Acts 20:24 Meaning and Explanation
“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)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul holds his own life loosely, wanting only to finish well the work Jesus gave him.
The Context of Acts 20:24
Paul is saying farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church at Miletus, on his way to Jerusalem (verses 17 to 18). The Spirit has warned him that chains and afflictions wait for him there (verse 23). These are some of his most personal words, spoken to men he loves and may never see again (verse 38).
What Does Acts 20:24 Mean?
Paul knows hardship is coming. The Spirit has told him bonds and afflictions wait at every stop, and still he says, 'none of these things move me'. He will not be shaken off course by fear. He does not even count his own life as precious to himself, because one thing means more to him than life itself. He pictures his life as a race with a finish line, a 'course' to be run to the end, and he wants to cross it 'with joy'. The ministry he carries was handed to him by the Lord Jesus, and he means to finish the assignment he was given.
What Paul lives for is to 'testify the gospel of the grace of God', to tell people the good news of how freely God gives Himself in Christ. That message is worth more to him than safety or length of days. It is the grace of Jesus that makes a man able to face danger like this, holding his life with an open hand. Paul shows us a love that has found something it would gladly spend itself on, and that something is the good news of Jesus. A life poured out for Him is a life finished with joy.
Acts 20:24 in the Original Language
dromos (δρόμος), 'course' -- a running track, a race to be finished, the appointed run of one's life.
How to Apply Acts 20:24 Today
When fear of what lies ahead threatens to move us off course, Paul shows another way: a life held with an open hand because something greater has taken hold of us. He wanted only to finish the work Jesus gave him and to share the good news of God's grace. That same grace can steady us to run our own course to its end with joy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 20:24
What does Acts 20:24 mean?
Paul holds his own life loosely, wanting only to finish well the work Jesus gave him.
What is the context of Acts 20:24?
Paul is saying farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church at Miletus, on his way to Jerusalem (verses 17 to 18). The Spirit has warned him that chains and afflictions wait for him there (verse 23). These are some of his most personal words, spoken to men he loves and may never see again (verse 38).
How can I apply Acts 20:24 today?
When fear of what lies ahead threatens to move us off course, Paul shows another way: a life held with an open hand because something greater has taken hold of us. He wanted only to finish the work Jesus gave him and to share the good news of God's grace. That same grace can steady us to run our own course to its end with joy.