“The Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 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 20:23-24
Paul didn’t think, “I’ve suffered enough. I’ve filled my quota. No more for me.” Nor did he think, “This is painful. God must hate me.” No, whatever the cost to his reputation and even his safety, Paul saw it as a God-given privilege to spread the gospel.
Take-aways:
1. The human heart is allergic to the gospel. This is universal.
2. The only power for changed hearts is the good news of God’s grace in Christ crucified. Law intensifies resistance. Only grace can melt resistance.
3. God sends his servants into every city, to get the message of grace out to more people.
4. His servants will be mistreated by sincere but uncomprehending people who feel threatened by the gospel call to repentance and faith (Acts 20:21).
5. The present is not the measure of the future. The miracle of heart-melting grace will succeed — not in all, but very wonderfully (Romans 8:18-21; Revelation 7:9-10).
6. It is a privilege to proclaim the blood-bought renewal of all things right now, ahead of time. It deserves our best, our all. Let’s never quit.
