For I have not shunned to declare to you all the counsel of God.
I have.
Acts 20:20,35 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, …
Acts 26:22,23 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: …
2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
all.
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Isaiah 46:10,11 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: …
from declaring to you
Paul's role as an apostle was to proclaim the message of the Gospel. The term "declaring" indicates a public and authoritative announcement, akin to a herald. This reflects the apostolic duty to communicate God's message clearly and without reservation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:16, where Paul states, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!"
the whole will of God
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of Paul's teaching. He did not selectively present parts of God's message but delivered the full counsel, including both comforting and challenging truths. This aligns with the biblical mandate to teach "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:20), ensuring that believers are fully equipped. The "will of God" encompasses His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, moral directives, and eschatological promises, as seen throughout Scripture, including Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 1:9-10.
- This opening word reaches back to the previous verse, where Paul says, “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men” (Acts 20:26).
- “For” shows causation: Paul’s innocence before God and people rests on what he is about to affirm. Compare Ezekiel 33:7-9, where the watchman avoids guilt by faithfully warning others.
- It reminds us that obedience in teaching is not optional—our accountability to God derives from His command, as seen again in James 3:1.
- Paul refused to dodge, dilute, or soften the message. Acts 20:20 echoes this: “I did not shrink back from proclaiming anything that was profitable.”
- Courage in ministry is a hallmark of fidelity. Consider 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage…”
- Shrinking back is contrasted with the boldness described in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.”
- Faithful shepherds must embrace every topic Scripture raises, even those that confront cultural norms (Galatians 1:10).
- “Declaring” is open, public, and verbal. Paul’s ministry was transparent (2 Corinthians 4:2).
- Declaration involves teaching, warning, urging, and comforting (Colossians 1:28).
- The verb underscores that truth must be spoken—not merely implied or lived out silently (Romans 10:14-17).
- Paul’s audience was personal: the Ephesian elders he had discipled. Ministry is relational, not detached.
- It shows specificity—truth addressed to real people with real needs (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
- Shepherds feed the flock God has entrusted to them, just as Jesus instructed Peter in John 21:15-17.
- “Whole” underscores completeness: nothing omitted, nothing added. Psalm 119:160 affirms, “The entirety of Your word is truth.”
- “Will of God” encompasses the redemptive plan (Acts 2:23), sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16), moral commands (Ephesians 5:17-18), warnings of judgment (Acts 17:30-31), and promises of hope (Titus 2:11-14).
- Partial teaching breeds shallow disciples. Full counsel matures believers (Ephesians 4:11-15).
- Paul modeled this by proclaiming repentance and faith (Acts 20:21), teaching on the kingdom (Acts 20:25), and urging holiness (Acts 20:32).
- Ultimately, the whole will of God centers on Christ crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and leads to obedience (Matthew 28:20).
Paul connects his clear conscience to an unswerving commitment: he boldly, verbally, and relationally delivered every facet of God’s revealed plan to those under his care. By refusing to omit or soften any truth—from sin and repentance to grace and glory—he exemplifies the calling of every believer who handles God’s Word. Acts 20:27 invites us to the same faithful, full-orbed proclamation that honors Christ and nurtures His people.
(27) I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.--The words point to a greater degree of receptivity for Divine truth than had been found elsewhere. So in the Epistle to the Ephesians, which, even on the assumption that it was an encyclical letter, was addressed to them principally, he speaks to them as able to understand his knowledge in the mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:4), the universality of His redeeming work, the brotherhood of mankind in the common Fatherhood of God. In "I have not shunned" we have the same word and image as in the "kept back" of Acts 20:20.Verse 27. - Shrank not from declaring for have not shunned to declare, A.V. (see ver. 20, note); the whole for all the, A.V. Counsel of God. His revealed will and purpose concerning man's salvation (Acts 2:23; Acts 4:28; Ephesians 1:11).