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Acts 20:18

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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,

And {G1161} when {G5613} they were come {G3854} to {G4314} him {G846}, he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Ye {G5210} know {G1987}, from {G575} the first {G4413} day {G2250} that {G575}{G3739} I came {G1910} into {G1519} Asia {G773}, after what manner {G4459} I have been {G1096} with {G3326} you {G5216} at all {G3956} seasons {G5550},

When they arrived, he said to them, “You yourselves know how, from the first day I set foot in the province of Asia, I was with you the whole time,

When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time,

Commentary

Acts 20:18 initiates Paul's poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, a significant moment in his third missionary journey. Having sent for them, Paul begins by appealing to their personal knowledge of his conduct and character during his extensive ministry among them in the Roman province of Asia.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse sets the stage for what is often called Paul's "Miletus Discourse," a powerful and emotional charge to the church leaders from Ephesus. Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, knowing that afflictions awaited him there. Instead of traveling directly through Ephesus, which would have delayed him, he summoned the elders to Miletus, a port city about 30 miles south. This meeting underscores the deep relationship Paul had forged with the Ephesian church, where he had ministered for over two years, impacting the entire region of Asia (Acts 19:10).

Key Themes

  • Transparency and Integrity in Leadership: Paul begins by stating, "Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you." This highlights his open and blameless conduct. He had nothing to hide, and his life was an open book to those he served. This serves as a foundational principle for Christian leadership and pastoral ministry.
  • Consistent Service: The phrase "at all seasons" emphasizes the unwavering nature of Paul's dedication. His commitment to the Gospel and to the spiritual well-being of the Ephesian believers was not sporadic but constant, regardless of circumstances. This consistency built trust and demonstrated the sincerity of his calling.
  • A Model for Ministry: Paul consistently points to his own life as an example to follow (1 Corinthians 11:1). Here, he lays the groundwork for his subsequent exhortations by first reminding them of his personal walk and work among them, setting a high standard for their own responsibilities as shepherds of God's flock.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "after what manner" (Greek: hōs) refers to the way or method of his conduct. It encompasses not just his actions but also his attitude, his character, and the entire ethos of his ministry. It implies a thorough and observable pattern of behavior, reinforcing the idea that his life was an open testament to his message. This wasn't merely about what he taught, but how he lived and served.

Practical Application

For believers today, Acts 20:18 is a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity and consistency, especially for those in positions of spiritual leadership. Our lives should be a visible testimony to the faith we proclaim. Just as the Ephesian elders could attest to Paul's conduct, so too should our actions align with our words, building trust and credibility. This verse challenges us to live transparently, serving faithfully "at all seasons" and leaving a legacy of authentic Christian discipleship.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (8 votes)

    For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (8 votes)

    ¶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

  • Acts 19:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

  • Acts 18:19 (6 votes)

    And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

  • Acts 19:10 (5 votes)

    And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:7 (4 votes)

    For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:9 (4 votes)

    Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.