Acts 20 20

Acts 20:20 kjv

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Acts 20:20 nkjv

how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,

Acts 20:20 niv

You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

Acts 20:20 esv

how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,

Acts 20:20 nlt

I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 20 Meaning

This verse captures the essence of Apostle Paul's ministry to the Ephesian believers, affirming his transparent, courageous, and diligent approach. He states that he held nothing back which was beneficial for their spiritual growth and salvation, but openly declared the full message of God. This comprehensive teaching occurred both in public forums and through intimate, personal instruction within homes, demonstrating a holistic and dedicated pastoral engagement.

Acts 20 20 Context

Acts 20:20 is part of Paul's emotionally charged farewell speech to the Ephesian elders at Miletus (Acts 20:17-38). Paul had sent for these leaders while en route to Jerusalem, knowing that trials and potential persecution awaited him. This discourse serves as both a powerful vindication of his past ministry among them and an urgent exhortation for their future pastoral responsibilities. In the verses leading up to this, Paul recounts his humble service, his tears, his trials, and his unwavering proclamation of "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 18-21). Verse 20 specifically highlights the thoroughness, openness, and methods of his teaching, demonstrating his faithfulness as a shepherd who truly cared for their spiritual well-being. This self-assessment is foundational for his subsequent warnings against false teachers and his instructions for their watchfulness over the flock. Historically, Ephesus was a thriving Roman provincial capital and a center of diverse pagan worship, philosophical schools, and magical practices. Paul's comprehensive ministry methods were particularly crucial in such an environment to firmly establish a deep-rooted Christian community amidst strong cultural and spiritual opposition.

Acts 20 20 Word analysis

• how I kept back nothing (οὐδὲν ὑπεστειλάμην - ouden hypesteilamēn)

  • οὐδὲν (ouden): "nothing, no part." Emphasizes absolute completeness.
  • ὑπεστειλάμην (hypesteilamēn): Aorist middle indicative of ὑποστέλλω (hypostellō), meaning "to draw back, to withdraw, to shrink from, to withhold." In the middle voice, it signifies acting upon oneself, thus "I held nothing back for myself" or "I shrank from nothing on my own part." It implies a courageous, unreserved presentation, without fear of personal consequence, rejection, or opposition. It speaks to Paul's integrity, contrasting with those who might compromise truth for popularity or safety.

• that was helpful (τῶν συμφερόντων - tōn sympherontōn)

  • τῶν συμφερόντων (tōn sympherontōn): Genitive plural of the present participle of συμφέρω (sympherō), meaning "to bring together, to be profitable, advantageous, expedient, beneficial." It signifies that the content of his teaching was always directed toward what genuinely profited, promoted, and conduced to the spiritual welfare and growth of his hearers. It wasn't about pleasing ears but transforming lives through essential truth, which includes repentance, salvation, and sanctification—truths that might sometimes be difficult but are ultimately vital.

• but proclaimed it to you (ἀναγγέλλειν ὑμῖν - anangellein hymin)

  • ἀναγγέλλειν (anangellein): Present active infinitive of ἀναγγέλλω (anangellō), "to announce, report, declare, make known." It suggests the formal and authoritative proclamation of a message. This goes beyond simple sharing; it's a herald's declaration of divine truth, indicative of Paul's role as an apostle delivering God's message.
  • ὑμῖν (hymin): "to you." Directs the action specifically to the Ephesian elders and by extension, the congregation.

• and taught you (καὶ διδάσκειν ὑμᾶς - kai didaskein hymas)

  • καὶ (kai): "and." Connects proclamation with systematic instruction.
  • διδάσκειν (didaskein): Present active infinitive of διδάσκω (didaskō), "to teach, instruct, educate." This word emphasizes the ongoing, pedagogical aspect of his ministry, suggesting deeper, systematic training and discipleship beyond the initial proclamation. It indicates nurturing and grounding believers in Christian doctrine.

• publicly (δημοσίᾳ - dēmosia)

  • δημοσίᾳ (dēmosia): Adverb meaning "publicly, in public, in common." This refers to his ministry in synagogues, public forums like the hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9-10), and any open assembly where many could hear the gospel proclaimed. It demonstrates a commitment to open and accessible evangelism.

• and from house to house (κατ' οἴκους - kat' oikous)

  • κατ' οἴκους (kat' oikous): A common idiom in Acts for "from house to house" or "at home." κατ' (kat') is a preposition "according to," and οἴκους (oikous) is the accusative plural of οἶκος (oikos), "house, household." This describes personal, intimate, and often more extensive teaching, discipleship, and pastoral care given in private settings. It reveals a ministry that extended beyond mass evangelism to individualized attention, fostering community, addressing personal needs, and resolving household issues within the budding church.

• "kept back nothing that was helpful": This phrase speaks to the profound ethical dimension of Paul's ministry. He was completely unselfish and courageous in his stewardship of the gospel, never diluting or withholding truth for convenience or popularity. The helpful nature implies spiritual nourishment, even if challenging (e.g., exposing sin, urging repentance), rather than merely agreeable discourse. This forms a clear counter-point to teachers who preach only what is pleasant or expedient (2 Tim 4:3-4).

• "proclaimed it to you, and taught you": This shows a two-fold aspect of ministry. "Proclaiming" (ἀναγγέλλειν) signifies the initial declaration of the good news, akin to a public evangelistic message, while "teaching" (διδάσκειν) implies a more systematic and in-depth instruction crucial for spiritual maturity and discipleship. The combination illustrates a full-spectrum approach to evangelism and discipleship.

• "publicly and from house to house": This phrase delineates the broad scope of Paul's pastoral and evangelistic methods. "Publicly" covers corporate gatherings and widespread announcements, accessible to all, including non-believers. "From house to house" highlights the essential, often more difficult and time-consuming, work of personal discipling, pastoral care, and community building that takes place in intimate settings. It portrays a robust ministry model that reaches both the masses and the individual deeply, fostering both numerical growth and spiritual depth. This balanced approach was critical in a city like Ephesus, characterized by both large public intellectual discourse and tightly-knit family/cultic practices.

Acts 20 20 Bonus section

The comprehensive nature of Paul's teaching ("nothing that was helpful") directly anticipates his later assertion in the same discourse in Acts 20:27, where he states, "For I have not shunned to declare to you all the counsel of God." These two phrases illuminate the scope and sincerity of his stewardship; the "helpful" things are precisely "the whole counsel of God"—God's full plan for humanity through Christ, including both saving grace and ethical demands. This holistic approach ensures that the flock is fully equipped for every good work, not just superficially catechized.

Furthermore, Paul's commitment to teaching "from house to house" highlights a crucial aspect of early Christian community life and pastoral care often overlooked in favor of large gatherings. This intimate setting allowed for personal challenges to be addressed, practical applications of truth to be explored, and strong, familial bonds to be forged within the burgeoning Body of Christ. It reflects a discipleship model where spiritual formation occurs not just from a pulpit but through genuine relationships and shared lives, an essential component for sustaining faith amidst persecution and societal pressure. The danger Paul anticipates regarding "savage wolves" (Acts 20:29) emphasizes the wisdom of his thorough, personal teaching, as well-taught believers are better equipped to discern false teaching and stand firm in the truth.

Acts 20 20 Commentary

Acts 20:20 provides a foundational statement of faithful apostolic and pastoral ministry, epitomizing Paul's commitment to the Ephesian church. His declaration, "I kept back nothing that was helpful," underscores a ministry characterized by uncompromising truthfulness and spiritual courage. He never prioritized personal comfort, popularity, or safety over the spiritual benefit of his hearers. Every truth essential for their salvation, growth, and sanctification was delivered, regardless of how challenging it might have been for the hearers or for himself.

The verse also unveils Paul's comprehensive approach to communication: "proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house." "Proclaiming" signifies the heraldic announcement of the gospel message, designed to introduce the foundational truths of repentance and faith in Christ. "Teaching," conversely, implies systematic instruction and discipleship, necessary for believers to grasp and live out Christian doctrine in their daily lives. The dual methodology of "publicly" (mass evangelism, synagogue, lecture halls) and "from house to house" (personal, in-depth discipleship, pastoral care, and community building within private residences) reveals a ministry strategy that was both extensive in its reach and intensive in its depth. Paul left no stone unturned, addressing both the crowds and individuals within their most intimate settings. This integrated approach served to ground new believers, fortify the community, and confront the prevalent pagan and Jewish beliefs of Ephesus, establishing a robust church firmly rooted in God's entire counsel. His actions serve as a profound model for all who are called to preach and teach the Word of God, emphasizing transparency, courage, comprehensive instruction, and diligent care for every soul.