflictions" is translated from "θλῖψις" (thlipsis), meaning pressure, distress, or tribulation. Historically, Paul faced numerous imprisonments and sufferings for the sake of the Gospel. This phrase serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution for those who boldly proclaim their faith.

await me
The phrase "await me" conveys a sense of inevitability and acceptance of what is to come. The Greek word "μένω" (meno) means to remain or stay, indicating that these trials are not just possibilities but certainties in Paul's future. This reflects Paul's steadfast faith and courage, as he willingly embraces the path laid out for him by God, fully aware of the suffering it entails. It is an inspirational testament to his unwavering dedication to his mission and trust in God's plan, regardless of the personal cost.

(23) The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city.--This can hardly refer to mere internal previsions of the future, but implies, like the analogous phraseology of 1Timothy 4:1, predictions uttered by the mouth of prophets, such as that which was afterwards spoken by Agabus (Acts 21:11). In every city, Corinth, Ber?a, Thessalonica, Philippi, Troas, there had been like utterances, of which, though they are here implied, we have no separate record. There was a general dread as to the results of his journey, which led the disciples who loved him to dissuade him from attempting it. We may trace the influence of such predictions in the anxiety which he himself expresses when he asks for the prayers of his friends at Rome (Romans 15:30-31) that he may be delivered from those that did not believe in Judaea. The words are not without their value as throwing light on the nature and limits of inspiration. The prophets of whom St. Paul speaks were truly inspired, as far as their prevision of the future was concerned, and yet that inspiration did not make them infallible advisers, and the Apostle felt that he was right in acting on those convictions of his own in which he, too, recognised the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Verse 23. - Testifieth unto me for witnesseth, A.V. and T.R. The Holy Ghost, speaking by the prophets in the different Church assemblies, as the apostle journeyed from city to city. We have one instance of such prophesying recorded in Acts 21:10, 11. The instances to which St. Paul here alluded were not mentioned in Luke's brief narrative.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[I] only [know]
πλὴν (plēn)
Conjunction
Strong's 4133: However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.

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

in town after town
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Holy
Ἅγιον (Hagion)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

Spirit
Πνεῦμα (Pneuma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

warns
διαμαρτύρεταί (diamartyretai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1263: To give solemn evidence, testify (declare) solemnly. From dia and martureo; to attest or protest earnestly, or hortatively.

me
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

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

chains
δεσμὰ (desma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1199: Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

afflictions
θλίψεις (thlipseis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.

await
μένουσιν (menousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.

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


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Acts 20:22
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