Acts 20:24
What does Acts 20:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:24 means
Paul values finishing his course and the ministry received from the Lord Jesus above keeping his life safe. His calling is to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. This verse distills apostolic purpose: Christ appointed him; grace defines his message; completion of the task is his aim. It highlights a Christ-shaped calculus—loss of comfort, even life, is not ultimate loss if the mission of grace is fulfilled. The glory of the gospel, rooted in Jesus’ saving work, outweighs the cost of service. Such single-hearted devotion flows from knowing the Lord who gave the ministry and empowers its completion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But I put no value on my life, if only at the end of it I may see the work complete which was given to me by the Lord Jesus, to be a witness of the good news of the grace of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but I make account of none of these, neither do I count my life precious to myself, so that I finish my course with joy, and the ministration that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify fully the good news of the grace of God.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But I fear none of these things, neither do I count my life more precious than myself, so that I may consummate my course and the ministry of the word which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But I make no account of [my] life [as] dear to myself, so that I finish my course, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the glad tidings of the grace ofGod.
Context
Having stated the Spirit’s warnings, Paul now declares his resolute purpose. This sets up his announcement that the Ephesian elders will not see him again (verse 25) and his claim of innocence regarding their blood (verses 26–27), since he declared the whole counsel of God. With the gravity of departure established, Paul will charge the elders to watch over themselves and the flock, purchased by the Lord’s blood (verse 28), and to guard against wolves and internal distortions (verses 29–31).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 26:17
delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,
- 2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
- Hebrews 10:34
For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.
- Acts 20:21
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 5:20
And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:
- Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:
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