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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Serving {G1398} the Lord {G2962} with {G3326} all {G3956} humility of mind {G5012}, and {G2532} with many {G4183} tears {G1144}, and {G2532} temptations {G3986}, which {G3588} befell {G4819} me {G3427} by {G1722} the lying in wait {G1917} of the Jews {G2453}:

Complete Jewish Bible

serving the Lord with much humility and with tears, in spite of the tests I had to undergo because of the plots of the unbelieving Jews.

Berean Standard Bible

I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.

American Standard Version

serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:19 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's profound summary of his three-year ministry in Ephesus, delivered to the Ephesian elders in Miletus. It reveals the core characteristics of his service: unwavering dedication to the Lord marked by deep humility, emotional vulnerability expressed through tears, and the relentless endurance of severe trials and opposition, particularly from hostile Jewish factions. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the costly and self-sacrificial nature of authentic Christian leadership and discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders, delivered in Miletus as he makes his final journey to Jerusalem (Acts 20:17-38). Having called the elders to meet him, Paul begins a deeply personal and reflective account of his ministry among them (Acts 20:18-21). He emphasizes not only the content of his preaching – "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21) – but also the character and method of his service. Acts 20:19 specifically details the internal disposition and external hardships that defined his apostolic labor, setting the stage for his subsequent warnings against false teachers (Acts 20:29-30) and his final exhortations to shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28). It underscores the integrity and perseverance required for true spiritual leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19) was significant, lasting over two years and impacting the entire province of Asia (Acts 19:10). Ephesus was a major port city, a center of Roman administration, and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making it a hub of pagan worship and commerce. Paul's successful evangelism directly challenged the established religious and economic order, leading to significant opposition, as evidenced by the riot instigated by Demetrius the silversmith (Acts 19:23-41). The "lying in wait of the Jews" refers to the persistent and often violent opposition Paul encountered from Jewish communities who rejected his message of Jesus as the Messiah. This was a recurring theme throughout his missionary journeys, as seen in cities like Iconium, Lystra, and Thessalonica, where Jewish leaders often stirred up crowds against him. This verse highlights the hostile environment in which the early church often operated, requiring immense courage and resilience from its leaders.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 20:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's broader theology. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Suffering for the Gospel**, portraying Paul's ministry as one marked by constant adversity and personal cost. This aligns with Paul's consistent teaching that suffering is an expected part of the Christian life and ministry, as he later tells Timothy that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness"). Another crucial theme is **Humility in Leadership**. Paul's emphasis on "all humility of mind" directly counters the common ancient world's pursuit of honor and status, presenting a counter-cultural model of service rooted in self-abasement before God and others. This humility is a hallmark of true Christian leadership, echoing the example of Christ himself, who "made himself of no reputation" [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Perseverance in Ministry**, demonstrating Paul's unwavering commitment despite intense opposition and emotional distress. His steadfastness serves as a model for all believers called to serve the Lord, particularly those in leadership roles, to remain faithful even when facing "great tribulation" [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Great Tribulation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Serving (Greek, _douleúō'_):** From G1398, meaning "to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)." Paul's choice of this word emphasizes that his service to the Lord was not merely a job or a casual commitment, but a complete and devoted surrender, akin to the absolute allegiance of a slave to a master. This highlights the totality and self-effacing nature of his ministry.
* **Humility of mind (Greek, _tapeinophrosýnē'_):** From G5012, meaning "humiliation of mind, i.e., modesty." This compound word combines "lowly" (tapeinos) and "mind/heart" (phren), signifying an inner disposition of modesty, self-abasement, and freedom from pride. It describes a profound spiritual posture where one does not think too highly of oneself but rather recognizes one's dependence on God and sees others as more significant.
* **Temptations (Greek, _peirasmós'_):** From G3986, meaning "a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity." In this context, "temptations" refers not to enticements to sin, but to the severe trials, afflictions, and adversities that Paul endured. These were external pressures and difficulties that tested his faith and resolve, proving the genuineness of his commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Serving the Lord with all humility of mind":** This phrase establishes the foundational character of Paul's ministry. His service (`douleúō`) was directed towards "the Lord" (Jesus Christ, G2962, `kýrios`), indicating a divine master. The manner of this service was "with all humility of mind" (`tapeinophrosýnē`), signifying a complete absence of pride, self-promotion, or arrogance. It was a ministry marked by a deep sense of unworthiness and dependence on God, putting Christ first in every thought and action.
* **"and with many tears":** This clause reveals the emotional depth and personal cost of Paul's ministry. The "many tears" (`dákry`) speak to the profound sorrow, anguish, and emotional burden he carried. These tears likely stemmed from grief over spiritual resistance, concern for the churches, the pain of persecution, and the deep empathy he felt for those he served, indicating a ministry not just of doctrine but of heartfelt compassion.
* **"and temptations":** Following "many tears," this refers to the numerous trials (`peirasmós`), afflictions, and hardships Paul encountered. These were not internal struggles with sin but external pressures, difficulties, and adversities that tested his endurance and faith, demonstrating the arduous reality of his apostolic life.
* **"which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews":** This final clause specifies the primary source of many of Paul's trials. The "lying in wait" (`epiboulḗ`) denotes deliberate plots, malicious schemes, and ambushes orchestrated by hostile Jewish groups (`Ioudaîos`). This highlights the consistent and targeted opposition Paul faced from those who rejected his message about Jesus as the Messiah, underscoring the dangerous and often life-threatening nature of his ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's concise summary in Acts 20:19 is rich with literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The phrase "with many tears, and temptations" employs **Pathos**, appealing directly to the emotions by highlighting the profound suffering and emotional burden Paul endured. This evokes sympathy and underscores the human cost of his divine calling. The description of "Serving the Lord" functions as a **Metaphor**, portraying Paul's relationship to Christ as that of a devoted slave to a master, emphasizing total submission and allegiance, which contrasts sharply with the self-aggrandizement often seen in ancient leadership. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of "humility of mind" with the "lying in wait of the Jews" creates a powerful **Contrast**. It pits Paul's internal disposition of self-abasement against the external hostility and malicious plotting of his adversaries, emphasizing the counter-cultural nature of his ministry and the spiritual battle he engaged in.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:19 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true Christian service and leadership. It presents a model of ministry that is fundamentally Christ-centered, characterized by a deep humility that mirrors Christ's own self-emptying, and a willingness to embrace suffering as an inevitable part of faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. Paul's tears reveal a pastoral heart that grieves over sin and rejoices in salvation, demonstrating that effective ministry is not merely intellectual but deeply empathetic. His endurance through "temptations" and "lying in wait" underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of divine strength to persevere against opposition, reminding believers that faithfulness often comes at a high personal cost. This verse serves as a timeless paradigm for all who seek to serve God, emphasizing that genuine spiritual authority flows from a posture of vulnerability, dependence, and unwavering commitment despite adversity.

* [Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3-8 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Example of Humility")
* [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ")
* [1 Peter 5:6-7](/1_peter/5-6-7 "1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humility Under God's Mighty Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:19 serves as a profound mirror for every believer, particularly those in leadership, prompting a deep examination of the heart behind our service. Paul's "humility of mind" challenges us to evaluate our motives: do we serve for recognition, personal gain, or out of a genuine desire to exalt Christ and uplift others? His "many tears" remind us that ministry, and indeed the Christian life, is not always comfortable or easy; it involves deep emotional investment, empathy for a broken world, and often, personal sorrow over spiritual realities. The "temptations" and "lying in wait" highlight the inevitable opposition that arises when one faithfully follows Christ. This verse calls us to cultivate a resilient spirit, recognizing that trials are not anomalies but often integral to God's refining process. It encourages us to persevere with integrity and grace, knowing that our ultimate reward is not earthly acclaim but the commendation of the Lord we serve, even when facing significant personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I need to cultivate greater "humility of mind," prioritizing Christ and others above myself?**
* **How do I respond to the "tears" and "temptations"—the emotional burdens and trials—that inevitably accompany faithful living or ministry? Do I embrace them as part of the journey or shy away from them?**
* **What forms of "lying in wait" or opposition do I currently face in my walk with Christ, and how can I persevere with grace and faith, following Paul's example?**
* **How does Paul's model of "serving the Lord" challenge or affirm my current understanding and practice of Christian discipleship?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "temptations" in this context, and who are "the Jews" he refers to?**

Answer: In Acts 20:19, the Greek word for "temptations" is `peirasmós` (G3986), which, while it can mean enticement to sin, primarily refers here to trials, tests, or adversities. Paul is not speaking of internal struggles with sinful desires but rather the external hardships, afflictions, and difficulties he faced in his ministry. These were the "proofs" or "tests" of his faith and endurance. The phrase "the Jews" (G2453, `Ioudaîos`) refers to those Jewish individuals and groups who actively opposed Paul's message that Jesus was the Messiah. Throughout the book of Acts, Paul frequently encountered strong resistance and persecution from Jewish leaders and communities who rejected the Gospel, often stirring up crowds against him, plotting his harm, and attempting to undermine his work. This opposition was a consistent source of his "temptations" or trials, as seen in various cities he visited, such as Antioch in Pisidia [Acts 13:45-50](/acts/13-45-50 "Acts 13:45-50 - Jewish Opposition in Antioch"), Iconium [Acts 14:2](/acts/14-2 "Acts 14:2 - Jewish Opposition in Iconium"), and Thessalonica [Acts 17:5](/acts/17-5 "Acts 17:5 - Jewish Opposition in Thessalonica").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:19, while describing Paul's ministry, profoundly foreshadows and reflects the very nature of Christ's own service and sacrifice. Paul's "humility of mind" is a direct echo of Christ, who, though being in the form of God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Self-Emptying Humility"). Jesus' entire earthly life was one of humble service, culminating in His ultimate act of servanthood on the cross. Similarly, Paul's "many tears" resonate with Christ's own weeping over Jerusalem [Luke 19:41](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem") and His anguish in Gethsemane [Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane"), revealing a Savior who deeply empathized with human suffering and bore the weight of sin. The "temptations" and "lying in wait of the Jews" that Paul endured find their ultimate parallel in Christ's constant opposition from religious leaders, His trials, and His crucifixion, which was the ultimate "lying in wait" by those who rejected Him [John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - Crucify Him!"). Paul's suffering service is thus a participation in the sufferings of Christ [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings"), demonstrating that true discipleship and ministry are always patterned after the humble, suffering, and ultimately victorious Lamb of God, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 3:24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:4

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Acts 20:3

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.

2 Corinthians 7:5

¶ For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears.

Acts 14:19

¶ And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Acts 14:20

Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.