Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 20:24. It’s a really important and thoughtful statement by Paul! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Paul is saying: “I don’t care about my own life or how much I’ve accomplished. My focus is entirely on sharing the good news of God’s grace with others.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “But none of these things move me…” : This means he's not feeling any excitement, pressure, or desire to do anything for himself. He’s not trying to be famous or earn praise. “…neither count I my life dear unto myself…” : This is a statement of humility. He’s recognizing that his life isn’t the most important thing in the world. He's not seeking personal glory. "...so that I might finish my course with joy..." : “Course” here refers to his ministry – spreading the gospel (the good news about Jesus). He’s choosing to do this because he believes it’s a calling from God, and he wants to complete his mission. “With joy” means he's happy and fulfilled by doing what he’s called to. "...and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus..." : This is crucial! Paul is emphasizing that this ministry – the work he’s been given – is important because it came from God. He’s saying it's a gift from him and is vital to his purpose. In short: Paul isn't driven by personal ambition; he’s driven by a deep sense of responsibility and joy in sharing the message of God's grace with others. It shows a genuine commitment to fulfilling his divine calling. Think of it like this: He’s saying, “I’m here to share this good news because it was given to me by God, and that’s what matters most.” --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse in Acts 20? Discuss its significance for Christians today?