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Book of Acts - Chapter 20 - Verse 26

20:26
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Meaning

In this verse, the apostle Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, giving his farewell address to them. By saying, "I am pure from the blood of all men," Paul is emphasizing that he has faithfully fulfilled his duty of proclaiming the gospel and teaching the truth to the people. This statement reflects Paul's commitment to sharing the message of salvation and warning people of the consequences of rejecting it. In the Jewish tradition, being "pure from the blood of all men" means that the speaker has done everything possible to fulfill their responsibility of sharing God's word and warning people of the dangers of sin. Paul is essentially saying that he has done his part in fulfilling the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations, ensuring that he has not neglected his duty in any way. This verse serves as a reminder for all believers to faithfully proclaim the gospel and share God's message of salvation with others.

Theological Overview

In the verse, "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men," the Apostle Paul is making a statement to the elders of the church of Ephesus before leaving them. This phrase is a powerful declaration of Paul's innocence in regards to the spiritual well-being of those he had ministered to. The phrase "pure from the blood of all men" is a metaphorical reference to Ezekiel 33:6-9 where the prophet is commanded to warn the people of Israel of impending judgment. If he fails to do so, their blood will be on his hands. Paul uses a similar language to show that he has faithfully shared the gospel with the Ephesians, thus releasing him from any guilt for their spiritual state. This verse emphasizes the importance of faithfully proclaiming the message of salvation and serves as a reminder for all believers to take seriously their responsibility to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

American Standard Version

Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
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