King James Version

What Does Acts 20:24 Mean?

Acts 20:24 in the King James Version says “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, a... — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 20:24 · KJV


Context

22

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

23

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

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.

25

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

26

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's declaration - 'neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy' - expresses ultimate commitment to Christ's mission above self-preservation. His purpose was completing his ministry and 'testifying the gospel of the grace of God,' showing that life's value lies in fulfilling divine calling rather than mere survival. This sacrificial devotion exemplifies Jesus's teaching about losing one's life to find it (Mark 8:35).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This address to Ephesian elders occurred during Paul's final journey to Jerusalem. His premonition of suffering (verse 23) made this statement particularly poignant - he chose mission completion over safety.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you measure your life's value - by its length and comfort or by completing God's calling?
  2. What would it mean for you to count your life as not 'dear unto yourself' for the sake of Christ's mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
ἀλλ'1 of 34

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐδενὸς2 of 34

none

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

λόγον3 of 34

of these things

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ποιοῦμαι4 of 34

move me

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

οὐδὲ5 of 34

neither

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἔχω6 of 34

count I

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὴν7 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψυχὴν8 of 34

life

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μου9 of 34

my

G3450

of me

τιμίαν10 of 34

dear

G5093

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

ἐμαυτῷ11 of 34

unto myself

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

ὡς12 of 34

so

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

τελειῶσαι13 of 34

that I might finish

G5048

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)

τὸν14 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δρόμον15 of 34

course

G1408

a race, i.e., (figuratively) career

μου16 of 34

my

G3450

of me

μετὰ17 of 34

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

χαρᾶς,18 of 34

joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

καὶ19 of 34

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν20 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διακονίαν21 of 34

the ministry

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

ἣν22 of 34

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔλαβον23 of 34

I have received

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

παρὰ24 of 34

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τοῦ25 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου26 of 34

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ27 of 34

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

διαμαρτύρασθαι28 of 34

to testify

G1263

to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively

τὸ29 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγέλιον30 of 34

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τῆς31 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χάριτος32 of 34

of the grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

τοῦ33 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ34 of 34

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 20:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 20:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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