Acts 20:22-24 22And now, behold, being bound by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what things will happen to me there, 23except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions are awaiting me. 24But I consider the account t my life worth nothing of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my race and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Next, Paul gave his plan of going to Jerusalem and his motivation in ministry. He had a deep sense and conviction about going to Jerusalem given to him by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit witnessed to him that trouble awaited him there. He wrote in Romans 15:31 that he was anticipating problems from the unbelievers in Jerusalem. He had faced many such unbelievers, especially among the Jews, in the various cities to which he had traveled. Going to the very center of Judaism just about guaranteed more problems, and these would be to the level of imprisonment and persecution. Paul had many significant victories and mountain top experiences in his ministry, but also many life-threatening challenges. He listed many of these in 2 Corinthians 11.
Paul was led by the Spirit to take the offering to the believers in Jerusalem, but he was also warned by the Spirit that this journey would be one of extreme hardship for him. He faced a decision whether to take the road of safety and stay with one of the churches and locations that were nice and convenient, or to follow God’s leading even though it meant pain and persecution. God’s will for us is not always easy, but always best.
Paul’s conviction and motivation shine through with verse 24. This verse echoes the thoughts in some of his letters such as 2 Corinthians 4:7–12; 6:4–10; 12:9-10; Phil 1:20-21; 2:17; 3:8; Colossians 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:7. He was totally committed to the mission the Lord Jesus gave him. His life was secondary and worth nothing compared to following Jesus’ call on his life. This call to witness to the gospel compelled Paul to preach no matter what challenge he faced. He took his ministry seriously, not looking for personal convenience or comfort but completion of the task given him. He would come in conflict with the Jews because he preached the good news of God’s grace, not legalistic obedience to the law or following human traditions and interpretations.
Paul was giving the elders from Ephesus the best example he could of how they could continue in their own ministry and calling to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. His words challenge us to pause and count the cost of following Jesus. Paul’s situation and calling were unique, but his motivation is one we can emulate.