Paul highlights his "profitable" teaching, not just anything he said, but what truly benefited them spiritually. He emphasized both public proclamation and private, house-to-house instruction, showing a comprehensive approach to care for their souls.
how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he called to Miletus because he couldn't visit them himself. He's recounting his time with them, emphasizing his sincere and dedicated ministry, which included facing opposition and hardships. This heartfelt farewell serves as his final charge to them, urging them to continue his faithful work.
Paul declares he didn't shrink from sharing anything profitable. What does it mean to 'keep back' something from God's people, and why is 'profitability' the key?
Paul's commitment was to share everything that would benefit the believers' spiritual growth and well-being. This wasn't about pleasing people or avoiding difficult topics. It meant being willing to share
What 'Profitable' Means
Avoiding the Pitfalls
Paul contrasts this with keeping things back out of
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Paul didn't just preach to crowds; he also ministered 'from house to house.' What does this dual approach teach us about effective ministry?
Paul's ministry model was comprehensive, addressing the spiritual needs of the church in both public and private settings. This balanced approach ensured the message reached everyone and was applied personally.
Public Ministry
Private 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.
metanoia · Greek Noun
A radical change of heart and mind that results in a turning away from sin and toward God; it is a fundamental shift in allegiance.
pistis · Greek Noun
A firm persuasion, conviction, or trust; in a biblical context, it is the act of relying entirely upon the person and work of Jesus Christ for salvation.
Paul's passionate defense of his ministry in Ephesus highlights the unique challenges of establishing the church in a vibrant, polytheistic Roman city. His emphasis on both public and private teaching underscores the holistic approach needed to nurture believers amidst intense cultural and spiritual pressures.
c. AD 53— this verse
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent over two years in Ephesus, a major Roman port city, ministering to the large church there. This period was marked by intense teaching, miracles, and significant opposition from both Jewish and pagan factions.
c. AD 53-56
Widespread Discipleship and Opposition
During Paul's time in Ephesus, the gospel spread rapidly, leading to significant social and economic upheaval, particularly for those involved in pagan religious practices. This caused intense opposition, as detailed in Acts 19.
c. AD 57
Paul Departs from Ephesus
After considerable turmoil, including a riot instigated by silversmiths, Paul left Ephesus. He entrusted the church to the elders and continued his missionary journeys.
c. AD 57
Paul's Letter to the Corinthians
While in Macedonia, Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church, addressing issues of division and immaturity. This letter reflects his ongoing concern for the churches he had planted and his commitment to sound doctrine.
c. AD 58
Paul's Journey Toward Jerusalem
Paul traveled through Greece and Asia Minor, intending to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. During this journey, he stopped at Miletus and summoned the Ephesian elders to meet him.
This passage echoes Paul's commitment to preaching the full gospel, emphasizing the need for both readiness and persistence in teaching, regardless of the circumstances. It reinforces the idea of declaring the whole counsel of God, just as Paul did in Acts 20.
1 Corinthians 2:2Paul highlights his deliberate choice to preach Christ and Him crucified, not with eloquent wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit. This parallels his commitment in Acts 20 to teach what is profitable, focusing on the core message of the gospel without dilution.
Jeremiah 1:17This Old Testament passage shows God's commission to Jeremiah to speak His word without fear, even to hard-hearted people and against opposition. It provides a prophetic backdrop to Paul's steadfastness in declaring God's truth, as seen in Acts 20.
Hebrews 13:7This verse encourages believers to remember and imitate the example of their leaders who have spoken God's word to them, considering the outcome of their lives. It aligns with Paul's appeal to the Ephesian elders to recall his ministry and faithfulness, as detailed in Acts 20.
John 1:14The Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us signifies God's direct and personal engagement with humanity. This concept of God's tangible presence and communication resonates with Paul's comprehensive approach to teaching, both publicly and from house to house.
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 highlights his "profitable" teaching, not just anything he said, but what truly benefited them spiritually. He emphasized both public proclamation and private, house-to-house instruction, showing a comprehensive approach to care for their souls.
Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he called to Miletus because he couldn't visit them himself. He's recounting his time with them, emphasizing his sincere and dedicated ministry, which included facing opposition and hardships. This heartfelt farewell serves as his final charge to them, urging them to continue his faithful work.
Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he called to Miletus because he couldn't visit them himself. He's recounting his time with them, emphasizing his sincere and dedicated ministry, which included facing opposition and hardships. This heartfelt farewell serves as his final charge to them, urging them to continue his faithful work.
"how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." — Paul highlights his "profitable" teaching, not just anything he said, but what truly benefited them spiritually. He emphasized both public proclamation and private, house-to-house instruction, showin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
