Acts 20:20
[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,
And how {G5613} I kept back {G5288} nothing {G3762} that was profitable {G4851} unto you, but {G3361} have shewed {G312} you {G5213}, and {G2532} have taught {G1321} you {G5209} publickly {G1219}, and {G2532} from {G2596} house to house {G3624},
You know that I held back nothing that could be helpful to you, and that I taught you both in public and from house to house,
I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house,
how I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house,
Cross-References
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Acts 20:27
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. -
Acts 5:42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. -
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. -
Acts 20:31
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. -
Colossians 1:28
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: -
Psalms 40:9
I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. -
Psalms 40:10
I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
Commentary
Context
This verse is part of a powerful farewell address by the Apostle Paul to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he had summoned to meet him at Miletus (see Acts 20:17). Paul is reflecting on his three years of ministry among them, emphasizing his faithfulness, diligence, and the comprehensive nature of his teaching. He is setting an example of pastoral integrity and selfless service, particularly in light of his impending journey to Jerusalem, where he anticipates hardship and imprisonment.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "profitable" is sympheron (συμφέρον), which means "advantageous," "expedient," or "beneficial." Paul's teaching was not about what was popular or easy, but what was genuinely helpful and necessary for their spiritual maturity. The term "shewed" comes from anangellō (ἀναγγέλλω), meaning "to announce," "report," or "make known," emphasizing his role as a messenger of divine truth.
Practical Application
Paul's example in Acts 20:20 provides a powerful model for Christian leaders, teachers, and indeed all believers. It underscores the importance of:
This verse encourages us to be diligent in sharing the Gospel and discipling others, using every available means to communicate God's truth comprehensively and personally.
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