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Paul teaches by example three principles of ministry. These are important areas pastors need
to know about:

1. Paul holds nothing back.
2. What he teaches is profitable.
3. He repeats the teaching again and again.

Act 20:21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our
Lord Jesus Christ.

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance (metanoeo: reversal of decision,
to change the mind) toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin. When you exercise faith toward Jesus
Christ, you are automatically repenting to God for your attitude toward His Son. Repent means
to change the mind (metanoeo). You do not change your mind about sin, although that is part
of it. You change your mind (your attitude) about Jesus Christ. You have been rejecting Him,
and now you are accepting Him.

PAUL’S PROPHECY OF FUTURE EVENTS

Act 20:22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will
happen to me there,

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall
befall (confront) me there:

In his own heart, Paul’s senses the warning of the Holy Spirit. He feels bound in his own spirit
because he will be bound in his own body when he arrives in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit says
“no,” but Paul will rationalize it into “yes.” Paul probably thinks since he will face suffering in
Jerusalem, it must be God’s will. Some people think if they are not suffering, they are out of
God’s will. Paul even says in this verse that he does not know what will happen there. Paul is
usually “confident,” “always confident,” “knowing,” etc. (2 Corinthians 5:1, 6, 8, 11).

Act 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations
await me.

Save (except) that the Holy Ghost witnesseth (diamarturomai: makes a solemn warning, protest
earnestly) in every city, saying that bonds (imprisonment) and afflictions abide (await) me.

Paul has been visiting many places on the way to Miletus trying to relax. Since that time he has
been determined to go to Jerusalem, yet he has been warned by the Holy Spirit and believers in
every city not to go.