Acts 20 19

Acts 20:19 kjv

Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Acts 20:19 nkjv

serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

Acts 20:19 niv

I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents.

Acts 20:19 esv

serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews;

Acts 20:19 nlt

I have done the Lord's work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 19 Meaning

Acts 20:19 describes the apostle Paul's manner of ministry during his time in Ephesus. He recounts serving the Lord Jesus Christ with profound humility, often accompanied by deep emotional sorrow (tears), and constantly enduring severe trials or persecutions (temptations) that arose from the deliberate and malicious plots orchestrated by those from the Jewish community who opposed him. This verse emphasizes Paul's Christ-centered devotion, inner character, and the external challenges he faced.

Acts 20 19 Context

Acts chapter 20 records Paul's journey back to Jerusalem from his third missionary journey. As he passes through Miletus, he sends for the elders of the church in Ephesus, which was a significant center of his ministry for over three years. This verse is part of his farewell address (Acts 20:18-35) to these leaders. In this highly personal and emotional speech, Paul reviews his past conduct and ministry among them, not boastfully, but as an example for their own future leadership. He reminds them of his unwavering commitment to the Lord, despite personal suffering, and foreshadows future difficulties both for himself and the church. Verse 19 specifically details how he carried out his ministry, laying a foundation for his subsequent exhortations regarding diligence and watchful shepherding. The broader historical context includes the fervent Jewish opposition that Paul frequently encountered throughout Asia Minor and beyond, making the "lying in wait of the Jews" a recurrent theme in his missionary endeavors.

Acts 20 19 Word analysis

• serving: From the Greek word douleuōn (δουλεύων), a present active participle of douleuō. This verb means "to serve as a slave," or "to be in subjection." It implies a complete and willing submission to a master, highlighting Paul's posture not merely as a hired hand, but as a bondservant to Christ. His entire life and ministry were characterized by this radical, total devotion.
• the Lord: Greek tō Kyriō (τῷ Κυρίῳ). Here, "the Lord" refers definitively to Jesus Christ, establishing the object and motivation of Paul's service. His focus was always Christ-centric, not on personal gain or human applause.
• with all humility of mind: Greek meta pasēs tapeinophrosynēs (μετὰ πάσης ταπεινοφροσύνης).
  • tapeinophrosynē (ταπεινοφροσύνη) signifies "lowliness of mind," "humbleness," or "modesty." In the Greco-Roman world, humility (tapeinophrosyne) was generally viewed as a weakness, associated with servility and abjectness, the opposite of the valued virtue of pride or greatness of soul (megalopsychia). The Christian understanding, however, transformed it into a virtue, reflecting the character of Christ Himself (Phil 2:5-8). For Paul, this meant prioritizing the welfare of others above his own and not claiming superiority despite his apostolic authority. It speaks of a lack of self-promotion and a reliance on divine strength.
  • "All humility of mind" indicates an all-encompassing, deeply ingrained attitude, not just an occasional act.
• and with many tears: Greek kai dakryōn pollōn (καὶ δακρύων πολλῶν). dakrya means "tears." Paul's ministry was not purely intellectual or stoic but deeply emotional, marked by genuine compassion, sorrow for sin, and distress over the spiritual welfare of those he served or those who opposed the Gospel. These tears often reflect fervent intercession (Rom 9:1-3), pain over false teachers, or weeping with those who weep (Rom 12:15). This portrays his authentic human experience and deep burden for the souls of men.
• and with temptations: Greek kai peirasmōn (καὶ πειρασμών). peirasmos has a broad range of meaning, including "test," "trial," or "temptation." In this context, given the following phrase, it clearly refers to external adversities, tribulations, and severe afflictions. These were trials to his faith and perseverance, aiming to deter him from his mission.
• which befell me: This phrase indicates that the trials were experiences Paul underwent, things that came upon him, not self-imposed.
• by the lying in wait: Greek ek tōn epiboulōn (ἐκ τῶν ἐπιβουλῶν). epiboulē refers to "plots," "ambushes," "schemes," or "conspiracies." It suggests premeditated and malicious planning. This isn't random hardship but intentional, targeted opposition.
• of the Jews: Greek tōn Ioudaiōn (τῶν Ἰουδαίων). This specifically identifies the primary source of these persistent plots and persecutions. While Paul himself was a Jew, many from the Jewish religious establishment vehemently opposed the Christian message, seeing it as heresy or a threat to their traditions and authority (Acts 13:45; 17:5; 18:12).

Acts 20 19 Bonus section

The concept of tapeinophrosynē (humility of mind) as practiced by Paul was counter-cultural, challenging the prevailing Greek emphasis on self-exaltation and humanistic pride. It signified a deliberate choice to adopt a low position, which became a cornerstone of Christian ethics and spiritual leadership. This humility was not self-deprecating but Christ-exalting. The consistent mention of "the Jews" as Paul's adversaries highlights a significant ongoing struggle for the early church in discerning its relationship with its Jewish roots and understanding God's continuing purposes for Israel. Paul’s tears, rather than being seen as effeminate, symbolized intense spiritual travail and love for the souls he ministered to, contrasting with pagan philosophical ideals of stoicism. This holistic portrait of Paul's ministry — serving with a humble spirit, deep empathy, and enduring targeted attacks — provides an enduring model for Christian leadership in every age, demonstrating that true spiritual authority is intertwined with profound personal sacrifice and reliance on God through trial.

Acts 20 19 Commentary

Acts 20:19 offers a powerful and concise summary of Paul's ministerial ethos, embodying radical Christ-like humility and unwavering perseverance in the face of intense opposition. His service was characterized by douleia, complete servitude to the Lord Jesus, demonstrating a profound personal dedication that was the engine of his missionary endeavors. This servitude was rooted in tapeinophrosynē, a revolutionary concept of humility for his era, showing a complete disregard for self-promotion and worldly status, mirroring Christ's own example of emptying Himself. Paul’s leadership was therefore servant leadership, devoid of pride or ambition.

The "many tears" reveal the authentic human and spiritual burden Paul carried, reflecting not weakness but profound empathy, intercession, and distress over sin and unbelief, even among his opponents. This emotional honesty adds depth to his often-arduous ministry. Finally, the phrase "temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews" underscores the constant, active, and malicious opposition he encountered. These were not mere inconveniences but deliberate plots aimed at his life and the Gospel's advancement. Paul did not shy away from detailing the high cost of his calling. His recounting these struggles to the Ephesian elders was not a complaint, but a transparent demonstration of his steadfastness and an implied challenge for them to also face hardship with courage, serving the Lord in similar spirit and truth. This verse is a testament to the fact that profound impact for the Kingdom often flows from humble servanthood and resilient perseverance amidst great adversity.