Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 20:32

"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 them that are sanctified." — Acts 20:32 (ASV)

And now, brethren. About to leave them, probably to see them no more, he committed them to the faithful care and keeping of God. Amid all the dangers of the church, when human strength fails or is withdrawn, we may commit that church to the safe keeping and tender care of God.

I commend you. I commit you; I place you (paratiyemai) in his hands and under his protection. (See notes on Acts 14:23).

And to the word of his grace. That is, to his gracious word; to his merciful promise. To his doctrine of salvation by Jesus Christ, which has been conferred on us by grace. Paul refers, doubtless, to the gospel—including its promises of support, its consoling truths, and its directions to seek all necessary help and comfort in God.

Which is able. Which has power (tō dynamenō). This word, or gospel, has power to build you up. Hebrews 4:12 states: For the word of God is quick [living, life-giving, zōn], and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, etc. (Jeremiah 23:29: Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?)

It is implied here that the gospel is not a dead letter; that it has power to accomplish a great work; and that it is adapted to the end in view, the conversion and sanctification of the soul. There is no danger in representing the gospel as mighty, and as fitted by infinite wisdom to secure the renovation and salvation of humanity. (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 10:4).

To build you up. The word used here is properly applied to a house, which is built and completed gradually and with effort. It here means to establish, make firm, or permanent; and therefore to instruct, to establish in doctrine, and in hope. It means here that the word of God was able to confirm and establish them in the hopes of the gospel, amid the dangers to which they would be exposed.

And to give you an inheritance. To make you heirs, or to make you joint partakers with the saints of the blessings in reserve for the children of God. These blessings are often represented as an inheritance, or heirship, which God will confer on his adopted children (Matthew 19:29; Matthew 25:34; Mark 10:17; Hebrews 6:12; Revelation 21:7; Ephesians 1:11, 5:5; Colossians 1:12, 3:24; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29).

Among all them which are sanctified. With all who are holy; with all the saints. (See notes on John 10:36).

Those who shall be saved are made holy. Those who receive a part in the inheritance beyond the grave will have it only among the sanctified and the pure. They must, therefore, be pure themselves, or they can have no part in the kingdom of Christ and of God.