Acts 20:18

18 When they were with him, he said to them, "You know how I spent all my time 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 past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia. He was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, if that was possible.

17 From Miletus Paul sent messengers to the city of Ephesus and called the spiritual leaders of the church to meet with him [in Miletus].

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

19 I humbly served the Lord, often with tears in my eyes. I served the Lord during the difficult times I went through when the Jews plotted against me.

20 I didn't avoid telling you anything that would help you, and I didn't avoid teaching you publicly and from house to house.