Acts 20:19

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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:

Literal

…serving the Lord with all humility and tears, and in trials having befallen me in the plots of the Jews;

Latin

…serviens Domino cum omni humilitate, et lacrimis, et tentationibus, quæ mihi acciderunt ex insidiis Judæorum:

Original

Greek

English

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

Notes

Acts 20:18–38

Paul’s message to the elders (leaders) of the church in Ephesus describes his life and work among them. He also calls these leaders to show the same kind of commitment as they continue the ministry.

In this message, Paul points to his own life as an example. He shows his honesty and care for people (20:18–21, 26, 31). He also speaks about what will happen in the future (20:22–23, 25, 29–30). He warns them about false teachers (people who teach wrong ideas about God; 20:29–30). And he urges the elders to stay alert and faithful (20:28, 31).

Through his example, Paul shows what it means to lead as a servant, with sacrifice and careful attention.

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesus Paul (Saul)

Events

Paul speaks to Ephesian Elders

Related verses

Colossians 3:24
…because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
2 Corinthians 2:4
For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.
2 Corinthians 4:7–11
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
Romans 12:11
Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Acts 20:3
…where he stayed three months. And when the Jews formed a plot against him as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
…or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.
Jeremiah 13:17
But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.
2 Corinthians 7:5
For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within.
Acts 14:19–20
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead.
James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Bishop Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Elder Letter to Philemon Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Letter to the Romans Luke, Gospel of Pastor Paul the Apostle Presbyter Titus, Letter to Travel

Topics

Christian Minister: Say Good-Bye to the Congregation Ephesus: Paul Visits and Preaches In Miletus: Paul Sends to Ephesus for the Elders of the Congregation, and Addresses Them At Ministers: should be Humble Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Weeping of Paul

Acts 20:19

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