Acts 20:19
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)
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Paul wasn't just sharing his ministry achievements; he was highlighting how his struggles, like the plots against him, were actually part of his humble service and the proof of Christianity's power. The "tears" he mentions weren't just sadness but a testament to his deep empathy and the profound impact of his mission, something the Stoics would have dismissed as weakness.
Paul is speaking to the elders of the Ephesian church, whom he called to Miletus because he couldn't visit them himself. He's reminding them of his ministry among them for three years, emphasizing his faithfulness and the genuine care he had for them. He’s setting himself up as an example for them as spiritual leaders, preparing them for the difficult challenges and opposition he knows they will face.
Paul's description of his service isn't just about success and victory. It's marked by deep emotion and significant hardship. What does this tell us about God's work in us?
Paul paints a vivid picture of his ministry, not as a smooth, triumphant march, but as a deeply emotional and challenging journey. He highlights:
The Weight of Tears
Paul mentions "many tears." These weren't tears of self-pity or frustration, but a profound expression of his love for God and his deep concern for people. They stemmed from witnessing the resistance to the gospel and the spiritual struggles of those he served. This emotional depth isn't a sign of weakness, but of a heart fully invested in God's mission.
The Reality of Trials
He also speaks of "trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews." This points to the constant opposition, danger, and suffering he endured. His life was marked by opposition from those who should have been receptive. These trials were not just external circumstances but also deeply testing experiences that shaped his resolve.
Together, these elements reveal that faithful service to God often involves intense emotional investment and significant hardship. It's a service that embraces vulnerability and perseveres through opposition.
Before mentioning tears or trials, Paul points to 'all humility.' Why is this the absolute starting point for anyone serving God?
Paul begins his description of his service with "all humility." This isn't just a polite mannerism; it's the fundamental posture of a true servant of God.
Recognizing Our Dependence
Humility means recognizing our utter dependence on God. It's understanding that any ability, success, or strength comes from Him, not from ourselves. Paul often referred to himself as a "servant" or "slave" of Christ, acknowledging Christ as the true Lord.
Against Pride and Self-Reliance
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.
This verse captures the intense personal cost of Paul's unwavering commitment to ministry, highlighting the constant threat of persecution he faced from Jewish opposition, even as he ministered with deep humility and sorrow.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
During his third missionary journey, Paul spent over two years in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia. This period was marked by significant success in spreading the gospel but also by intense opposition, particularly from the local Jewish community who often plotted against him.
c. AD 55
The Demetrian Riot in Ephesus
A silversmith named Demetrius incited a riot against Paul and his companions, fearing that their preaching would harm the trade of Artemis worship. While Paul was not present during the riot itself, it exemplifies the volatile and dangerous atmosphere he faced in the city.
AD 57
Paul's Departure from Ephesus
After his extended stay, Paul departed from Ephesus, making a point to meet with the elders of the Ephesian church in Miletus. It was during this farewell that he recounted his ministry, including the 'trials through the plots of the Jews'.
AD 57-58
Journey Towards Jerusalem
This passage echoes Paul's theme of 'serving the Lord' by detailing his extensive sufferings and hardships in ministry, including opposition from his own people, which aligns with the trials Paul mentions in Acts 20:19.
Philippians 3:17-18Similar to Acts 20:19, this passage highlights Paul's 'tears' and the opposition he faced from enemies ('enemies of the cross of Christ'), showing a consistent pattern of suffering in his service.
Romans 9:1-3This passage reveals Paul's deep sorrow and 'tears' for his fellow Jews who opposed the gospel, mirroring the sentiment behind his humility and tears in Acts 20:19 when facing their plots.
Colossians 1:24-25Paul speaks of 'filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions' for the sake of the church, which connects with his humble service, tears, and enduring trials for the sake of ministry in Acts 20:19.
wesleyActs 20:19: "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:"
20:19 Serving - See the picture of a faithful servant! The Lord - Whose the church is, with all humility, and with tears, and trials - These are the concomicants of it. The service itself is described more particularly in the following verse . This humility he recommends to the Ephesians themselves, Eph 4:2. His tears are mentioned again, Ac 20:31, as…
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 wasn't just sharing his ministry achievements; he was highlighting how his struggles, like the plots against him, were actually part of his humble service and the proof of Christianity's power. The "tears" he mentions weren't just sadness but a testament to his deep empathy and the profound impact of his mission, something the Stoics would have dismissed as weakness.
Paul is speaking to the elders of the Ephesian church, whom he called to Miletus because he couldn't visit them himself. He's reminding them of his ministry among them for three years, emphasizing his faithfulness and the genuine care he had for them. He’s setting himself up as an example for them as spiritual leaders, preparing them for the difficult challenges and opposition he knows they will face.
Paul is speaking to the elders of the Ephesian church, whom he called to Miletus because he couldn't visit them himself. He's reminding them of his ministry among them for three years, emphasizing his faithfulness and the genuine care he had for them. He’s setting himself up as an example for them as spiritual leaders, preparing them for the difficult challenges and opposition he knows they will face.
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This humility stands in stark contrast to arrogance or self-reliance. It prevents us from being "elated with the authority of the apostolic office" or the success of our labors. It keeps us grounded, even when gifted or effective.
The Gateway to Effectiveness
When we are truly humble, we are more open to God's leading, more sensitive to His Spirit, and more willing to be used in ways we might not expect. It makes us receptive to the 'tears and trials' that often accompany His work, viewing them not as personal affronts but as part of God's refining process.
Paul's urgent desire to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost led him to bypass Ephesus. He was aware of impending dangers and imprisonment awaiting him in Jerusalem, a fact that underscored his resolve and commitment despite the threats he faced.
"serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews;" — Paul wasn't just sharing his ministry achievements; he was highlighting how his struggles, like the plots against him, were actually part of his humble service and the proof of Christianity's power.…
