Acts 20:20
how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul didn't just avoid withholding truth; he actively "showed and taught" it, indicating that a faithful ministry is both a declaration of what's profitable and a diligent impartation of it, in public and in private. This highlights that truly beneficial teaching isn't just about not saying harmful things, but about intentionally saying and demonstrating what leads to growth.
Paul is addressing the elders of Ephesus, whom he called to Miletus because he could no longer travel to them. He's recounting his ministry among them, emphasizing his sincere motives and diligent labor, and is now defending his faithfulness by highlighting how he preached the full message of God. He stresses that he didn't hold back anything beneficial, whether in public gatherings or in private homes, and that he proclaimed both repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul didn't hold back when it came to what truly mattered. What does it mean to be 'profitable' in ministry, and why is it crucial not to keep such things hidden?
Paul declares he "kept back nothing that was profitable." This wasn't about withholding unpleasant truths out of fear or a desire to please. Instead, it was about a complete commitment to sharing everything that would genuinely benefit the spiritual well-being of his listeners.
What is 'Profitable'?
The Danger of Holding Back
Paul didn't just stand in the pulpit; he met people where they were. What can we learn from his commitment to both public proclamation and intimate, house-to-house ministry?
Understand the original words
hypostellomai · Greek Verb
To withdraw, retreat, or withhold something out of fear; in a biblical context, it refers to the failure to proclaim the full truth of the Gospel due to pressure or persecution.
sympherō · Greek Adjective
That which is spiritually beneficial, edifying, or useful for the spiritual growth and maturity of the believers.
Paul's declaration in Acts 20:20 comes at the end of his transformative ministry in Ephesus. The context highlights his deliberate strategy of public proclamation and private discipleship, demonstrating a holistic approach to spreading the gospel and nurturing the church in a challenging environment.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his extensive ministry in Ephesus, Paul encountered both fervent believers and significant opposition, particularly from those invested in the silversmith trade of Artemis.
c. AD 55
Paul's Letter to the Corinthians
While in Ephesus, Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth. This period likely shaped his understanding of effective teaching and church leadership.
c. AD 57
Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece
After leaving Ephesus, Paul traveled through Macedonia and Greece, further solidifying his ministry strategies and facing various challenges.
c. AD 58
Paul's Return Journey
On his way back to Jerusalem, Paul made a deliberate stop at Miletus to send for the Ephesian elders.
This passage highlights that obedience and listening to God are more important than sacrifices or rituals, emphasizing the 'profitable' nature of genuine spiritual engagement that Paul also advocated for.
Jeremiah 23:28-29Here, God rebukes prophets who distort His message, comparing their words to chaff and a hammer that breaks rocks. Paul's commitment to declaring the 'whole counsel of God' without holding back directly contrasts with this, showcasing the integrity of his preaching.
2 Timothy 4:2Paul directly instructs Timothy to 'preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.' This echoes Paul's own example in Acts 20, showing the consistent apostolic mandate for comprehensive and faithful ministry.
Hebrews 13:17This verse speaks of church leaders watching over souls and giving an account, implying they must do so faithfully. Paul's declaration in Acts 20:20 serves as his testimony of fulfilling this responsibility, ensuring he could give such an account joyfully.
Colossians 1:28Paul states his goal is to present everyone mature in Christ, 'for which I also toil and strive.' This aligns with Paul's declaration in Acts 20:20 about teaching all that was profitable, revealing his ultimate aim in every aspect of his ministry.
barnesActs 20:20: "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,"
I kept back nothing ... - No doctrine, no admonition, no labor. Whatever he judged would promote their salvation, he faithfully and fearlessly delivered. A minister of the gospel must be the judge of what will be profitable to the people of his charge. His aim should be to promote their real welfare to preach what will be profitable. His object wil…
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 didn't just avoid withholding truth; he actively "showed and taught" it, indicating that a faithful ministry is both a declaration of what's profitable and a diligent impartation of it, in public and in private. This highlights that truly beneficial teaching isn't just about not saying harmful things, but about intentionally saying and demonstrating what leads to growth.
Paul is addressing the elders of Ephesus, whom he called to Miletus because he could no longer travel to them. He's recounting his ministry among them, emphasizing his sincere motives and diligent labor, and is now defending his faithfulness by highlighting how he preached the full message of God. He stresses that he didn't hold back anything beneficial, whether in public gatherings or in private homes, and that he proclaimed both repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Acts 20:20 is available in the Sola app.
Paul's ministry in Ephesus was characterized by a deliberate and balanced approach: teaching both "publicly, and from house to house." This wasn't an either/or situation, but a vital 'both/and'.
Public Ministry:
House-to-House Ministry:
Paul's example shows that effective ministry requires both the broad reach of public proclamation and the focused, personal touch of private engagement.
c. AD 58
Farewell to Ephesian Elders
In Miletus, Paul delivered his poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders, reflecting on his ministry and urging them to faithfulness.
Paul is addressing the elders of Ephesus, whom he called to Miletus because he could no longer travel to them. He's recounting his ministry among them, emphasizing his sincere motives and diligent labor, and is now defending his faithfulness by highlighting how he preached the full message of God. He stresses that he didn't hold back anything beneficial, whether in public gatherings or in private homes, and that he proclaimed both repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ.
"how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house," — Paul didn't just avoid withholding truth; he actively "showed and taught" it, indicating that a faithful ministry is both a declaration of what's profitable and a diligent impartation of it, in pub…
