Acts 20:24

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλ'

G235

But

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

οὐδενὸς

G3762

none

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

λόγον

G3056

of these things

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

ποιοῦμαι

G4160

move me

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

οὐδὲ

G3761

neither

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

ἔχω

G2192

count I

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

τὴν

G3588

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

ψυχὴν

G5590

life

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

μου

G3450

of me

#10

τιμίαν

G5093

dear

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

#11

ἐμαυτῷ

G1683

unto myself

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

#12

ὡς

G5613

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

#13

τελειῶσαι

G5048

that I might finish

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

#14

τὸν

G3588

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

#15

δρόμον

G1408

course

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

#16

μου

G3450

of me

#17

μετὰ

G3326

with

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

#18

χαρᾶς,

G5479

joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#20

τὴν

G3588

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

#21

διακονίαν

G1248

the ministry

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

#22

ἣν

G3739

which

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

#23

ἔλαβον

G2983

I have received

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

#24

παρὰ

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

#25

τοῦ

G3588

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

#26

κυρίου

G2962

the Lord

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

#27

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

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

#28

διαμαρτύρασθαι

G1263

to testify

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

#29

τὸ

G3588

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

#30

εὐαγγέλιον

G2098

the gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

#31

τῆς

G3588

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

#32

χάριτος

G5485

of the grace

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

#33

τοῦ

G3588

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

#34

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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