Acts 20:19 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:19 mean?

Acts 20:19 describes Paul explaining how he served the Lord with complete humility, often in tears, and while facing many difficult trials, especially because of opposition from some of the Jewish people. Paul is highlighting the sincerity and hardship of his ministry as he speaks to the elders from the church in Ephesus.

Paul is speaking to the Ephesian elders during his farewell address in Miletus, recounting his time serving among them. He emphasizes not just his commitment to God (the Lord), but also the emotional and challenging circumstances—such as tears and temptations (trials)—that marked his ministry, especially due to plots against him by some of his fellow Jews. This verse sets the tone for his message about faithful service despite adversity.

The Greek behind Acts 20:19

• The word for "serving" is δουλεύων (douleuōn), from G1398, which means serving as a slave or bondservant. Paul is stressing that his service to the Lord (κύριος, kyrios, G2962) was wholehearted and humble, not for personal gain or status.
• The phrase "humility of mind" uses ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē, G5012), which means a deep, genuine humility, not just outward modesty. Paul is pointing to an attitude of lowliness and selflessness in his work.
• "Temptations" comes from πειρασμοῖς (peirasmois, G3986), which often means trials or tests, not just temptations to sin. Here, it refers to the difficult circumstances and dangers Paul faced.
• The phrase "lying in wait" is ἐπιβουλῆς (epiboulēs, G1917), meaning plots or ambushes. This highlights that the dangers Paul faced were not just accidental hardships but included deliberate opposition.

Why Acts 20:19 matters

• Acts 20:19 clears up any idea that Paul’s ministry was easy or glamorous; he openly shares the emotional and physical cost of serving.
• The verse emphasizes humility as central to Christian leadership, showing that Paul did not act out of pride or self-importance.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by setting up Paul’s later instructions to the elders, grounding his advice in his own lived example of perseverance and faithfulness under pressure.