Acts 20:24
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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On his way to Jerusalem and expecting hardship, Paul addresses the Ephesian elders, expressing his single-minded devotion to completing his God-given ministry.
What Does Acts 20:24 Mean?
Acts 20:24 is one of Paul's most moving declarations of purpose -- he does not count his own life precious if only he can finish his God-given mission with joy. Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, knowing that bonds and afflictions awaited him. Speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus, whom he would not see again, he reveals what drove him through every hardship. This verse opens a window into his heart.
"None of these things move me" -- the trials and dangers ahead do not shake or deter him. "Neither count I my life dear unto myself" shows that Paul had let go of self-preservation as his guiding aim. His life was not the thing he held most precious. What mattered to him was singular: "that I might finish my course with joy." The image of a "course" is that of a race, a set track to be run to its end. Paul wanted to complete his appointed task, and to do so not grudgingly but with joy. The content of that mission is named: "the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." His calling was a stewardship, received from Christ, and its message was the good news of God's grace -- His unearned favor and kindness. Paul's example challenges every follower of Christ: to hold the mission as more precious than comfort or safety, and to run the race set before us all the way to the finish.
In the Original Language
The Greek "dromos" (course) means a race or running track, and "charis" (grace) means favor, kindness, and unearned gift.
Cross References
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
- 2 Timothy 4:7
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
- Philippians 1:21
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
- Acts 20:35
Application
A life of lasting meaning comes from holding God's calling as more precious than safety or comfort, and from running our appointed course faithfully and joyfully to its end.