Acts 20:18

18 And when they had come, he said to them, You yourselves have seen what my life has been like all the time from the day when I first came into Asia,

Acts 20:18 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 20:18

And when they were come to him
That is, when the elders or pastors of the church at Ephesus were come to the apostle at Miletus:

he said unto them, ye know, from the first day I came into Asia;
to Ephesus the chief city in it:

after what manner I have been with you at all seasons;
what was his conduct, conversation, and constant manner of life; which the apostle takes notice of, not to commend himself, or to obtain applause of men; but either in vindication of himself, against those that were ready to charge and censure him; or to recommend the doctrine which he taught; and chiefly for the imitation of these elders, he had sent for, and convened in this place; and he appeals to themselves, as eyewitnesses of what he was going to say.

Acts 20:18 In-Context

16 For Paul's purpose was to go past Ephesus, so that he might not be kept in Asia; for he was going quickly, in order, if possible, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the rulers of the church.

18 And when they had come, he said to them, You yourselves have seen what my life has been like all the time from the day when I first came into Asia,

19 Doing the Lord's work without pride, through all the sorrow and troubles which came on me because of the evil designs of the Jews:

20 And how I kept back nothing which might be of profit to you, teaching you publicly and privately,