“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.”
My Notes
What Does Acts 20:24 Mean?
Paul declares his life philosophy to the Ephesian elders: none of these things move me. The threats, the imprisonment, the hardships — none of it shifts his course. He does not even count his own life as dear to himself.
"Neither count I my life dear unto myself" is one of the most radical statements in the New Testament. Paul has weighed his life against his mission and found the mission more valuable. His own survival is not the priority.
"So that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus" — the priority is finishing. Not starting well, not surviving, not being comfortable. Finishing with joy. Completing what was given.
"To testify the gospel of the grace of God" — the content of Paul's ministry is the gospel of grace. Not law, not morality, not religious performance. Grace. And his willingness to die for it demonstrates how real it is to him.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What 'things' tend to move you off course — fear, comfort, people's opinions?
- 2.What does it mean to not count your life dear to yourself? Is that freeing or frightening?
- 3.How does Paul wanting to finish 'with joy' differ from just enduring to the end?
- 4.What mission have you received from the Lord that is worth more than your comfort?
Devotional
None of these things move me. Paul says this knowing what is ahead — chains and afflictions in every city (v.23). He knows the cost. And the cost does not change his direction.
Neither count I my life dear unto myself. Most of us count our lives very dear. Our comfort, our safety, our plans, our future — we hold them tightly. Paul held his loosely. Not because he did not value life, but because he valued his mission more.
That I might finish my course with joy. Not just finish. Finish with joy. Paul's goal is not grim perseverance. It is joyful completion. He wants to cross the finish line smiling — not because the race was easy, but because the one who gave him the race was worth it.
The ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus. The ministry was received, not chosen. Paul did not design his own calling. He received it from Jesus. And what was received was worth more than what it cost.
To testify the gospel of the grace of God. That is the whole thing. Grace. The message Paul was willing to die for was not a system of rules. It was grace — undeserved, unexpected, transformative grace.
What moves you? What shifts your course? Whatever it is, it reveals what you value more than the mission.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Wherefore I take you to record this day,.... This is a solemn appeal to the elders of the church at Ephesus, who knew…
Move me - Alarm me, or deter me from my purpose. Greek: “I make an account of none of them.” I do not regard them as of…
None of these things move me - Ουδενος λογον ποιουμαι; I consider them as nothing; I value them not a straw; they weigh…
It should seem the ship Paul and his companions were embarked in for Jerusalem attended him on purpose, and staid or…
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself The oldest MSS. omit the words for "neither…
Cross References
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