John Calvin Commentary Acts 20:19

"serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews;" — Acts 20:19 (ASV)

Serving the Lord. He first recounts not only the hardships he faced but, most of all, his humility, coupled with contempt for the world, rebukes, and other afflictions. This was as if he were saying that he was not received with honor or commendation but moved among them under the contemptible form of the cross. And this is no small trial when we do not lose heart, even though we see ourselves trampled underfoot by the intolerable pride of the world.

Nevertheless, we must examine everything more precisely. Here, "to serve the Lord" is understood not as worshipping God in holiness and righteousness (which is common to all the godly) but as signifying the execution of a public office. Therefore, Paul does not speak as a private individual but as one appointed a minister of the Church.

And so he testifies that he fulfilled the apostleship committed to him with humility and modesty. This was first, because, knowing his own weakness, he distrusted himself; second, because, considering the excellence of his calling, he considered himself very unworthy; and third, because he willingly submitted himself to bear the reproach of the cross. For this humility is contrasted with both vain confidence and haughtiness.

Second, he touches on his tears, which conflicts, various assaults of Satan, the rage of wicked men, the internal ailments of the Church, and offenses had caused him to shed.

Then he adds that he lived a life of fear amidst the plots of the Jews. And he confesses that he was tempted by these things; for though he was not hardened against them, he did not lose heart. For he is not ashamed to confess his weakness.

His aim is that those to whom he speaks might not lose heart in similar tribulations; that, being free of all ambition, they may do their duty carefully and reverently; and that they may not only patiently endure being despised by men but may also be humbled within themselves.

For a man whose looks are lofty and whose heart is proud can never be rightly disposed to obey Christ. And (since men cannot long maintain a mere appearance of virtue), so that it may be clearly seen that he behaved sincerely and from his heart, he mentions his constancy, which lasted three years, during which he had consistently kept one course. You know (he says) how I have behaved myself from the first day until now.

To conclude, this is the true test of Christ's servants: not to change as the times change, but to remain consistent and always to keep a straight course.