Acts 20 24

Acts 20:24 kjv

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24 nkjv

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24 niv

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me?the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

Acts 20:24 esv

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24 nlt

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus ? the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 24 Meaning

Acts 20:24 reveals the Apostle Paul's profound and unwavering commitment to his God-given mission to proclaim the gospel of God's grace. He explicitly states that no personal suffering, impending imprisonment, or even the threat of death could deter him from fulfilling this divine assignment. For Paul, his earthly life held less value than the completion of the specific "course" and "ministry" entrusted to him by the Lord Jesus. This verse encapsulates Paul's single-minded devotion to testifying to the transformative power of God's grace, prioritizing divine purpose over self-preservation, and embodying the self-sacrificial nature of true discipleship.

Acts 20 24 Context

Acts chapter 20 narrates Paul's farewell address to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he had summoned to meet him at Miletus. Paul is on his way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, and fully aware of the imprisonment and afflictions awaiting him (Acts 20:22-23). His speech serves as a poignant and prophetic valedictory, summarizing his three-year ministry among them (Acts 20:18-21) and issuing stern warnings about future dangers to the flock, both from within and without (Acts 20:29-30). In verse 24, Paul clarifies his singular resolve in the face of these known perils, setting a powerful example of faithfulness to the divine commission above all personal concerns. This declaration forms the bedrock of his pastoral charge and personal ethos, highlighting the non-negotiable priority of the gospel. Historically, Paul's journey reflects the Roman practice of travel and the growing network of Christian communities. Culturally, his concept of "finishing the course" resonates with Greco-Roman athletic metaphors, though imbued with spiritual significance. His emphasis on "the gospel of the grace of God" served as an indirect polemic against any Judaistic attempts to reintroduce legalism or salvation by works into the early Christian church.

Acts 20 24 Word analysis

• But: (ἀλλὰ - alla) - A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast to what was just stated in Acts 20:23 concerning the afflictions and imprisonment Paul anticipates. It emphasizes a determined shift in perspective and unwavering resolve.
• none of these things: Refers specifically to the "chains and afflictions" (δεσμὰ καὶ θλίψεις - desma kai thlispseis) mentioned in the preceding verse. Paul's conviction is not swayed by external hardships or personal suffering.
• move me: (λογίζομαι - logizomai) - More accurately translated "I consider" or "I count." It signifies that these hardships do not register as weighty or significant factors in his decision-making regarding his ministry. They do not deter him from his set path.
• neither count I my life dear: (οὐδὲν λόγου ποιοῦμαι τὴν ψυχήν μου ὡς τιμίαν - ouden logou poioumai tēn psychēn mou hōs timian) - Literally, "I consider my life to be of no account as valuable." This profound statement signifies Paul's willingness to forfeit his very life, his physical existence (psychē), for the sake of the mission. His own preservation holds no precious value compared to God's purpose. It’s a deliberate devaluation of his earthly self for the divine mission.
• unto myself: This reinforces the personal sacrifice; he values his mission more than his personal well-being or survival.
• so that I might finish: (ὥστε τελειῶσαι - hōste teleiōsai) - A purpose clause. Paul's willingness to disregard his life's value is directly tied to the ultimate goal of completing his God-given assignment. The emphasis is on fulfillment and completion.
• my course: (τὸν δρόμον μου - ton dromon mou) - Literally, "my race" or "my running." This term is a well-known metaphor in the ancient world for a fixed, purposeful journey or an athletic race. Paul views his life and ministry as a specific, divinely ordained path that he must run to its conclusion. It evokes images of commitment, perseverance, and purposeful motion.
• with joy: (μετὰ χαρᾶς - meta charas) - Not a detached, stoic acceptance of suffering, but an embrace of his calling even amidst hardship, fueled by inner spiritual joy rooted in God's will and power. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a hallmark of Christian endurance.
• and the ministry: (καὶ τὴν διακονίαν - kai tēn diakonian) - Refers to his specific service or divinely appointed office. In Paul's case, it specifically denotes his apostleship and work as an evangelist and teacher. It is a work "given" to him.
• which I have received: (ἣν ἔλαβον - hēn elabon) - Emphasizes that this ministry is not self-appointed but a direct divine bestowal, an endowment, implying obligation and authority derived from God Himself.
• of the Lord Jesus: Identifies the source and ultimate authority of Paul's commission. His ministry is not human in origin but directly from Jesus Christ.
• to testify the gospel: (διαμαρτύρασθαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον - diamarturasthai to euangelion) - Diamarturasthai implies a solemn, earnest, and emphatic witnessing or declaration. It means to bear thorough witness or to charge someone to witness emphatically. The core content of Paul's mission is this unwavering testimony.
• of the grace of God: (τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ - tēs charitos tou Theou) - This defines the specific nature of the gospel Paul is committed to testifying. It is the good news that salvation and blessing are offered freely through God's unmerited favor, not by human effort or adherence to law. This "gospel of grace" stands in stark contrast to any system of salvation based on works.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But none of these things move me": Highlights Paul's extraordinary resilience and unyielding resolve in the face of severe threats. It speaks to a deeply rooted spiritual conviction that transcends human fear.
• "neither count I my life dear unto myself": This phrase underlines radical self-denial for the sake of Christ and His mission. It is a testament to placing the call of God above self-preservation, demonstrating profound Christocentric priorities.
• "so that I might finish my course with joy": The completion of his assigned life's race is his supreme objective, not merely to finish, but to finish with spiritual exultation. This indicates purpose-driven perseverance rooted in a profound satisfaction derived from fulfilling God's will.
• "and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus": This defines the specific nature and divine origin of his "course." It emphasizes the specific, divine assignment entrusted to him, establishing its absolute authority and supreme importance.
• "to testify the gospel of the grace of God": This is the core purpose and message of his entire ministry. It specifies the very content and essence of Paul's calling—to bear solemn witness to God's redemptive power made available freely through His unmerited favor. It positions grace as central to God's plan for salvation, opposing all human-merit based systems.

Acts 20 24 Bonus section

The concept of "my course" (δρόμον - dromon) links significantly to ancient Greek athletic contests, particularly races. This imagery was well-understood in the Hellenistic world, denoting not just swiftness but enduring through the prescribed path to reach the finish line. Paul employs this metaphor frequently in his epistles (e.g., 1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:7), using it to describe the demanding and disciplined nature of Christian living and ministry. Finishing "with joy" is paramount, suggesting not a weary dragging to the finish line, but a vibrant and resolute completion despite the struggle. This joy is not a feeling based on external circumstances but an internal strength given by God that accompanies obedience to His will and the furtherance of His kingdom. This is not about self-glorification, but glorifying the Lord Jesus who entrusted him with the ministry.

Acts 20 24 Commentary

Acts 20:24 stands as a quintessential declaration of Pauline resolve and apostolic commitment. It unveils Paul's supreme valuation of his divine calling over his personal welfare, epitomizing the counter-cultural demands of following Christ. For Paul, life itself was but a means to fulfill the unique "race" or "course" entrusted to him by the Lord Jesus—a ministry primarily defined by "testifying the gospel of the grace of God."

This verse highlights several crucial aspects of devoted service: First, unwavering conviction amidst adversity. Despite knowing imprisonment and suffering await him, Paul's spirit remains unbroken because his priorities are divinely anchored. Second, radical self-denial. His statement "neither count I my life dear unto myself" is not a wish for death, but a profound commitment where his personal existence holds less value than the divine purpose assigned to it. His life’s ultimate worth is found in its utility for God’s kingdom. Third, purposeful completion. The emphasis on "finishing the course with joy" reveals a dedication to seeing his divine assignment through to the end, joyfully, despite the painful path. Joy here is not an absence of sorrow but an underlying strength derived from spiritual fulfillment and divine enablement. Lastly, the absolute centrality of the "gospel of the grace of God." This specific phrasing underlines that Paul's entire mission and willingness to suffer were dedicated to proclaiming the good news that salvation is by God's free favor, not human merit. This was a critical distinction for the early church and remains foundational Christian truth.

Paul's declaration serves as an enduring example for believers. It teaches that true faithfulness may require placing Christ's mission above personal safety, comfort, and ambition. His "course" represents the unique, divinely appointed purpose for each believer, which must be run with diligence and commitment, focused on proclaiming the grace that transforms lives.

• Example 1: A missionary choosing to remain in a dangerous region, believing their divine call outweighs the personal risk.
• Example 2: A Christian leader prioritizing spiritual formation and difficult biblical truth over popular opinion, for the integrity of the gospel.
• Example 3: An everyday believer joyfully serving in a difficult ministry role despite personal challenges, driven by God's call and the urgency of the message.