Acts 20:18,19 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And he said, Ye know, &c. Happy is that minister who can thus appeal to the consciences of his hearers; from the first day that I came into Asia From the first time of my appearing among you; after what manner I have been with you How I have conducted myself toward God, toward you, and toward all men; at all seasons Τον παντα χρονον, the whole time; every day and hour, in private and public; serving the Lord Not only instructing men in the principles of divine truth, but in the whole tenor of my conduct serving the Lord Jesus Christ; seeking, not my own honour, interest, or pleasure, but his honour, the interest of his kingdom, and the pleasing of him; making his will my rule, and his glory my end, in all my actions; with all humility of mind In all instances of condescension, modesty, and self-abasement; conscious that I am unworthy to be permitted to serve him, that he does me a great and undeserved honour to employ me in his service, and that my best services are utterly unworthy of his acceptance; and with many tears Of tender affection and deep concern for your present and eternal salvation; and in sympathy with you under your trials and troubles. Though Paul's acquaintance with them was of late standing, yet, so near did they lie to his heart, that he wept with them that wept, and mingled his tears with theirs upon every occasion; and temptations Πειρασμων, trials; namely, of his faith, patience, and courage; such trials as, perhaps, were sometimes temptations to him, if not to desist from, yet to abate of his zeal and diligence in the work of the Lord; which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews Who were still plotting some mischief or other against him. These three things, humility, tears, and trials, are the concomitants of the true and faithful service of Christ in the ministry of the gospel. The service itself is described more particularly in the two following verses. The humility here spoken of, he recommends to the Ephesians themselves, Ephesians 4:2. His tears are mentioned again, Acts 20:31; as also, 2 Corinthians 2:4, and Philippians 3:18. These passages laid together supply us with the genuine character of Paul. Holy tears, from those who seldom weep on account of natural occurrences, are no mean specimen of the efficacy, and proof of the truth of Christianity; yet joy is well consistent therewith, (Acts 20:24,) for the same person may be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.