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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} none {G3762} of these things {G3056} move me {G4160}, neither {G3761} count I {G2192} my {G3450} life {G5590} dear {G5093} unto myself {G1683}, so {G5613} that I might finish {G5048} my {G3450} course {G1408} with {G3326} joy {G5479}, and {G2532} the ministry {G1248}, which {G3739} I have received {G2983} of {G3844} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, to testify {G1263} the gospel {G2098} of the grace {G5485} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I consider my own life of no importance to me whatsoever, as long as I can finish the course ahead of me, the task I received from the Lord Yeshua — to declare in depth the Good News of God’s love and kindness.

Berean Standard Bible

But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

American Standard Version

But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:24 presents a profound declaration from the Apostle Paul, encapsulating his unwavering commitment to his divine mission despite the severe dangers and afflictions that lay ahead. In this powerful statement, Paul articulates his complete indifference to personal suffering or even death, asserting that his ultimate priority is the joyful completion of the specific ministry entrusted to him by the Lord Jesus: to faithfully bear witness to the transformative gospel of God's unmerited grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is situated within Paul's poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus (Acts 20:17-35), a speech characterized by deep pastoral concern, self-defense, and prophetic warnings. Preceding this verse, Paul recounts his diligent and humble ministry among them (Acts 20:18-21) and reveals the Holy Spirit's consistent testimony regarding impending "bonds and afflictions" awaiting him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-23). Verse 24 serves as Paul's resolute response to these grim prophecies, demonstrating his unshakeable resolve to complete his mission regardless of personal cost, thereby setting a powerful example for the elders he is about to leave. The subsequent verses (Acts 20:25-35) continue with Paul's charge to the elders to guard the flock, emphasizing the purity of his own ministry and warning against false teachers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey to Jerusalem, as described in Acts 20, was fraught with danger, a reality he was acutely aware of. Roman roads and sea travel, while facilitating missionary journeys, also exposed travelers to various perils, including bandits, storms, and hostile authorities. More significantly, Paul faced constant opposition from Jewish factions who viewed him as an apostate and from pagan authorities whose economic interests were threatened by the spread of the gospel. The concept of a "course" (δρόμος, _drómos_) would have resonated with the Greco-Roman culture, which highly valued athletic competitions and the pursuit of a goal with discipline and perseverance. Paul's willingness to "not count his life dear" also reflects a counter-cultural ethos in a world where self-preservation was paramount, aligning instead with the radical self-giving of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 20:24 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Paul's life and ministry, and indeed, throughout the book of Acts. It underscores Paul's **unwavering resolve** in the face of suffering, a theme echoed in his later epistles where he speaks of enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel (e.g., [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ")). The verse also highlights Paul's radical **self-sacrifice** and **single-minded dedication** to his divine calling, prioritizing God's will above personal safety or comfort, a principle Jesus Himself taught in [Matthew 16:25](/matthew/16-25 "Jesus on Losing One's Life for His Sake"). Furthermore, it emphasizes the **divine origin and authority** of Paul's "ministry," which he "received of the Lord Jesus," reinforcing the apostolic commission foundational to the early church's expansion, as seen in [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Ananias's Vision Regarding Paul"). Finally, the verse clearly states the **centrality of the gospel of God's grace**, which is the core message Paul was commissioned "to testify." This theme of salvation by grace, apart from works, is a cornerstone of Paul's theology, extensively expounded upon in his letters, such as in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **diakonía (Greek, _diakonía'_):** from διάκονος; attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate):--(ad-)minister(-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service(-ing). Paul uses this term to describe his divinely appointed "ministry," emphasizing not a position of power but one of humble service and faithful stewardship of the gospel.
* **drómos (Greek, _drómos'_):** from the alternate of τρέχω; a race, i.e. (figuratively) career:--course. This word, translated "course," evokes the imagery of an athletic race, signifying Paul's life as a divinely appointed journey or mission with a defined start and finish, requiring perseverance and focus.
* **euangélion (Greek, _euangélion'_):** from the same as εὐαγγελίζω; a good message, i.e. the gospel:--gospel. This term, meaning "good news" or "gospel," refers to the central message Paul was commissioned to proclaim: the saving truth about Jesus Christ and God's redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But none of these things move me":** Paul's resolute declaration of indifference to the impending dangers and afflictions. The phrase (οὐδενὸς λόγου ποιοῦμαι, _oudenos logou poioumai_) literally means "I make account of nothing" or "I regard as nothing," conveying his profound spiritual detachment from earthly concerns and threats. His focus is entirely on his divine mission, rendering personal suffering insignificant.
* **"neither count I my life dear unto myself":** This powerful statement further intensifies Paul's commitment, indicating his willingness to surrender his very life (ψυχή, _psychē_, referring to the soul or sentient life) for the sake of the gospel. He does not value his own existence or comfort above the completion of God's work, echoing the self-sacrificial nature of Christ.
* **"so that I might finish my course with joy":** Paul's ultimate objective is the successful completion of his divinely appointed "course" or mission (δρόμος, _drómos_). The inclusion of "with joy" is significant, indicating that his fulfillment comes not from avoiding hardship, but from faithfully executing God's will, finding deep satisfaction in obedient perseverance to the very end.
* **"and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus":** This clause clarifies the nature of his "course" – it is a specific "ministry" (διακονία, _diakonía_) or service. Crucially, Paul emphasizes its divine origin, asserting that this commission was not self-appointed but directly bestowed upon him by "the Lord Jesus," lending ultimate authority and purpose to his work.
* **"to testify the gospel of the grace of God":** This final phrase defines the core content and purpose of Paul's ministry. His mission is to "testify" (διαμαρτύρομαι, _diamartýromai_ – to attest or protest earnestly) to the "gospel" (εὐαγγέλιον, _euangélion_ – good news) which is specifically characterized as the "grace of God" (χάρις, _cháris_ – God's unmerited favor). This highlights the central message of salvation freely offered through Christ, which was the driving force behind all of Paul's labors.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 20:24 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**, effectively conveying Paul's profound dedication. The central metaphor of "finishing my course" (τὸν δρόμον μου τελειῶσαι) vividly portrays life as a race or a journey, emphasizing perseverance, discipline, and a clear destination. This athletic imagery is common in Paul's writings (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 4:7), serving as a powerful illustration of the Christian life's demanding yet purposeful nature. The phrase "neither count I my life dear unto myself" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme degree of Paul's self-renunciation. While not literally wishing for death, it dramatically expresses his absolute prioritization of God's will above personal safety or comfort, highlighting a radical, Christ-like self-sacrifice. The verse also employs a strong sense of **Antithesis**, contrasting the "things" that might "move" him (persecutions, bonds) with his unwavering resolve and singular focus on completing his divine mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:24 stands as a theological cornerstone, articulating Paul's profound understanding of divine calling, self-sacrifice, and the centrality of God's grace. It underscores the New Testament emphasis on stewardship of one's life and gifts for the kingdom of God, viewing existence not as an end in itself but as a means to fulfill a divinely appointed purpose. Paul's radical indifference to personal suffering for the sake of the gospel reflects a deep identification with Christ's own sacrificial obedience, demonstrating that true spiritual vitality is found in surrendering one's life to God's sovereign plan. This verse also powerfully affirms the absolute necessity of proclaiming the gospel of grace, the unmerited favor of God that alone brings salvation and transforms lives.

* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Paul's Renunciation of All for Christ")
* [2 Timothy 4:7-8](/2_timothy/4-7-8 "Paul's Final Testimony of Finishing the Race")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Paul's Unashamed Proclamation of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in Acts 20:24 offers a profound challenge and inspiration for every believer. It compels us to examine the depth of our own commitment to Christ and His calling, asking whether our lives are characterized by a similar unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. This verse calls us to move beyond a superficial faith that prioritizes comfort and self-preservation, urging us instead to embrace a purpose-driven existence where the completion of God's assigned "course" takes precedence over all personal concerns. True joy, Paul demonstrates, is not found in the absence of hardship, but in the faithful and joyful execution of our divine commission, whatever form that "ministry" may take in our daily lives. It reminds us that our primary task is to bear witness to the transformative power of the "gospel of the grace of God," living lives that reflect His unmerited favor and sharing that good news with a world in desperate need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "things" in your life threaten to "move" you away from your commitment to Christ and His calling?**
* **In what ways might you be "counting your life dear unto yourself" rather than fully surrendering it to God's purposes?**
* **What "course" or "ministry" do you believe the Lord Jesus has entrusted to you, and how can you pursue it with greater joy and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "none of these things move me"?**

Answer: Paul is referring to the various warnings he has received, particularly from the Holy Spirit, about the "bonds and afflictions" that await him in Jerusalem (as mentioned in [Acts 20:23](/acts/20-23 "The Holy Spirit's Warning to Paul")). His statement means that these impending dangers, persecutions, or even the threat of death, do not deter him or cause him to waver from his divinely appointed mission. He views them as inconsequential compared to the importance of fulfilling his calling.

**How can I "finish my course with joy" in my own life?**

Answer: Finishing your course with joy involves understanding and embracing the unique purpose God has for your life, then pursuing it with unwavering commitment and perseverance, regardless of the challenges. This "course" isn't necessarily vocational ministry but can be any area where God has called you to serve and glorify Him, from raising a family to excelling in a profession with Christian integrity. Joy, in this context, is not the absence of suffering, but a deep satisfaction and spiritual contentment that comes from obediently fulfilling God's will, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "Paul on Steadfastness in the Lord's Work")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:24, while a powerful statement of Paul's personal commitment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's willingness to "not count his life dear unto himself" directly mirrors the supreme self-sacrifice of Christ, who "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" and became obedient to death, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "The Humiliation of Christ")). Jesus Himself "finished His course" – His earthly ministry and redemptive work – with resolute joy, enduring the cross "for the joy that was set before him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). The "ministry" Paul received is fundamentally an extension of Christ's own mission to proclaim the "gospel of the grace of God," for Jesus is the embodiment of that grace ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate testimony to God's unmerited favor, making salvation available to all who believe. Thus, Paul's steadfastness is not merely human resolve, but a Spirit-empowered participation in the ongoing mission of the crucified and risen Christ, whose finished work makes all ministry possible and purposeful.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:6

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Corinthians 4:1

¶ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:16

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.