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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 20:20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/20-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/44_Act_20_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 20:20 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house," /><script 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/20-19.htm" title="Acts 20:19">◄</a> Acts 20:20 <a href="/acts/20-21.htm" title="Acts 20:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/20.htm">New International Version</a> You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. <a href="/nlt/acts/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. <a href="/esv/acts/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, <a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> how I did not shrink back from declaring to you anything being profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/kjv/acts/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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, <a href="/nkjv/acts/20.htm">New King James Version</a> how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/nasb_/acts/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was beneficial, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/nasb/acts/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/nasb77/acts/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/lsb/acts/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/amp/acts/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> [you know] how I did not shrink back in fear from telling you anything that was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public meetings, and from house to house, <a href="/csb/acts/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You know that I did not avoid proclaiming to you anything that was profitable or from teaching you publicly and from house to house. <a href="/hcsb/acts/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and that I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you anything that was profitable or from teaching it to you in public and from house to house. <a href="/asv/acts/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> how I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house, <a href="/cev/acts/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When I preached in public or taught in your homes, I didn't hold back from telling anything that would help you. <a href="/erv/acts/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> how that I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house, <a href="/gwt/acts/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I didn't avoid telling you anything that would help you, and I didn't avoid teaching you publicly and from house to house. <a href="/gnt/acts/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> You know that I did not hold back anything that would be of help to you as I preached and taught in public and in your homes. <a href="/isv/acts/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> I never shrank from telling you anything that would help you nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house. <a href="/msb/acts/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/net/acts/20.htm">NET Bible</a> You know that I did not hold back from proclaiming to you anything that would be helpful, and from teaching you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/nheb/acts/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> how I did not hold back from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/wbt/acts/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And how I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have shown you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, <a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and that I never shrank from declaring to you anything that was profitable, or from teaching you in public and in your homes, <a href="/web/acts/20.htm">World English Bible</a> how I didn’t shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> how I kept back nothing of what things are profitable, not to declare to you, and to teach you publicly, and in every house, <a href="/blb/acts/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> how I did not shrink back from declaring to you anything being profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/ylt/acts/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> how nothing I did keep back of what things are profitable, not to declare to you, and to teach you publicly, and in every house, <a href="/slt/acts/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> How I concealed nothing of things profitable, not to announce to you, and teach you publicly, and in the houses,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> How I have kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have preached it to you, and taught you publicly, and from house to house, <a href="/cpdv/acts/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> how I held back nothing that was of value, how well I have preached to you, and that I have taught you publicly and throughout the houses, <a href="/nabre/acts/20.htm">New American Bible</a> and I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public or in your homes. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And yet I did not neglect to preach to you about those things which were good for your souls, and I taught in the streets and from house to house. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And I have neglected nothing that was useful for your souls, to preach and to teach in the marketplace and in houses,”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and that I have kept back nothing that was profitable, but have preached to you, and taught you both publicly, and from house to house, <a href="/godbey/acts/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> how I omitted nothing of those things which are profitable, that I should not declare unto you and teach you publicly and from house to house, <a href="/haweis/acts/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and that I have suppressed nothing which could conduce to your profiting; not desisting from preaching to you, and teaching you in public, and from house to house, <a href="/mace/acts/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a> that I have conceal'd nothing that might be useful to you, but have inform'd you of it, and instructed you therein, both in publick and in private: <a href="/wey/acts/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and that I never shrank from declaring to you anything that was profitable, or from teaching you in public and in your homes, <a href="/worrell/acts/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> how I shrank not from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and from teaching you publicly, and from house to house, <a href="/worsley/acts/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And how I with-held nothing that was useful, but have declared it to you, and have taught you publicly and from house to house: <a href="/parallel/acts/20-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=6768" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/20.htm">Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians</a> …19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. 20<a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/5288.htm" title="5288: hypesteilamēn (V-AIM-1S) -- From hupo and stello; to withhold under, i.e. to cower or shrink, to conceal.">I did not shrink back</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/312.htm" title="312: anangeilai (V-ANA) -- To bring back word, report; I announce, declare. From ana and the base of aggelos; to announce.">from declaring</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">anything</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">that</a> <a href="/greek/4851.htm" title="4851: sympherontōn (V-PPA-GNP) -- From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage.">was helpful</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">as</a> <a href="/greek/1321.htm" title="1321: didaxai (V-ANA) -- To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.">I taught</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1219.htm" title="1219: dēmosia (Adj-DFS) -- Public, publicly. From demos; public; in public.">publicly</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">from</a> <a href="/greek/3624.htm" title="3624: oikous (N-AMP) -- A dwelling; by implication, a family.">house to house,</a> 21testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/5-42.htm">Acts 5:42</a> Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46</a> With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, <a href="/acts/18-4.htm">Acts 18:4</a> Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. <a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Acts 28:31</a> Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. <a href="/acts/17-17.htm">Acts 17:17</a> So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day. <a href="/acts/19-8.htm">Acts 19:8-10</a> Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. / But when some of them stubbornly refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way, Paul took his disciples and left the synagogue to conduct daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. / This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord. <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">Acts 8:4</a> Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. <a href="/acts/13-5.htm">Acts 13:5</a> When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper. <a href="/acts/14-21.htm">Acts 14:21-22</a> They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, / strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. <a href="/acts/16-13.htm">Acts 16:13</a> On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river, where it was customary to find a place of prayer. After sitting down, we spoke to the women who had gathered there. <a href="/acts/10-42.htm">Acts 10:42</a> And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. <a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20</a> For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” <a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Acts 6:7</a> So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. <a href="/acts/11-26.htm">Acts 11:26</a> and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. <a href="/acts/15-35.htm">Acts 15:35</a> But Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, along with many others, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And how I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,I kept.<a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Acts 20:27,31</a> For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God… <a href="/acts/5-2.htm">Acts 5:2</a> And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.<a href="/deuteronomy/4-5.htm">Deuteronomy 4:5</a> Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.profitable.<a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7</a> But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">1 Corinthians 14:6</a> Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?<a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Philippians 3:1</a> Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.and have.<a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31</a> Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.<a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46</a> And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,<a href="/acts/5-42.htm">Acts 5:42</a> And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/acts/19-18.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/acts/19-38.htm">Held</a> <a href="/job/26-3.htm">Helpful</a> <a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Hesitated</a> <a href="/acts/17-26.htm">Homes</a> <a href="/acts/19-16.htm">House</a> <a href="/acts/20-16.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/19-8.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/acts/6-11.htm">Privately</a> <a href="/acts/19-24.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/luke/17-2.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/acts/19-31.htm">Public</a> <a href="/acts/18-28.htm">Publickly</a> <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Publicly</a> <a href="/acts/19-18.htm">Shewed</a> <a href="/acts/14-17.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/genesis/32-32.htm">Shrank</a> <a href="/nahum/3-7.htm">Shrink</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/acts/20-2.htm">Teaching</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/26-23.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/acts/20-26.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Held</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-12.htm">Helpful</a> <a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Hesitated</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">Homes</a> <a href="/acts/21-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/26-20.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/acts/23-19.htm">Privately</a> <a href="/acts/27-3.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-12.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/romans/16-23.htm">Public</a> <a href="/acts/18-28.htm">Publickly</a> <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Publicly</a> <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Shewed</a> <a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Shrank</a> <a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Shrink</a> <a href="/acts/21-4.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/acts/20-30.htm">Teaching</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 20</div>1. <a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.</a> 7. <a href="/acts/20-7.htm">He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.</a> 9. <a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.</a> 13. <a href="/acts/20-13.htm">Paul continues his travels;</a> 17. <a href="/acts/20-17.htm">and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,</a> 28. <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">commits God's flock to them,</a> 29. <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">warns them of false teachers,</a> 32. <a href="/acts/20-32.htm">commends them to God,</a> 36. <a href="/acts/20-36.htm">prays with them, and departs.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I did not shrink back Paul's statement reflects his boldness and commitment to the truth of the Gospel. This phrase indicates his courage in the face of opposition, a theme consistent throughout his ministry (<a href="/acts/9-29.htm">Acts 9:29, 13</a>:46). The Greek word used here implies not hesitating or avoiding due to fear, suggesting Paul's steadfastness in fulfilling his mission despite potential dangers or rejection.from declaring anything that was helpful to you Paul emphasizes his dedication to teaching what was beneficial for spiritual growth and understanding. This aligns with his pastoral heart, as seen in his letters where he often focuses on edification and encouragement (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">1 Corinthians 14:26</a>, <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12</a>). The term "helpful" underscores the practical and transformative nature of his teachings, aiming to equip believers for a life of faith.as I taught you publicly Paul's public teaching took place in synagogues, marketplaces, and lecture halls (<a href="/acts/19-9.htm">Acts 19:9</a>). This method of teaching was common in the Greco-Roman world, where philosophers and teachers would engage with the public. His public ministry allowed for the dissemination of the Gospel to a broad audience, fulfilling the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>).and from house to house This phrase highlights the early church's practice of meeting in homes, a necessity due to the lack of formal church buildings and the need for intimate fellowship (<a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Romans 16:5</a>, <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2</a>). House churches were central to the spread of Christianity, providing a setting for personal discipleship and community. This method reflects the relational aspect of the Gospel, emphasizing personal connection and accountability.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The primary speaker in this passage, Paul is addressing the elders of the church in Ephesus. He is reflecting on his ministry and the manner in which he has served the believers. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A significant city in the Roman province of Asia, Ephesus was a major center for early Christianity. Paul spent considerable time here, teaching and establishing the church. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephesian_elders.htm">Ephesian Elders</a> The leaders of the church in Ephesus, whom Paul is addressing in this passage. They are responsible for shepherding the local congregation. 4. <a href="/topical/p/public_teaching.htm">Public Teaching</a> Refers to Paul's open and bold proclamation of the Gospel in public spaces, likely including synagogues and marketplaces. 5. <a href="/topical/h/house_to_house_ministry.htm">House to House Ministry</a> Indicates Paul's personal and intimate approach to ministry, visiting believers in their homes to teach and encourage them.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/b/boldness_in_proclamation.htm">Boldness in Proclamation</a> Paul did not shrink back from declaring the truth. As believers, we are called to be bold in sharing the Gospel, regardless of the setting. <a href="/topical/h/holistic_ministry_approach.htm">Holistic Ministry Approach</a> Paul's ministry was both public and personal. We should strive to engage in both corporate worship and personal discipleship. <a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_teaching.htm">Commitment to Teaching</a> Paul was committed to teaching "anything that was helpful." We should seek to provide teaching that edifies and equips others in their faith. <a href="/topical/i/importance_of_community.htm">Importance of Community</a> The house-to-house ministry highlights the importance of community and personal relationships in spiritual growth. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_ministry.htm">Faithfulness in Ministry</a> Paul's example encourages us to be faithful in our ministry efforts, ensuring that we are diligent in both public and private settings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 20</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_evangelism.htm">What does the Bible say about door-to-door evangelism?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_jesus_christ.htm">Who is Jesus Christ?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_deepen_my_bond_with_god.htm">How can I deepen my relationship with God?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_biblical_basis_for_small_groups.htm">What is the biblical basis for small group ministry?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) How I kept back nothing that was profitable.--The verb is one which belongs to the vocabulary of sailors, and was used for taking in or reefing sails. He, St. Paul seems to say of himself, had used no such reticence or reserve, but had gone on his course, as it were, before the wind, with all his canvas spread. It must be noted, however, that even here, as in the more limited range of teaching imparted to the Corinthians (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/3-1.htm" title="And I, brothers, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ.">1Corinthians 3:1-2</a>), he confines his statement to the things that were "profitable." In each case he considered what was required by the capacity of his disciples. That of Ephesus was wider than that of Corinth, and there, accordingly, he was able to set forth "the whole counsel of God" (<a href="/acts/20-27.htm" title="For I have not shunned to declare to you all the counsel of God.">Acts 20:27</a>).Publicly, and from house to house.--The first word points probably to the teaching in the synagogue and the lecture-room of Tyrannus (<a href="/acts/19-9.htm" title="But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.">Acts 19:9</a>), the second to the meetings of disciples which were held in private houses, such as that of Aquila and Priscilla (<a href="/1_corinthians/16-19.htm" title="The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.">1Corinthians 16:19</a>). It may, however, include even more personal and individual counsel.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - How that I shrank not from declaring unto you anything for and how I kept back nothing, A.V.; profitable for profitable unto you, A.V; and teaching for but have showed you and have taught, A.V. I shrank not from declaring, etc. The R.V. seems to construe the phrase as if it were Ὡς ὑπεσταιλάμην τοῦ μὴ ἀναγγεῖλαι ὑμῖν οὐδὲν τῶν συμφερόντων, which is a very labored construction, of which the only advantage is that it gives exactly the same sense to ὑπεστειλάμην as it has in ver. 27. But it is much simpler to take οὐδὲν here as governed by ὑπεστειλάμην, and to take the verb in its very common sense of "keeping back," or "dissembling" (see the very similar passages quoted by Kuinoel from Demosthenes, Plato, Socrates, etc., Οὐδὲν ὑποστειλάμενος, μηδὲν ὑποστείλαμεμος κ.τ.λ.), and to take the τοῦ μὴ ἀναγγεῖλαι ὑμῖν καὶ διδάξαι as expressing what would have been the effect of such "keeping back," or "dissembling," the μὴ extending to both infinitives (Meyer), "so as not to declare and teach," etc. In ver. 27 the verb ὑπεστειλάμην must be taken in the equally common sense of "holding back," or "shrinking," under the influence of fear, or indolence, or what not. The difference of rendering is required by the fact that here you have οὐδὲν ὑπεστειλάμην, whereas in ver. 27 you have οὐκ ὑπεστειλάμην In several of the classical passages quoted above, and others in Schleusner, ὑποστέλλεσθαι is opposed to παρρησίαζεσθαι, or, μετὰ παρρησίας διαλεχθῆναι (comp. therefore for the sentiment, <a href="/acts/2-29.htm">Acts 2:29</a>; <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Acts 4:13, 29, 31</a>; <a href="/acts/9-27.htm">Acts 9:27</a>; <a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Acts 13:46</a>; <a href="/acts/14-3.htm">Acts 14:3</a>; <a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Acts 28:31</a>, etc.; <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19, 20</a>). <a href="/commentaries/acts/20-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I did not shrink back ὑπεστειλάμην (hypesteilamēn) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> From hupo and stello; to withhold under, i.e. to cower or shrink, to conceal. from declaring ἀναγγεῖλαι (anangeilai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_312.htm">Strong's 312: </a> To bring back word, report; I announce, declare. From ana and the base of aggelos; to announce. [anything] οὐδὲν (ouden) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. that τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. was helpful συμφερόντων (sympherontōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4851.htm">Strong's 4851: </a> From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage. to you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [as] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. I taught διδάξαι (didaxai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1321.htm">Strong's 1321: </a> To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach. you ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. publicly δημοσίᾳ (dēmosia) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1219.htm">Strong's 1219: </a> Public, publicly. From demos; public; in public. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. from κατ’ (kat’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). house to house, οἴκους (oikous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3624.htm">Strong's 3624: </a> A dwelling; by implication, a family. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/20-20.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 20:20 How I didn't shrink from declaring (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/20-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 20:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 20:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/20-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 20:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 20:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>