What does Acts 20:20 mean?
"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," - Acts 20:20

Acts 20:20 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house." This verse is part of a larger passage in which the Apostle Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus. He is recounting his ministry among them and exhorting them to continue the work of spreading the gospel after he departs.
The verse encompasses the central themes of Paul's ministry, which are selflessness, diligence, and the importance of sharing the truth of the gospel. Paul emphasizes that he did not hold anything back that would benefit the Ephesian Christians. He made sure to fully impart all the teachings and truths that would be profitable for their spiritual growth and understanding. This demonstrates Paul's dedication and selflessness in his ministry, as he was committed to the well-being and spiritual growth of the Ephesian believers.
The verse also reflects Paul's approach to teaching and evangelism. He states that he taught publicly and from house to house, indicating that he used every available opportunity to share the gospel and instruct believers. This approach was inclusive and thorough, allowing Paul to reach a wide range of people and ensure that the message of Christ was spread effectively.
In the context of Acts 20, this verse is part of Paul's farewell address to the elders of the Ephesian church. He had spent three years ministering in Ephesus, and now he is preparing to leave, knowing that he will likely not see them again in this life. Paul's words carry a sense of urgency and gravity, as he implores the elders to take up the mantle of leadership and continue the work that he had started.
The verse also symbolizes the importance of personal engagement and relationships in the spread of the gospel. By teaching publicly and from house to house, Paul fostered deep connections with the Ephesian believers. This personal touch was instrumental in building a strong and vibrant Christian community in Ephesus. It also serves as a reminder that the work of spreading the gospel is not limited to formal settings but encompasses all aspects of life and relationships.
Furthermore, the verse demonstrates the holistic nature of Paul's teaching. He did not merely share the gospel in a generic or superficial manner, but he imparted everything that was profitable for the spiritual growth and understanding of the Ephesian Christians. This comprehensive approach speaks to the depth and richness of the Christian message, which encompasses all aspects of life and truth.
In conclusion, Acts 20:20 from the King James Version of the Bible encapsulates the selfless and diligent ministry of the Apostle Paul, as well as the holistic and inclusive nature of the gospel message. Through this verse, Paul imparts important lessons about the importance of selflessness, thorough teaching, personal engagement, and the comprehensive nature of the Christian message. These themes continue to be relevant and impactful for Christians today, serving as a model for effective ministry and sharing the truth of the gospel.
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Acts 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,"
"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," - Acts 20:20
Acts 20:11
acts 20:7-12
Acts 9:1-20
Acts 9:1-20
Acts 20:5 - "These going before tarried for us at Troas."
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
Acts 19:20 - "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."
Acts 20:33 - "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel."
Acts 20:12 - "And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted."
Acts 20:17 - "¶ And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church."
Acts 9:20 - "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."
Acts 5:20 - "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life."
Acts 20:37 - "And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,"
Acts 20:8 - "And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together."
Acts 20:27 - "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
Acts 18:20 - "When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;"
Acts 4:20 - "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Acts 3:20 - "And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:"
Acts 20:14 - "And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene."
Acts 20:36 - "¶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."
Acts 20:23 - "Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me."
"These going before tarried for us at Troas." - Acts 20:5
Acts 2:20 - "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:"
Acts 16:20 - "And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,"
Acts 10:20 - "Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them."
Acts 20:34 - "Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me."
Acts 20:10 - "And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him."
Acts 20:22 - "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:"