Written by Paul J Bucknell on November, 10, 2023

Finish My Course (Acts 20:24) Reflections on Our Lives and Ministries

But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24 NASB1995)

Paul’s zeal and clarity help us know the essentials of life. The life challenges he faced are typical of those that believers face worldwide, even today. Just as Jesus called Paul to be part of His body, filling him with His Spirit and giving him spiritual gifts, the Lord has also filled us to accomplish our designated good works.

Paul provides three challenging statements in Acts 20:24 to guide us throughout our lives and ministries.

1. “Finish my course and the ministry”

“Finish my course” reminds us that Paul and all believers have already started this course. The word ‘course’ (δρομοs: dromos) refers to the series of opportunities ahead of you. The word ‘ministry’ (διακονια: diakonia) refers to your many acts of service, all governed by our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. It helps to use this perspective to evaluate our personal lives. Each Christian has a course encompassing life, ministry, and good works. Hopefully, you have started well, but even if not, you have the rest of your life to live for His glory and finish well.

We should not take a good end for granted. Will you finish your course and ministry well? You will undoubtedly face all sorts of obstacles from within and without (Acts 20:20-28). While we can do little about these issues, our sins will exacerbate them. Live uprightly and minimize life’s negative consequences.

Be assured, God will give you sufficient faith and gifts to stand firm and complete the tasks He has given you. As a faithful athlete must stay on the course (2 Tim 2:5), so must God’s servants trust Him for strength, courage, diligence, and love to complete the good works assigned to you. In Ephesians 2:10, God says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself.” Like Paul, we must prayerfully resolve to muster all our Spirit-given energies and abound in God’s grace to accomplish Christ’s grand purposes. Paul boldly states, “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27).

It is easy to make promises and commitments when everything is going well, but we cannot predict the challenges we may face in the future. This was also true for Paul. We aspire to echo Paul’s words at the end of our lives, revealing all our scars and sacrifices (Gal 6:16), including the inner ones that only we know, and to declare that we have completed the appointed course assigned to us for the glory of Christ and the benefit of the saints.

Stay the course!

Received from the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:24)

2. “Received from the Lord Jesus”

In a compelling setting, Paul received the ministry of apostleship from the Lord Jesus, and you, likewise, have received a ministry from the Lord Jesus.

Jesus is alive and rules through His people, desiring to shine forth His truth and grace through your life (Rev 1:6). Peter similarly states,

“¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; ¹¹ for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you” (2 Pet 1:10-11).

As a recipient of the priceless gift of salvation and a calling to serve, you have been blessed with the Spirit of Christ to help spread His kingdom. While teamwork is important to God, He has made each of us a part of the body of Christ, and we will be evaluated individually. Your success is determined not by your talents or opportunities but by how effectively you use God’s gifts.

Those around you might fail you (2 Tim 4:10), but even as Jesus persevered to the cross, so remember your assignment is from Jesus; it’s He who holds you accountable. Peter charges the elders, “shepherd the flock of God among you” (5:2) and “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). Aspire to listen to Jesus’ affirmation, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mat 25:21).

Be faithful to Jesus!

3. “To testify of the gospel of the grace of God.” (ESV)

Stand perpetually amazed by God’s grace. Peter says, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18). Never let the charm of the spectacular Gospel of Christ diminish. Peter reminds us, even if we stumble, get up and “Feed the sheep.”

We have, like Paul, experienced God's amazing saving grace. He saved you while still a sinner, the Righteous for the unrighteous (Rom 5:6). Never forget the grace of God you found at your salvation, but don’t stop there. Allow that grand and miraculous beginning give you a head start on your journey by knowing and experiencing His mighty grace.

Think of the grace received at salvation as a sail for your boat to move you along by the Spirit of God. The sail, at first, is all wrapped around the pole, and does not move swiftly or accurately. But through daily spiritual disciplines, seek more of Christ. He gives more, abounding grace. It’s like unfurling your sail and feeling a fresh zeal speeding you through life’s blessings and testings. Indeed, they become the enriching times when you can learn more of His amazing and undeserved kindness, not only to save you but, like Jesus, to serve others. There is nothing more wonderful for you to announce the genuine love of God to the world (Acts 1:8).

Declare the boundless grace of God!

Summary

One brief life. One glorious opportunity.

Stay on course!
Be faithful to Jesus!
Testify of the boundless grace of God!

Study Questions on Finish My Course (Acts 20:24)

But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24 NASB)

What is a course or track?
Briefly describe Paul the Apostle’s life up to this point in Acts 20.
Describe your course and service that you have already finished. What are one or more highlights?
What more would Paul need to face?
Would you want the Lord to tell you your future?
Where did Paul get his course and ministry? Is this true for you, too?
Is everyone accountable to the Lord for their life?
What was Paul to testify of?
Explain the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why might Luke add “of the grace of God” when mentioning the gospel?
Evaluate how you are doing in your life now. What special prayer request do you have to help you fervently pursue the course God has given you?