And 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,
Parallel translations
- WEB When they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time,
- BSB When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.
- NKJV And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,
- NASB And when they came to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time,
- NLT When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul reminds the elders how he conducted himself among them from his first day in Asia. He appeals to his known and consistent example.
Overview
Paul opens his farewell by pointing to his manner of life, which the elders themselves witnessed over years of ministry. His appeal is not to boast but to model faithful, transparent leadership they should imitate. Integrity of life that matches one's message is essential to gospel ministry, as Paul consistently taught and lived.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- 1 Th 1:5–6For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
- Acts 19:1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
- Acts 18:19And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
- Acts 19:10And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
- 2 Th 3:7–9For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
- 1 Th 2:1–10For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
- 2 Tim 3:10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
- 2 Cor 6:3–11Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
- 2 Cor 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 20:18 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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