Men speaking twisted things in BPC

 

Exegesis of Acts 20:29–32

Text (ESV):

“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

1. Context and Meaning

In this farewell address to the Ephesian elders, Paul speaks with deep pastoral concern. Knowing that his departure will leave the church vulnerable, he warns them of two kinds of dangers:

1. External threats — “fierce wolves” (v.29): false teachers or destructive influences entering the church from outside, preying upon the flock for selfish gain.

2. Internal threats — “from among your own selves” (v.30): members or leaders within the church who distort truth and sow division to attract followers after themselves.

Paul emphasizes vigilance (“be alert”) and a reliance not on human authority, but on God and the word of His grace (v.32). This “word of grace” — the gospel of Jesus Christ — is the true source of growth, unity, and sanctification.

Paul’s tears (v.31) reveal that pastoral correction is not harsh judgment but heartfelt love, grounded in the desire to protect the church and preserve its unity in truth.

Application to the Bible-Presbyterian Church

The Bible-Presbyterian (BP) Church has a rich heritage of faithfulness to Scripture, evangelism, and theological integrity. Yet, as in Ephesus, divisions can arise “from among your own selves.”

In recent years, debates within the BP circles concerning KJV-Onlyism, Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP), and the notion of a Perfect Textus Receptus (TR) have caused tension and separation. While these issues may stem from a sincere desire to uphold the authority of God’s Word, they risk turning into the very “twisted things” Paul warned about — when secondary matters eclipse the centrality of the gospel and the unity of the body.

1. Guard Against Pride and Partisan Spirit

Paul warned that false teachers seek to “draw away disciples after them.” The danger is not merely doctrinal error, but spiritual pride — using one’s convictions to gather a faction rather than to glorify Christ.
When allegiance to a translation or a textual theory becomes a test of fellowship, the church has subtly replaced Christ as the center with a human standard of orthodoxy.

2. Remember the Word of His Grace

Paul’s remedy for division was not more controversy, but deeper trust in “the word of His grace” (v.32) — the gospel that unites all believers in the saving work of Jesus Christ.
The Bible in its preserved and faithful translations — whether KJV, ESV, NKJV, or others — points to the same Savior and the same truth. Unity does not mean uniformity, but shared submission to Christ as Lord and to the Scriptures as our supreme rule of faith and life.

3. Be Alert in Love and Humility

The elders in Ephesus were to “be alert” — not merely to defend their position, but to shepherd God’s people with discernment and tenderness.
So too, leaders in the BP Church must guard both doctrine and hearts. The goal of watchfulness is not to win arguments but to preserve love, peace, and faithfulness among the flock.

4. Seek Unity in Christ

The Church’s unity is not built on textual theories, but on the person of Jesus Christ.

“In Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17).
When the focus shifts from Christ to controversies, division is inevitable. When the focus remains on Christ, differences can be discussed with grace, humility, and mutual respect.

Pastoral Exhortation

Dear brothers and sisters of the Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore,
Paul’s warning still speaks to us today:

• Beware of fierce wolves — ideologies or personalities that devour unity.

• Beware of men speaking twisted things — teachings that elevate human reasoning above the gospel of grace.

• Be alert, but not fearful. Be discerning, but not divisive.

• Be united in the one foundation: Christ Jesus our Lord, crucified and risen.

Return to the simplicity of the gospel. Love one another deeply. Let our zeal for the Word be matched by our gentleness toward one another.
And may the grace of God and the Word of His grace build us up, that we might shine together as a faithful, united witness in Singapore and beyond.