Acts 20:18

18 When they arrived, he said to them, "You know how I spent the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of 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 Paul had decided to sail on by Ephesus, so as not to lose any time in the province of Asia. He was in a hurry to arrive in Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost, if at all possible.

17 From Miletus Paul sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him.

18 When they arrived, he said to them, "You know how I spent the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.

19 With all humility and many tears I did my work as the Lord's servant during the hard times that came to me because of the plots of some Jews.

20 You know that I did not hold back anything that would be of help to you as I preached and taught in public and in your homes.