Paul doesn't just recall his actions; he appeals to their knowledge of him, inviting them to bear witness to his character from the very first day he arrived in Asia. This isn't bragging, but a profound reliance on their shared history, using their collective memory as a testament to his faithful ministry.
And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul, realizing this will be his last time seeing the Ephesian elders, calls them to Miletus. He begins his address by reminding them of his time spent with them, appealing to their own knowledge of his conduct and ministry. He sets the stage to charge them with faithfulness, using his own life as an example before they part ways.
Imagine standing before a group you've invested years in, knowing your legacy is on the line. What would you want them to remember about your time with them?
Paul opens this powerful farewell by appealing directly to the Ephesian elders' own knowledge of his conduct.
Living It Out
He doesn't just recall his teachings, but how he lived among them from the very first day he arrived in Asia. This emphasis on personal conduct is key. It highlights that his ministry wasn't just about words, but about a consistent, observable life that backed up his message.
A Foundation of Trust
This appeal isn't about boasting, but about establishing credibility. It's a testament to a ministry lived transparently, where the leader's life and message were in harmony. This is the foundation upon which he builds his final exhortations, knowing they can trust his example.
What does it mean to be 'with' people, not just physically present, but truly invested in their journey?
Paul emphasizes that his ministry wasn't sporadic or conditional. The phrase 'the whole time' and 'at all seasons' (as some translations put it) speaks to a persistent, unwavering presence.
Consistent Engagement
This wasn't a ministry of convenience or only during peak moments. It was a daily, hourly commitment. Whether in public gatherings or private interactions, Paul was there, fully engaged. This demonstrates that faithful ministry requires consistent investment, regardless of the circumstances.
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A Life Under Observation
He understood that his life was on display. This constant availability and dedication built a deep trust and allowed his message to carry greater weight because it was seen lived out.
Understand the original words
douleuō · Greek Verb
To work, perform service, or be a slave to someone; in a spiritual sense, it denotes the ongoing, devoted service to God and His kingdom.
tapeinophrosunē · Greek Noun
The quality of having a modest or low view of one's own importance; a foundational Christian virtue that acknowledges dependence on God and submits to His authority.
peirasmos · Greek Noun
The testing of faith through suffering or adversity; these events are viewed as permitted by God to refine the believer's character and deepen their reliance on Him.
Paul's address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus is deeply rooted in his extensive and challenging ministry in Asia Minor. His appeal to their shared history underscores the sincerity and dedication he brought to establishing and nurturing the church there, particularly during his prolonged stay in Ephesus.
c. AD 45-47
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul embarks on his first major missionary journey with Barnabas, establishing churches in Asia Minor and sowing the seeds for the growth of Christianity in the region.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council addresses the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church, affirming that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not adherence to Jewish law.
c. AD 50-53
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor again, strengthening churches and then venturing into Europe. He spends a significant amount of time in Ephesus during this journey, establishing a strong Christian community.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul's longest missionary journey, during which he returns to Ephesus for an extended period, facing opposition from those threatened by the gospel's impact on their livelihoods.
c. AD 57
Paul Departs Ephesus
After years of ministry in Ephesus, Paul departs, knowing he will likely not see the Ephesian elders again. He calls them to Miletus for a final farewell and instruction.
c. AD 57-58
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
Paul travels towards Jerusalem, facing premonitions of his impending arrest and suffering, as he continues to faithfully pursue God's calling.
This passage directly parallels Paul's appeal to the elders, as Samuel also called upon the Israelites to testify to his integrity during his leadership.
2 Corinthians 1:12Paul explicitly states his 'testimony of conscience' in his dealings with the Corinthians, echoing the self-attestation and appeal to their knowledge that he makes in Acts 20.
Philippians 3:17Paul urges believers to imitate him and live according to the pattern he has set, which aligns with his present appeal to the Ephesian elders to observe his life and conduct as an example.
1 Thessalonians 2:10Similar to his address in Acts, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he, along with Silas and Timothy, 'also were gentle among you, as a nurse cherishes her own children,' highlighting his tender and selfless care for them.
ellicottActs 20:18: "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,"
(18) Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia . . . —No discourse recorded in the Acts is so full of living personal interest. St. Luke would naturally be present at the meeting, and able to take notes of the address, and reproduce it almost, if not altogether, word for word. It bears upon the face of it internal mark…
henryActs 20:17-27: "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church."
20:17-27 The elders knew that Paul was no designing, self-seeking man. Those who would in any office serve the Lord acceptably, and profitably to others, must do it with humility. He was a plain preacher, one that spoke his message so as to be understood. He was a powerful preacher; he preached the gospel as a testimony to them if they received it; but as a testimony against them if they rejected it. He w…
Paul doesn't just recall his actions; he appeals to their knowledge of him, inviting them to bear witness to his character from the very first day he arrived in Asia. This isn't bragging, but a profound reliance on their shared history, using their collective memory as a testament to his faithful ministry.
Paul, realizing this will be his last time seeing the Ephesian elders, calls them to Miletus. He begins his address by reminding them of his time spent with them, appealing to their own knowledge of his conduct and ministry. He sets the stage to charge them with faithfulness, using his own life as an example before they part ways.
Paul, realizing this will be his last time seeing the Ephesian elders, calls them to Miletus. He begins his address by reminding them of his time spent with them, appealing to their own knowledge of his conduct and ministry. He sets the stage to charge them with faithfulness, using his own life as an example before they part ways.
"And when they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me thro…" — Paul doesn't just recall his actions; he appeals to their knowledge of him, inviting them to bear witness to his character from the very first day he arrived in Asia. This isn't bragging, but a pro…
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Last reviewed October 2026
