Acts 20:19

19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears in the midst of trials that came upon me because of the Jews' schemes.

Acts 20:19 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 20:19

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind
Meaning, in the ministration of the Gospel, being conscious to himself of his own weakness and insufficiency in himself for such service; no ways elated with those excellent and extraordinary gifts bestowed upon him; ascribing all his success to the power, grace, and Spirit of God; treating no man with contempt and disdain; nor lording it over God's heritage, or claiming a dominion over the faith of men; nor seeking honour nor riches for himself, nor even what he had a just right unto, a maintenance from the people; but laboured with his own hands, and to his own and the necessities of others:

and with many tears;
at the obstinacy and unbelief of some, and at the distresses and afflictions of others, both corporeal and spiritual; as well as on account of the unbecoming walk of some professors:

and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
who were hardened against his ministrations, and believed not the Gospel preached by him, but spoke evil of it, and lay in wait to take away his life; by reason of which, his afflictions, which he calls temptations, because they were trials of his faith and patience, were very great.

Acts 20:19 In-Context

17 From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus calling for the church's elders to meet him.

18 When they arrived, he said to them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time I was with you, beginning with the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.

19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears in the midst of trials that came upon me because of the Jews' schemes.

20 You know I held back nothing that would be helpful so that I could proclaim to you and teach you both publicly and privately in your homes.

21 You know I have testified to both Jews and Greeks that they must change their hearts and lives as they turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus.