Acts 20:34

Translations

Modern

You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.

Traditional

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

Literal

You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my needs and to those being with me.

Latin

…ipsi scitis: quoniam ad ea quæ mihi opus erant, et his qui mecum sunt, ministraverunt manus istæ.

Original

Greek

English

You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.

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

Acts 18:3
…and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.
1 Corinthians 4:12
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
2 Thessalonians 3:8–9
…nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
1 Thessalonians 2:9
Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
Acts 19:22
He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia.

Glossary

Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Elder Hand Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Luke, Gospel of Miletus, Miletum Paul the Apostle Travel Work

Topics

Christian Minister: Emoluments (Benefits) of Christian Minister: Say Good-Bye to the Congregation Ephesus: Paul Visits and Preaches In Industry: Paul Industry: Requisite to Supply: Our own Wants Liberality: Paul Miletus: Paul Sends to Ephesus for the Elders of the Congregation, and Addresses Them At Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Supports Himself Paying the Pastor Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Self-Denial: Paul, in Laboring for his own Support While he Also Taught

Acts 20:34

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