Transcript:

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.”

Paul, the Lord’s faithful servant, stands before the elders of Ephesus, knowing afflictions and chains await him. Yet he says, “But none of these things move me”. The trials before him did not unsettle him, because Christ had already anchored him. Therefore, he could say, “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.”

Then Paul speaks with a holy resolve that confronts the spirit of this age: “Neither count I my life dear unto myself”. He does not mean life is worthless, but that it is not ultimate. Paul had learned that self-preservation is a poor master, and that Christ is a far better Lord. The believer’s life is safest when it is surrendered.

His great aim is stated plainly: “so that I might finish my course with joy”. Paul sees his life as a race appointed by God, measured not by length, but by faithfulness. Many begin with excitement; few finish with joy. But Paul’s joy is not rooted in comfort, applause, or success. It is rooted in obedience and communion with Christ, whatever the cost.

Notice also the source of his calling: “the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus”. Ministry is not a self-chosen ambition; it is stewardship. And the heart of that ministry is this: “to testify the gospel of the grace of God”. Grace made Paul fearless. Grace made him willing to suffer. Grace made him joyful in finishing.

When a Christian treasures Christ above life, nothing can truly move him. And when grace is the message, joy can be the ending.