Acts 20:22-24

He Describes What Has Caused Him To Want To Speak To Them And The Fate That Awaits Him (22-24).

“And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will befall me there, save that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.”

He declares that he is not sure what is to befall him but does know that bonds and affliction await him, and that he must necessarily go forward. He cannot escape, for he is already bound by the bonds of the Spirit Who holds him captive, taking him inexorably forward in the fulfilment of His will.

He knows that this is so because in every place that he visits prophets warn him of the bonds and affliction that lie ahead. Luke has avoided mentioning this previously lest it became too repetitive. He will shortly give specific examples. So like Jesus before him, Paul goes steadfastly towards Jerusalem in order to suffer for Christ's sake, because he knows that only through that suffering can God's purposes be fulfilled. He will not shrink from anything that will enable him to fully accomplish God's will, even the ‘much tribulation' through which we must enter under the Kingly Rule of God (Acts 14:22).

“But I do not hold my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of the grace of God.”

Indeed he does not consider himself at all when making his decisions. He will not cling to his life or count it as of more value than being faithful to God's service, for he knows that his life is of little value except as it is spent in fulfilling the pathway and ministry that the Lord Jesus has set before him to follow and do. And all this is so that he may testify to the good news of the unmerited favour and compassionate mercy and activity of God (‘the grace of God'). This is his ministry and lifework and nothing else matters.

Paul is not here seeking to arouse great admiration for himself. He is telling them of his own dedication, in order that it might be a call to their hearts to go and be the same. He is hoping for a like response. He is not only saying ‘Pray for me.' He is also saying, ‘You also must face life with the same constancy'.