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Acts 20

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

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,

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:

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,

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

What does Acts 20:19 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:19 speaks about the apostle Paul describing his ministry, highlighting his humility, emotions, and the challenges he faced.

"Serving the Lord with all humility of mind" indicates that Paul's service was characterized by a lack of arrogance or self-pride. He attributes his service to a purpose higher than himself, emphasizing the importance of humility in Christian ministry.

The phrase "with many tears" suggests that Paul's ministry was not devoid of emotional toil; he experienced deep feelings, perhaps related to the struggles and suffering of both himself and those he ministered to.

"And temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews" refers to the adversities and threats he faced from some members of the Jewish community who opposed his teaching about Jesus Christ.

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Historical Context

This verse is a part of Paul's farewell address to the church elders from Ephesus, recorded in Acts 20.

It was probably around 57-58 AD.

During this time, Paul was on his third missionary journey and was preparing to go to Jerusalem, knowing that he would face persecution.

The "Jews" mentioned would have been staunch opponents of Paul's message that Jesus was the Messiah, and they would often actively seek to thwart his mission, sometimes through violent means.

The Jewish opposition was rooted in the belief that Paul's teachings contradicted the Mosaic Law and encouraged lawlessness among Jews.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Acts 20:19 can be viewed from several angles:

Humility: Emphasizes the Christian virtue of humility in service.

Humility is seen not as weakness but as strength under the control of a commitment to God. 2.

Suffering for Faith: Reflects the theme that following Christ may lead to suffering and trials, which has been echoed throughout the New Testament. 3.

Perseverance: Highlights the perseverance that believers need to have when faced with opposition to their faith.

From a theological standpoint, suffering and facing opposition are not signs of God’s displeasure but rather often accompany a faithful walk with God.

Practical Applications

Today, this verse can inspire believers to:

Serve with humility, setting aside personal pride and acknowledging God’s authority over their lives. 2.

Expect emotional challenges as part of the Christian journey. 3.

Be prepared for external challenges and opposition, relying on faith to persist through trials. 4.

React to persecution or opposition with the same faith and determination as Paul did.

Cross-References

James 4:6: "But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

2 Timothy 3:12: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
Acts 14:22: "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

Language Study

"Humility" (Greek: ταπεινοφροσύνη - tapeinophrosyne): This word represents a state of lowliness or abasement of mind.

It suggests a modest opinion of one's self. 2.

"Tears" (Greek: δάκρυον - dakryon): Literally means "tear droplet," used metaphorically to express genuine sorrow and heartfelt concern. 3.

"Temptations" (Greek: πειρασμός - peirasmós): Can be translated as trials, tests, or ordeals. It doesn't necessarily indicate temptation to sin but involves testing one's integrity or faith. 4.

"Lying in wait" (Greek: ἐνέδρα - enedra): This term implies ambush or setting a trap, connoting deliberate planning and scheming by an adversary.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the context of other religious traditions, the self-abasement or humility mentioned by Paul is reminiscent of Buddhist teachings on egolessness.

The notion of facing adversities for one's beliefs is also present in many religious traditions, including the stories of prophets in Islam facing opposition, or the trials of Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita.

Scientific Perspectives

Current psychological studies support the virtues that Acts 20:19 espouses, such as the benefits of humility for personal well-being and social relationships.

Moreover, the stress and emotional impact Paul refers to by mentioning "many tears" would be recognized as a natural response to intense pressures, which can lead to both positive personal growth and potential for psychological trauma.

Commentaries

Commentators offer diverse insights on this verse:

John Calvin emphasizes the purity of Paul's ministry, highlighting his sincerity and the absence of any deceitful intention despite the trials he faced. 2.

Matthew Henry comments on the compassion Paul felt for those to whom he ministered, illustrated by his tears, and remarks on the bravery Paul displayed in the face of trials. 3.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses the spiritual warfare aspect of the phrase "lying in wait of the Jews," considering it as an example of Paul enduring hardship as a good soldier of Christ.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 20:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?