Acts 20:18

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὡς

G5613

when

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

παρεγένοντο

G3854

they were come

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτοῖς

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἶπεν

G2036

he said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐπίστασθε

G1987

know

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

#10

ἀφ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#11

πρώτης

G4413

the first

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

#12

ἡμέρας

G2250

day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#13

ἀφ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#14

ἧς

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#15

ἐπέβην

G1910

I came

to walk upon, i.e., mount, ascend, embark, arrive

#16

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#17

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

Ἀσίαν

G773

Asia

asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore

#19

πῶς

G4459

after what manner

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

#20

μεθ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#21

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

#22

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

πάντα

G3956

at all

all, any, every, the whole

#24

χρόνον

G5550

seasons

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

#25

ἐγενόμην

G1096

I have been

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul