Acts 20:18-21 18And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know, from the first day when I set foot in Asia, how I lived among you the whole time, 19serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s speech to the Ephesian elders contains numerous insights about the early church, Paul, his travels, and his method of evangelism. This is the third of Paul’s speeches recorded in Acts (see 13:16-41 and 17:22-31). This speech is not a defense or evangelistic, like the others, but a deeply personal reflection and connection to the elders. He began with a reflection on his time in Ephesus, which many of the elders could recall. He recalled his deep relationship with the church there. Some of these elders may have been among the first converts in Ephesus and would have deep memories of how the work had prospered and grown during Paul’s ministry there. Paul lived with integrity and hard work.
Verse 19 hints at the hard times he had while in Ephesus. He set an example to the Ephesians of dedication, even to the point of suffering and shedding tears. Luke did not record significant struggles Paul had with antagonistic Jews for the first several years of his stay in the city. If the pattern of other situations was similar, just because Luke did not mention it does not mean it did not happen. Everywhere Paul went, he faced opposition. Towards the end of his stay, he did have problems that eventually led him to leave for Miletus and begin his eventual journey to Jerusalem
Verses 20-21 mention Paul’s method of evangelism while in Ephesus. First, he was courageous and did not shrink back in spite of the difficult and dangerous situation. Second, he spoke openly about what would help the Ephesians. Third, spoke in public and in private–wherever he could find an audience. He went to where the people were. Fourth, he called everyone to repentance. They needed to leave their old lives and put on new persons created to be like God in holiness and love (Ephesians 4:22-24). Finally, the focus of his message was faith in Jesus as Lord (an idea Gentiles would understand) and Messiah (an idea Jews would understand). His vision was for everyone, because everyone can find salvation in Jesus. The Ephesians had a good example in Paul of how to carry out their ministry. They faced challenging days ahead, but they could stay strong by following Paul’s example of courage and faith.