Acts 20:19
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
Original Language Analysis
δουλεύων
Serving
G1398
δουλεύων
Serving
Strong's:
G1398
Word #:
1 of 19
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
3 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλῶν
with many
G4183
πολλῶν
with many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
8 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πειρασμῶν
temptations
G3986
πειρασμῶν
temptations
Strong's:
G3986
Word #:
11 of 19
a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συμβάντων
befell
G4819
συμβάντων
befell
Strong's:
G4819
Word #:
13 of 19
to walk (figuratively, transpire) together, i.e., concur (take place)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.Acts 20:3And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.Colossians 3:24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.Jeremiah 13:17But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.Romans 12:11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;Acts 20:31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.2 Corinthians 7:5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;Philippians 3:18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:Acts 27:23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Historical Context
Jewish opposition in Ephesus is documented in Acts 19:33. Paul's emotional investment ('tears') shows pastoral heart beyond merely professional ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How do humility, compassion, and perseverance characterize authentic ministry?
- What do Paul's tears reveal about emotional investment in pastoral work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations.' Three characteristics mark Paul's ministry: humility, compassion (tears), and perseverance through trials. 'The lying in wait of the Jews' added constant danger.