Acts 20:18 kjv
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
Acts 20:18 nkjv
And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,
Acts 20:18 niv
When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia.
Acts 20:18 esv
And when they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,
Acts 20:18 nlt
When they arrived he declared, "You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now
Acts 20 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 4:16 | "I urge you, then, be imitators of me." | Paul setting an example for emulation. |
| Phil 3:17 | "Join with others in following my example..." | Paul's life as a model for believers. |
| 1 Thes 1:5 | "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power..." | Paul's life embodied the message he preached. |
| 2 Tim 3:10 | "But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose..." | Timothy's intimate knowledge of Paul's conduct. |
| Acts 20:19 | "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears..." | Directly describes the manner of Paul's service. |
| Acts 20:20 | "And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you..." | Paul's comprehensive and open teaching. |
| Acts 20:31 | "Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not..." | Recalling the duration and diligence of teaching. |
| Acts 20:35 | "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support..." | Paul's practical example of self-sufficiency. |
| 1 Pet 5:2-3 | "Feed the flock of God... not for dishonest gain... being examples to the flock." | Elders' responsibility to lead by example. |
| Titus 2:7 | "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works..." | Leader's requirement to be a model. |
| 1 Tim 4:12 | "Be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love..." | Young leader's conduct as an example. |
| Heb 13:7 | "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome..." | Valuing and imitating leaders' faith. |
| John 13:15 | "For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." | Jesus setting the ultimate example. |
| 1 Thes 2:9-10 | "For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil... how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers." | Reminding of their experiential knowledge. |
| Phil 4:9 | "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things..." | Practicing what was witnessed in Paul. |
| Gal 4:13 | "You know that because of a bodily ailment I preached the gospel to you at the first." | Early circumstances of ministry introduction known. |
| Matt 7:16 | "You will recognize them by their fruits." | Discerning teachers by their conduct and results. |
| 2 Thes 3:7 | "For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us..." | Paul appealing to their direct observation. |
| 1 Tim 3:2 | "Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife..." | Character requirement for church leaders. |
| Ezra 7:10 | "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it..." | An example of consistent dedication. |
| Matt 5:16 | "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works..." | Living a life that testifies publicly. |
| John 10:4 | "When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him..." | Leaders setting the way and leading. |
| 1 Tim 1:16 | "But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example..." | Paul's life as a display for future believers. |
Acts 20 verses
Acts 20 18 Meaning
Acts 20:18 is the opening statement of Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders. He begins by appealing to their firsthand knowledge and direct experience of his consistent conduct and dedicated ministry from the moment he arrived in the Roman province of Asia. His intent is to lay a firm foundation of credibility and shared history before delivering his final charge, emphasizing the transparent and unwavering nature of his service among them throughout his entire stay.
Acts 20 18 Context
Acts chapter 20 depicts Paul on his third missionary journey, on his way back to Jerusalem. Having traveled through Macedonia and Greece, he now pauses at Miletus and sends for the elders of the church in Ephesus, a significant city where he had ministered for an unprecedented three years (Acts 19:10, 20:31). This assembly marks his last known encounter with them. Paul's address, often called his "Pastoral Epiphany," is a heartfelt charge and solemn farewell, acknowledging his probable impending sufferings in Jerusalem and that they would see his face no more (Acts 20:25). The historical and cultural context for the Ephesian church was a bustling, diverse Roman provincial capital heavily influenced by paganism, particularly the worship of Artemis. Paul’s lengthy and transparent ministry there contrasted sharply with the surrounding immorality and served as a powerful witness, equipping these elders to lead and guard the flock in such a challenging environment. This verse serves to remind the elders of his proven integrity before giving them crucial instructions.
Acts 20 18 Word analysis
- And when they were come to him: This highlights the intentional gathering. Paul specifically called for the Ephesian elders, emphasizing the importance of this meeting. Their journey underscores their respect and the significance of his words.
- he said unto them: Simple, direct address, indicating a deliberate, weighty message to follow.
- Ye know: Greek: οἴδατε (oidate). This is a strong appeal to their personal, experiential knowledge, not just intellectual understanding. Paul invokes them as direct witnesses to his conduct. It serves as an undeniable premise for his subsequent exhortations, as their own observations confirm his integrity. This implies his life was transparent and consistent.
- from the first day: Greek: ἀπὸ τῆς πρώτης ἡμέρας (apo tēs prōtēs hēmeras). Signifies the beginning of his ministry among them. This stresses the enduring and unbroken consistency of his behavior and message. His example wasn't a facade but constant from the outset.
- that I came into Asia: Refers to the Roman province of Asia, of which Ephesus was the capital. It contextualizes his ministry geographically and underscores his public arrival and continuous presence in their specific region.
- after what manner: Greek: ὡς (hōs), meaning "how," "in what way," or "of what sort." This refers to the character and quality of his conduct and ministry, not just its duration. It prompts them to reflect on the specific attributes of his service, such as humility, diligence, and fearlessness.
- I have been with you: Greek: ἐγενόμην μεθ᾽ ὑμῶν (egenomēn meth' hymōn). This conveys more than mere presence; it suggests identification and deep involvement. Paul was not just an occasional visitor but lived and ministered extensively among them, sharing their lives and challenges.
- at all seasons: Greek: πάντα χρόνον (panta chronon). Means "all the time," "continually," or "always." Reinforces the absolute consistency of his conduct, regardless of circumstances or challenges. There were no fluctuations or hidden aspects to his life; his integrity was constant and observable at every moment.
- Ye know... after what manner I have been with you at all seasons: This combined phrase serves as Paul's rhetorical bedrock for the entire address. He is not merely reminiscing, but establishing an unimpeachable moral and ethical foundation for the serious warnings and charges he is about to impart. Their shared experience of his faithful, transparent, and unwavering service lends undeniable authority and weight to his words concerning their future responsibilities and the threats to the church.
Acts 20 18 Bonus section
- Paul's extended tenure in Ephesus, unlike his typical itinerant ministry, allowed for the depth of relationship and observational knowledge he refers to, making the phrase "Ye know" particularly powerful. It allowed the Ephesian leaders to witness Paul not just as a preacher, but as a person, consistently living out his faith day-to-day amidst the complexities of a major metropolitan area.
- This verse implicitly sets a standard for Christian leadership, emphasizing the necessity of transparency and integrity. A leader's life must align with their teachings, providing a living example for those they shepherd.
- The call to remember (which is a core theme in Paul's later ministry letters to churches and leaders) connects directly to their initial personal observation, highlighting that enduring lessons are often forged through direct experience rather than solely abstract teaching.
Acts 20 18 Commentary
Acts 20:18 is the cornerstone of Paul's impassioned farewell to the Ephesian elders, marking a moment of profound significance. Paul opens his address by compelling the elders to recall their own observations of his public, consistent, and exemplary conduct. His choice to use "Ye know" grounds his exhortation not in abstract doctrine but in a shared history of lived experience and transparent ministry. For three intensive years, Paul had walked among them, his life an open book from "the first day" of his arrival. This unwavering "manner" – which he would elaborate on as characterized by humility, tears, and faithfulness despite trials (Acts 20:19) – stands as his foundational testimony. He implicitly urges them to remember and emulate this quality of ministry as they themselves lead the flock, demonstrating that effective leadership springs from consistent character, openly displayed and undeniably known. His personal integrity provides the moral leverage for his urgent warnings and commands about guarding the church.