Acts 20:16-20
 
Acts 20:16 (KJB)
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
 
At this time Paul had determined that he would not visit Ephesus because he knew there would be so many brethren who would want him to stay with them, he would never make it to the feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem. This would be the time when many Jewish believers in Palestine would be gathered together so he could deliver the financial gift to the Jerusalem church which he collected from the Macedonian and Greek churches.
 
Acts 20:17 (KJB)
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
 
Paul was not showing unconcern for the church in Ephesus. He had shown concern by calling for the Elders of the church at Ephesus to meet him in Miletus. Paul wanted to give them his final challenge so they could relate it to the members of the church.
　
Acts 20:18 (KJB)
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,
 
Paul then conveys to them the type of person he was from the first time they met and that nothing had changed in him. The Judaizers had tried their best to discredit the ministry of Paul but they were unable to find anything in his life that would bring reproach upon the Gospel, the Lord Jesus Christ, and himself. Paul reminds them that they know him well because of the situation he and the other Christians faced in Ephesus at the hands of Demetrius and the other idol makers.
 
Acts 20:19 (KJB)
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:
 
Temptations - Testing or trials
 
Paul had reminded them that he never had an arrogant attitude and always served the Lord with the utmost humility putting the Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost in all his preaching and teachings. Paul also wept over the fact that many had rejected the eternal Gospel of Christ knowing that rejection meant eternal damnation in hell. Paul maintained his humble mindset even in the midst of the plots against his life by the Jews in the many cities where he was opposed by them. Paul never tried to build up his own reputation or his wealth, he became a tentmaker to raise money for his own ministry. Paul bypassed his own dignity and desires to see that every task the Lord gave him was completed to the Lord’s satisfaction.
 
Acts 20:20 (KJB)
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
 
Showed - Declared or made known
 
During the time he spent in Ephesus, he did not allow any of the situations to cause him to withhold anything which would spiritually profit them. Unlike today, many pastors withhold information so they don’t get in trouble or offend anyone, especially the good givers. He did not cease to share with them what they needed to hear. He declared to them the full counsel of God, not only in private settings like in a home, but also in public. He maintained the same level of teaching and did not fear to teach the truth, no matter what his surroundings were. Paul was a true shepherd because he would endorse discipline in the Christian walk and also would feed the flocks wherever he found one. Many times Paul brought the truth by means of a style of conversation and discussion like in the synagogues. Rarely did he preach in something like a stadium setting because he always upset the crowds he was with and they didn’t give him the chance to preach.

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