Lexical Summary aphixis: Arrival Original Word: ἀφίξις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance departing. From aphikneomai; properly, arrival, i.e. (by implication) departure -- departing. see GREEK aphikneomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aphikneomai Definition arrival, i.e. by impl. departure NASB Translation departure (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 867: ἄφιξιςἄφιξις, ἀφιξεως, ἡ (ἀφικνέομαι), in Greek writings generally arrival; more rarely departure, as Herodotus 9, 17; Demosthenes 1463, 7; (1484, 8); Josephus, Antiquities 4, 8, 47; 3Macc. 7:18; and so in Acts 20:29. Topical Lexicon Concept Overview The noun appearing in Acts 20:29 paints the picture of a physical change of location—the moment a traveler reaches or leaves a destination. In Scripture such moments often serve as turning points that test the spiritual health of God’s people. Paul’s use of the term in his farewell address to the Ephesian elders becomes a vivid theological signpost: when a faithful shepherd’s journey reaches its next stage, the flock must stay alert lest destructive influences exploit the transition. New Testament Setting (Acts 20:29) Paul stands on the shore at Miletus, conscious that the Ephesian church is about to experience the first season without his in-person oversight. He warns, “I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock” (Acts 20:29). The noun translated “departure” (literally an “arrival” or “coming”) underscores the hinge between Paul’s outgoing path and the incoming threat. What seems an ending for Paul is the beginning of intensified spiritual warfare for the church. Key observations: Historical Background The address occurs near the close of Paul’s third missionary journey, about A.D. 57. Paul is hurrying toward Jerusalem for Pentecost (Acts 20:16) and therefore summons the elders to him rather than visiting Ephesus. The church at Ephesus had already faced intense spiritual opposition (Acts 19:23-41), and Paul foresees an internal danger replacing the earlier external riots: doctrinal distortion spread by individuals who profess to be part of the flock (Acts 20:30). Old Testament and Jewish Parallels Moments when a leader’s journey changes course often mark crises for God’s people: Paul’s warning aligns with this pattern: transitions necessitate Spirit-empowered leadership and congregational vigilance. Doctrinal Significance 1. The indispensability of plural elder leadership (Acts 20:17, 28) to guard the gospel across generations. Pastoral and Contemporary Application • Healthy churches anticipate transitions. Intentional training of future shepherds and a congregational culture rooted in the written word prepare believers for any change in human leadership. Summary The single New Testament use of Strong’s Greek 867 marks a threshold moment that summons the church to alertness, fidelity, and dependence on Scripture. Though leaders arrive and depart, the Chief Shepherd remains, and His word equips every generation to face the wolves that inevitably follow times of transition. Forms and Transliterations αφιξιν άφιξίν ἄφιξίν aphixin áphixínLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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