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 20:18KJV
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Acts 20:18 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:18 mean?

Acts 20:18 records Paul reminding the elders from Ephesus that, from his very first day in Asia, they have seen how he lived among them at all times. Paul is pointing to his consistent behavior and example during his entire stay with them.

Paul is speaking to the leaders of the church in Ephesus after they have come to meet him in Miletus. He begins his farewell by highlighting that his conduct has always been open and known to them, setting the stage for the advice and warnings he is about to give. This verse emphasizes the transparency and integrity Paul maintained in his ministry.

The Greek behind Acts 20:18

  • "τρόπος" (transliterated: tropos, shown in the tags as G4459, "manner"): This word refers to the way or manner in which Paul conducted himself. Paul is not just talking about what he did, but how he did it—his attitude, approach, and consistency.
  • "καιρός" (transliterated: kairos, shown in the tags as G5550, "seasons"): This word means "times" or "seasons," suggesting that Paul's conduct was steady through all circumstances, not just during easy or favorable moments.

Why Acts 20:18 matters

  • Acts 20:18 clears up any idea that Paul’s influence was based only on his words; he is reminding the elders that his whole way of life was an example to them.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of Paul’s farewell speech, which will focus on the importance of character and faithfulness in leadership.
  • By stressing his consistent behavior "at all seasons," Paul highlights the value of integrity and transparency, which is a key theme in his relationship with the churches he served.

Where else these words appear

“came” Greek G1910 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
  • Acts 25:1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

“know” Greek G1987 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 14:68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
  • Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
  • Acts 26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

“Asia” Greek G773 · used in 19 verses

  • Acts 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
  • Acts 19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

“come” Greek G3854 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
  • Acts 15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.