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 |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 20:18 | "And when they came to him, he said to them, 'You yourselves know...'" | Direct Statement by Paul |
| Acts 20:19 | "...how I served the Lord with all humility, with tears and with trials..." | Paul's Ministry Example |
| Acts 20:20 | "...that I did not shrink from declaring to you any of the un...'" | Teaching about Full Counsel |
| Acts 20:21 | "...testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and..." | Scope of Ministry |
| Acts 20:31 | "'Therefore, keep watch, remembering that for three years I did not c...'" | Length of Ministry |
| 1 Cor 15:10 | "But by the grace of God I am what I am..." | Divine Grace in Ministry |
| 1 Thess 2:3 | "For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or deceit..." | Integrity of Ministry |
| 1 Thess 2:11 | "as you know that like a father with his own children we exhorted each...'" | Pastoral Care |
| 2 Tim 2:2 | "and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses..." | Entrusting the Gospel |
| Heb 13:17 | "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over..." | Responsibilities of Leaders |
| 1 Pet 5:2 | "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight..." | Shepherding Analogy |
| John 10:11 | "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." | Sacrifice of the Shepherd |
| Luke 24:47 | "...and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed..." | Gospel Message |
| Mark 1:15 | "‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent..." | Call to Repentance |
| Acts 2:38 | "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in..." | Early Gospel Proclamation |
| Acts 3:19 | "'Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out..." | Jewish Context of Repentance |
| Rom 2:4 | "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and..." | God's Patience Leads to Repentance |
| Gal 1:10 | "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying..." | Motivation for Ministry |
| Phil 3:7 | "But whatever were gains to me I count loss for the sake of Christ." | Renouncing Self for Christ |
| 1 Tim 1:3 | "As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus..." | Apostolic Instructions |
| Acts 20:2 | "He travelled through that region, encouraging them and giving them..." | Paul's General Practice |
| Acts 20:31 | "...be watchful, and remember that for three years I did not cease..." | Continuous Teaching |
Acts 20 verses
Acts 20 18 Meaning
This verse highlights the Apostle Paul's consistent practice of public and private ministry to the Ephesian elders, emphasizing his diligence and his reliance on God's help. It underscores his willingness to serve all people, regardless of their background, and his teaching on repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 20 18 Context
The verse is situated within Paul's farewell address to the elders of Ephesus. Having traveled extensively through Macedonia and Greece, Paul felt compelled to return to Ephesus. He called the elders to Miletus, understanding this was his last opportunity to meet with them. He reflects on his ministry among them, emphasizing his dedication, teaching, and care. This particular verse marks the beginning of his detailed recounting of his ministry, setting the stage for the subsequent exhortations he gives to them. The broader context involves the continuation of the early church's mission and the pastoral responsibilities of its leaders, all under the authority and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 20 18 Word Analysis
- "And": (Greek: kai) - A common conjunction connecting phrases or clauses, indicating continuation and addition.
- "when": (Greek: hos ) - When, as, that. Refers to the circumstances under which Paul addressed the elders.
- "they": Refers to the elders from Ephesus whom Paul summoned to Miletus.
- "came": (Greek: elthon ) - Perfect tense, indicating their arrival and the state of being present.
- "to": (Greek: pros ) - Toward, with, to. Indicates direction and proximity.
- "him": Refers to Paul.
- "he": Refers to Paul.
- "said": (Greek: eipein ) - To speak, say. A past tense form, indicating Paul's speaking.
- "to": (Greek: autois ) - To them, indicating the direct recipients of his words.
- "them": Refers to the elders.
- "You": (Greek: Hymeis ) - Emphatic plural pronoun, drawing direct attention to the elders present.
- "yourselves": (Greek: autoi ) - Emphatic pronoun, highlighting their personal knowledge and experience.
- "know": (Greek: eidenai ) - To see, perceive, know. Implies their direct observation and awareness of his actions.
Words-group analysis
- "when they came to him": This phrase emphasizes the elders’ responsiveness to Paul’s summons. It demonstrates their respect for Paul and their desire to hear his final words.
- "he said to them": This establishes direct, personal communication. Paul wasn't sending a general message but addressing them face-to-face, fostering intimacy.
- "You yourselves know": This opening strongly engages the elders by appealing to their shared history and personal experience with Paul. It validates his recounting by invoking their eyewitness testimony.
Acts 20 18 Bonus Section
The act of Paul summoning the elders to Miletus, a coastal city rather than Ephesus itself, was likely a strategic decision to avoid causing public distress among the broader Ephesian church. This allowed for a more private and focused final meeting with their spiritual leaders. The use of "you yourselves know" underscores a shared past that is about to be reflected upon. This shared experience is crucial for the elders to grasp the weight of Paul's parting words and to internalize the principles of his ministry. It serves as a testament to the authenticity of his apostleship and the effectiveness of his gospel proclamation in their midst.
Acts 20 18 Commentary
Paul begins his address by appealing to the elders’ firsthand knowledge of his conduct in Ephesus. This sets a tone of transparency and mutual understanding. He is not making pronouncements from afar but reminding them of what they lived through with him. This approach lends credibility to his subsequent exhortations. The core message implied is Paul’s dedication and integrity throughout his ministry, a foundation upon which he builds further admonitions for leadership and faithfulness. His assurance is rooted not just in his own efforts, but in the Lord's enablement.