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,

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

  • Unreserved Proclamation: Paul declares that he "kept back nothing that was profitable" to them. This highlights his commitment to teaching the full truth of the Gospel without compromise, fear, or seeking personal gain. His ministry was characterized by a genuine concern for the spiritual well-being and growth of the Ephesian believers, always prioritizing what was beneficial for their faith. This dedication is further emphasized when he later states his commitment to declaring the "whole counsel of God".
  • Comprehensive Teaching Methods: Paul's approach was multifaceted: he "shewed you, and have taught you." This suggests a blend of demonstrating the Christian life by example and actively instructing through words. The KJV's "shewed" implies making things known, revealing truths, and perhaps even living out the principles he taught.
  • Broad Reach in Ministry: The phrase "publickly, and from house to house" reveals the scope of Paul's evangelism and discipleship. He engaged in open, public teaching, likely in synagogues or lecture halls (as recorded in Acts 19:9), but also committed himself to personal, intimate instruction within homes. This dual approach ensured that the message reached a wide audience while also fostering deep, personal discipleship, echoing the practices of the early church gathering "from house to house".

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:

  • Integrity and Transparency: Holding nothing back that is beneficial for spiritual growth, speaking truth boldly and without fear.
  • Holistic Discipleship: Combining public proclamation with personal, relational teaching. Effective ministry often requires engaging people in various settings, from large gatherings to intimate, one-on-one interactions.
  • Prioritizing What is Profitable: Focusing on teaching that genuinely builds up, equips, and leads to spiritual transformation, rather than what is merely entertaining or superficial.

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.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.
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