John Calvin Commentary Acts 20:24

"But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." — Acts 20:24 (ASV)

I care not. All the godly must have such a frame of mind, and especially the ministers of the Word, that, putting all other considerations aside, they hasten to obey God. Life is, indeed, too excellent a gift to be neglected; namely, since in it we are created in the image of God, so that we may think about that blessed immortality which is reserved for us in heaven, where the Lord now, by various testimonies and signs, shows Himself to be our Father.

But because it is appointed for us as a race, we must always hasten toward the mark and overcome all hindrances, lest anything hinder or delay us in our course. For it is a despicable thing for us to be so captivated by a blind desire to live that we lose the reasons for living for the sake of life itself; and the words of Paul express this.

For he does not simply treat his life lightly; rather, he puts aside concern for it, so that he may finish his course and fulfill the ministry which he has received from Christ. It is as if to say that he does not desire to live, except that he may fulfill the calling of God. Therefore, it will be no grief to him to lose his life, provided that by death he may reach the goal of the duty prescribed to him by God.

And we must note what he says, with joy, for his meaning is that this joy is not taken from the faithful by any sorrow or grief, but that they both live and die to the Lord. For the joy of a good conscience is too deeply and surely established to be taken away by any external trouble or any sorrow of the flesh; it triumphs too joyfully to be oppressed.

Also, we must note the definition of his course; namely, that it is the ministry received from the Lord. Paul indeed speaks of himself; yet, by his own example, he teaches that all those go astray who do not have God as the governor of their course. From this it follows that his calling is for every one of us a rule for a good life.

Nor can we be persuaded that the Lord approves of what we do, unless our life is shaped and ordered according to His will.

This is certainly required, especially of the ministers of the Word: they should undertake nothing unless they have Christ as their author.

Nor is it to be doubted that Paul, in giving his apostleship this characteristic (as he very often does), confirms its credibility.

He calls it the gospel of the grace of God, a name derived from its effect or purpose. This is, nevertheless, a title of rare praise, signifying that by the gospel, salvation and the grace of God are brought to us. For it is very beneficial for us to know that in the gospel God is found to be merciful and favorable.