Paul's Journey to Jerusalem - Pt. 11: Mission Accomplished
- Baptist Daily Devotional
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Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | November 29 2025 | Acts 20:24-27
KEY VERSE: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24, ESV)
MESSAGE:
The broader message of Acts 20:17-38 records Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus. It is his longest speech to a Christian audience and reveals the heart, philosophy, and lifelong convictions that shaped his ministry. In this section of the speech (vv. 24–27), Paul reflects on his work in Ephesus and speaks with profound clarity about the purpose that has governed his entire journey.
We first encountered Paul in relation to Ephesus in Acts 18:18-21, where he declined an extended stay but promised to return if God permitted. Later, in 1 Corinthians 16:9, he described Ephesus as a place of great opportunity and strong opposition. Now, in Acts 20, Paul looks back on years of fruitful ministry and forward to the path that awaits him. In the key verse, Paul reveals the depth of his devotion to the ministry entrusted to him. His life was not driven by personal comfort or self-preservation. What mattered most was finishing the course and faithfully carrying out the assignment given him by the Lord Jesus — testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Paul lived with clarity of purpose and a readiness to give everything for the mission he received.
Verses 26–27 also show Paul’s confidence that he had fulfilled the work God gave him. He could state without hesitation that he had “declared to them the whole counsel of God,” withholding nothing that would benefit their spiritual growth.
Scripture gives an illuminating contrast. In John 6:66, some of Jesus’ disciples stopped following Him when His teaching felt difficult. Jesus did not urge them to reconsider. Instead, in John 6:67, He asked the remaining disciples if they wished to leave as well. Peter’s response was clear and steady: they believed, and they were staying. They knew the value of the One they followed.
Paul shared that same unwavering resolve. He understood his calling, embraced it, and carried it out with a deeply anchored commitment.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
God calls each of us to live with a clear sense of purpose. The example of Paul invites us to examine our commitments, deepen our devotion, and remain steady in the responsibilities God has entrusted to us. A life shaped by purpose is strengthened to walk faithfully, even when the journey stretches us.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, help me to stay faithful to the work You entrust to me, and to walk with purpose and devotion each day. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 333 Acts 1–5 – Empowered to Witness
DAILY word study: FINISH Today, we are looking at the word finish, which is translated as teleiōsai. It means to bring to completion, to accomplish fully, to carry something to its intended end. It describes purposeful, deliberate completion, not simply reaching the last step of a task.
This word reveals how Paul viewed his ministry. He wasn’t trying to survive the journey; he was determined to complete the assignment Jesus had given him. His focus was not on the cost but on finishing well, with nothing left undone.
Reflect on this.
Ask yourself today: What has God entrusted to me that I must finish with faithfulness and focus? Invite Him to steady your heart and strengthen your hands so you can complete your God-given course.
