Acts 20:18

18 And when they came to him, and were together, he said to them, Ye know from the first day, in which I came into Asia, how with you by each time I was,

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 And Paul purposed to ship over to Ephesus, lest any tarrying were made to him in Asia; for he hied, if it were possible to him, that he should be in the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the greatest men of birth of the church [and called the more men through birth, either the elder men, of the church].

18 And when they came to him, and were together, he said to them, Ye know from the first day, in which I came into Asia, how with you by each time I was,

19 serving to the Lord with all meekness, and mildness, and tears, and temptations, that felled to me of ambushings of Jews;

20 how I withdrew not of profitable things to you [how I withdrew nought of profitable things to you], that I told not to you, and taught you openly, and by houses;