PrevActs 20:24Next

Acts 20

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

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.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

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.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

What does Acts 20:24 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:24 is a declaration made by Paul the Apostle regarding his unwavering commitment to his mission, regardless of the hardships he may face.

He expresses that the threats to his life and wellbeing are not his primary concern.

Paul's focus is on completing the task he believes God has set for him, which is preaching the gospel.

The 'course' he mentions signifies his life's mission or journey.

Finishing this course 'with joy' points to Paul's dedication to fulfill his duty cheerfully, despite the obstacles.

Serving the ministry he received from Jesus Christ, to "testify the gospel of the grace of God," is Paul's highest aim , to bear witness to the undeserved favor of God that is made available through Jesus Christ.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 20:24 occurs in the context of Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders while he is in Miletus. It reflects the broader theme of Paul's travels and trials as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

The book of Acts was written by Luke, and it details the expansion of the early Christian church.

At the time, Christians were often persecuted for their faith, and Paul was repeatedly faced with hostility from both Jewish and Greco-Roman audiences.

His journey was fraught with dangers, and the verse showcases Paul's awareness of his potential martyrdom.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 20:24 emphasizes several key principles:

Dedication to Mission: It illustrates the Christian ideal of total commitment to God's call, even to the point of disregarding one's own safety and life.
Suffering for Faith: It affirms the concept of suffering for one's faith as a noble endeavor, which is a recurring theme in Christian theology.
Divine Grace: The 'gospel of the grace of God' speaks to the central Christian tenet of salvation and forgiveness being offered as a free gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Apostolic Authority: This verse also touches on the role and authority of the apostles as the initial teachers and spreaders of the Christian faith, as appointed by Christ himself.

Different denominations may emphasize various aspects of the verse; for example, some may highlight the joy in serving God despite trials, while others might reflect on the sacrificial nature of Christian service.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this verse can inspire individuals to:

Find Purpose: Reflect on and prioritize their life's mission or calling above personal desires or fears.
Maintain Perseverance: Encourage believers to persevere in their faith and commitments, even when facing adversities.
Embrace Sacrifice: Find the value in self-sacrifice for the sake of a greater good or higher calling.
Spread Compassion: Motivate acts of service and sharing the message of divine grace with others.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
1 Corinthians 9:24: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."
Romans 8:35, 37: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?...Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Language Study

In the original Greek:

"Move" (Greek: "peisomai"): Suggests being persuaded or influenced, reflecting Paul's firmness against external pressure.
"Count" (Greek: "logizomai"): Means to consider or reckon, underlining Paul's deliberate valuation of his life in comparison to his mission.
"Life dear" (Greek: "psuche"): Often translated as 'life' or 'soul,' indicating the depth of sacrifice Paul is willing to make.
"Course" (Greek: "dromos"): A metaphor for a race or journey, emphasizing the progression and aim of Paul's life work.
"Ministry" (Greek: "diakonia"): Service or ministration, particularly in the context of serving God.
"Testify" (Greek: "diamarturomai"): To bear witness or affirm, especially with connotations of solemnity and significance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, individuals also saw their life's duty as a course set by the gods, such as the concept of "fate" in Greco-Roman mythology.
The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, similarly addresses the idea of carrying out one's duty without attachment to the results, which can be compared to Paul's focus on fulfilling his course regardless of personal cost.
The notion of martyrdom for one's faith is found across various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, where it is seen as a profound expression of faith and dedication.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might explore the motivations and personal convictions that drive individuals like Paul to pursue their goals in the face of adversity, relating to resilience and purpose-driven life.
Neuroscience could examine the brain mechanisms that are associated with beliefs and experiences that reinforce commitment and joy in the face of potential suffering.

Commentaries

Modern Biblical scholars and commentators offer diverse perspectives on Acts 20:24:

Many highlight Paul's deep sense of purpose and his understanding of his apostolic mission as paramount to his identity.
Some emphasize the self-sacrificial nature of Christian leadership as modeled by Paul, serving as a guide for modern-day ministry and missions.
Others focus on the theological aspect of 'grace' in the verse, discussing the implications of grace for the early Christian communities and its relevance for contemporary Christians.
The joy implicit in Paul's statement is often seen as a testament to the profound peace and fulfillment that comes from aligning oneself with what is perceived as divine will.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 20:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?