Acts 20:18
What does Acts 20:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:18 means
Paul begins by appealing to the elders’ firsthand knowledge: from his first day in Asia, they saw his consistent conduct. His life was an open book. Ministry credibility rests not only on right doctrine but on observable faithfulness over time. By saying “you yourselves know,” he invites them to remember concrete examples that validate his coming charges. The verse underscores integrity and transparency as essential to shepherding. Paul’s review is not self-display but a foundation for exhortation: leaders should imitate what is good and proven, since the church’s health often follows the character of those who lead it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when they had come, he said to them, You yourselves have seen what my life has been like all the time from the day when I first came into Asia,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and when they were come unto him, he said to them, `Ye--ye know from the first day in which I came to Asia, how, with you at all times I was;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they were come to him and were together, he said to them: You know from the first day that I came into Asia, in what manner I have been with you, for all the time.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when they were come to him, he said to them, Ye know how I was with you all the time from the first day that I arrived in Asia,
Context
This opening line of the speech launches a retrospective of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. Verses 19–21 will detail humility, tears, trials, and the substance of his preaching—repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus. The flow then moves to Paul’s present resolve to go to Jerusalem despite warnings (verses 22–24). Establishing his track record first gives weight to what he is about to insist upon for the elders’ own ministries.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5
how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
- Acts 19:1
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples:
- Acts 19:10
And this continued for the space of two years; so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
- 2 Timothy 3:10
But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7
For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
- Acts 18:19
And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 20
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 20.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Generosity
The Bible encourages us to be generous with our time, talents, and resources as an act of worship and love.
Topic
Bible Verses About Serving Others
Serving others is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, reflecting God's love and demonstrating our faith through selfless action.
What the Bible says about…