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)
Paul didn't just avoid hiding "profitable" truths; he specifically highlights that his teaching aimed to convey what was genuinely beneficial, not just what was popular or easy. This implies a discerning approach to ministry, focusing on what truly builds people up, even if it means addressing difficult or uncomfortable subjects.
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)
Paul is addressing the elders of Ephesus, whom he has summoned to Miletus because he can no longer travel to see them. He's preparing to depart for Jerusalem, knowing he faces danger, and wants to give them a final charge, reminding them of his faithful ministry among them. He emphasizes that he never held back any teaching that would benefit them, proclaiming God's message both publicly and in their homes, urging them toward repentance and faith in Christ.
Paul didn't shy away from anything that would help the Ephesian church grow. But what does it mean to be 'profitable' in God's eyes?
Paul uses the powerful phrase, 'I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable.' This wasn't just about avoiding difficult topics; it was about a deep commitment to sharing everything that would genuinely benefit the believers.
What is 'Profitable'?
Paul's standard was clear: if it helps people grow closer to God, it must be shared. Anything less would be like a doctor withholding medicine from a sick patient.
Paul didn't just preach from a platform; he also went 'house to house.' What does this dual approach teach us about ministry today?
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Paul's ministry model in Ephesus was comprehensive, encompassing both public and private dimensions. He understood that reaching people effectively requires a multi-faceted approach.
The Public Arena:
The Private Sphere:
Paul’s example shows that effective ministry isn't confined to a pulpit. It requires engaging with people where they are, both in public witness and in personal, caring relationships.
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 profound statement in Acts 20:20 about teaching 'publicly and from house to house' reveals the comprehensive nature of his ministry, shaped by his extensive and impactful time in Ephesus, a bustling city where he poured himself into the believers both in large gatherings and intimate settings.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent over two years in Ephesus, a major Roman city and center of trade and pagan worship, establishing a strong church and facing significant opposition.
c. AD 55
Departure from Ephesus
Paul left Ephesus, stopping at Miletus to summon the elders of the Ephesian church for a final meeting.
c. AD 55
Farewell to Ephesian Elders
At Miletus, Paul delivered a poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders, reflecting on his ministry and warning them of future challenges.
c. AD 55-56
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Following his travels, Paul was eventually imprisoned in Rome, during which time he wrote letters to churches like Philippi, Colossae, and Ephesians.
This passage echoes Paul's commitment in Acts 20:20 by instructing Timothy to 'preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.' It highlights the ongoing, persistent nature of proclaiming profitable truths, whether convenient or not.
Jeremiah 23:22This verse presents a stark contrast to Paul's approach, warning against prophets who 'have not stood in my counsel, nor have they heard my word, nor have they listened to my word.' It underscores the importance of faithfully declaring God's full message, not holding back what is truly profitable for the people.
Acts 18:25This verse describes Apollos, who 'had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.' It shows another example of someone passionately and accurately teaching what they knew, similar to Paul's comprehensive teaching, though perhaps not yet complete.
Hebrews 13:17This verse speaks to the responsibility of church leaders to 'keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account.' Paul's declaration in Acts 20:20, of not holding back anything profitable, directly relates to this accountability, showing how he fulfilled his duty with diligence and transparency.
1 Corinthians 2:2Here Paul tells the Corinthians, 'For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.' This passage shows a focused aspect of what Paul considered 'profitable'—the core of the gospel message—which he then proclaimed publicly and privately, mirroring the comprehensive approach seen in Acts 20:20.
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 hiding "profitable" truths; he specifically highlights that his teaching aimed to convey what was genuinely beneficial, not just what was popular or easy. This implies a discerning approach to ministry, focusing on what truly builds people up, even if it means addressing difficult or uncomfortable subjects.
Paul is addressing the elders of Ephesus, whom he has summoned to Miletus because he can no longer travel to see them. He's preparing to depart for Jerusalem, knowing he faces danger, and wants to give them a final charge, reminding them of his faithful ministry among them. He emphasizes that he never held back any teaching that would benefit them, proclaiming God's message both publicly and in their homes, urging them toward repentance and faith in Christ.
Paul is addressing the elders of Ephesus, whom he has summoned to Miletus because he can no longer travel to see them. He's preparing to depart for Jerusalem, knowing he faces danger, and wants to give them a final charge, reminding them of his faithful ministry among them. He emphasizes that he never held back any teaching that would benefit them, proclaiming God's message both publicly and in their homes, urging them toward repentance and faith in 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 hiding "profitable" truths; he specifically highlights that his teaching aimed to convey what was genuinely beneficial, not just what was popular or easy. This implies a discer…
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Last reviewed October 2026