Paul first reviewed his past three-year ministry among these elders ( Acts 20:31). He appealed to the way he lived among them to urge them to remain faithful in the future (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12). He emphasized particularly his humble service of the Lord (cf. Ephesians 4:2), his sorrows (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:4), and the opposition of enemies of the gospel (cf. Acts 19:9; Acts 20:1). He also stressed his faithfulness in proclaiming what they needed to hear (cf. Romans 1:16), his ceaseless teaching ministry (cf. Acts 19:8-10), and his comprehensive evangelistic efforts (cf. Acts 20:26). Teaching from house to house ( Acts 20:20) probably included home Bible classes and house churches. This defense of his ministry suggests that critics may have been prejudicing his converts against him in his absence, as they did elsewhere. Notice that several of the words and phrases in this first part of Paul"s speech recur as it proceeds. [source][source][source]
Repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ( Acts 20:21) is a beautifully balanced way of expressing what is essential for justification (cf. Acts 26:20-23; Romans 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:20 to 2 Corinthians 6:2). One must change his or her mind Godward and place trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. [source][source][source]