King James Version

What Does Acts 20:18 Mean?

Acts 20:18 in the King James Version says “And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,”

Acts 20:18 · King James Version


Context

16

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

17

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

18

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

19

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

20

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.' Paul appeals to their knowledge of his consistent character. 'At all seasons' indicates unchanging commitment regardless of circumstances.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's three years in Ephesus (Acts 19:10, 20:31) established deep relationship and visible ministry pattern. His appeal to their observation demonstrates integrity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does consistent long-term character validate ministry?
  2. What does 'at all seasons' teach about ministry in varying circumstances?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ὡς1 of 25

“when”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 25

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

παρεγένοντο3 of 25

“they were come”

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

πρὸς4 of 25

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτοῖς5 of 25

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἶπεν6 of 25

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς7 of 25

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ὑμεῖς8 of 25

“Ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐπίστασθε9 of 25

“know”

G1987

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

ἀφ'10 of 25

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

πρώτης11 of 25

“the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἡμέρας12 of 25

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἀφ'13 of 25

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἧς14 of 25
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐπέβην15 of 25

“I came”

G1910

to walk upon, i.e., mount, ascend, embark, arrive

εἰς16 of 25

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν17 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀσίαν18 of 25

“Asia”

G773

asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore

πῶς19 of 25

“after what manner”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

μεθ'20 of 25

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὑμῶν21 of 25

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τὸν22 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα23 of 25

“at all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

χρόνον24 of 25

“seasons”

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

ἐγενόμην25 of 25

“I have been”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 20:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 20:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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