Kept back (ὑπεστειλάμην)

A picturesque word. Originally, to draw in or contract. Used of furling sails, and of closing the fingers; of drawing back for shelter; of keeping back one's real thoughts; by physicians, of withholding food from patients. It is rather straining a point to say, as Canon Farrar, that Paul is using a nautical metaphor suggested by his constantly hearing the word for furling sail used during his voyage. Paul's metaphors lie mainly on the lines of military life, architecture, agriculture, and the Grecian games. The statement of Canon Farrar, that he "constantly draws his metaphors from the sights and circumstances immediately around him," is rather at variance with his remark that, with one exception, he "cannot find a single word which shows that Paul had even the smallest susceptibility for the works of nature" ("Paul," i., 19). Nautical metaphors are, to say the least, not common in Paul's writings. I believe there are but three instances: Ephesians 4:14; 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 6:9. Paul means here that he suppressed nothing of the truth through fear of giving offence. Compare Galatians 2:12; Hebrews 10:38.

Acts 20:20 Parallel Commentaries

I kept.

Acts 20:27,31 For I have not shunned to declare to you all the counsel of God...

Acts 5:2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me...

Psalm 40:9,10 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: see, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, you know...

Ezekiel 33:7-9 So you, O son of man, I have set you a watchman to the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear the word at my mouth...

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

profitable.

1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with.

1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation...

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

2 Timothy 3:16,17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction...

and have.

Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house...

Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Mark 4:34 But without a parable spoke he not to them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.