Acts 20:24

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

But I do not consider my life to be of value, as precious to me, [when compared to the importance of] accomplishing my task and the mission I received from the Lord Jesus to declare the good news of God’s unearned favor [through Christ].

Cross References

2 Corinthians 4:1

So, having obtained this ministry through [God’s] mercy, we do not become discouraged.

2 Corinthians 12:10

So, I am pleased to [endure] weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties, [all] for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak [physically], then I am strong [spiritually].

Acts 21:13

[But] Paul answered, “What are you trying to do [by your] crying and breaking my heart [like this]? [Do you not know that] I am ready, not only to be chained up, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus?”

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dearly loved brothers, stand firm [in the faith]; do not be moved [from your commitment] Always do your best to work for the Lord, since you know that your labor in the Lord’s [service] is not for nothing.

Romans 11:6

And if [they were selected] by God’s unearned favor, [then] the choice is not based on the good that people may do. Otherwise, God’s favor would not be [really] unearned.

Acts 14:3

Paul and Barnabas remained there a long time and spoke [the message] boldly for [or, in the power of] the Lord who gave His approval to the message of unearned favor by allowing [miraculous] signs and wonders to be performed by them.

1 Peter 5:12

This brief message is being inscribed [or delivered] by Silvanus, whom I consider to be a faithful brother. [In it] I am exhorting you and giving testimony that it is a message about God’s genuine unearned favor upon you. So, continue to follow [and obey] what it says.

Titus 1:3

but at the proper time revealed [it] through the message entrusted to me to proclaim, by the commandment of God our Savior.

Galatians 1:1

[This letter is from] Paul, an apostle, (not from [the authority of] men, or through the [agency] of a man, but by [a direct commission from] Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead).

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are encouraged, I say, and would rather be away from our body and at home with the Lord.

Acts 20:32

“Now I commit you [elders] to God and to the message of His unearned favor which can build you up [spiritually] and provide you with the inheritance [of never ending life], along with others who are [specially] set apart [for God].

Acts 11:23

When he got there and saw how God was favoring the people [with salvation] he was very happy and [stayed on and] encouraged everyone to remain close to the Lord with a heartfelt purpose.

Philippians 2:17

But even if I am poured out like a drink offering [See Ex. 29:38-41] on the sacrifice and service produced by your faith, I am glad and will rejoice with all of you. [Note: Paul here likens the possible pouring out of his blood to the wine and oil of the Old Testament sacrifice, which is then likened to the Philippians’ faithful service to God].

Acts 9:15

But the Lord replied to him, “Go on your way, for Saul is someone I have especially chosen to carry my name to the [unconverted] Gentiles, kings and the Israelites.

Acts 1:17

For he was one of our number and shared with us [in the responsibility of] this ministry.”

John 17:4

I am honoring you [while] on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

Revelation 12:11

And they [i.e., the brothers. See 6:9- 11] gained the victory over Satan by the blood of the Lamb, and by [remaining true to] the message of their testimony. And they did not love their lives [so much that they refused] to die [for their faith].

1 John 3:16

Here is how we can know what [God’s] genuine love really is: It was [demonstrated by] Jesus laying down His life [on the cross] for us. And [because of that] we [too] should [be willing to] lay down our lives for [the sake of helping] our brothers [and sisters].

2 Timothy 1:12

For I am suffering these things [See verse 8] for this reason [i.e., because of being a Gospel preacher]. Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed in [i.e., Jesus], and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him [i.e., Paul’s spiritual well-being] until that day [i.e., the Day of Judgment].

Colossians 1:24

Now I rejoice in [spite of] my sufferings for your sake, and I am filling up [i.e., completing] in my physical body what was lacking in the afflictions Christ endured for His body’s sake, the church.

Ephesians 3:13

So, I am asking you people not to become discouraged over my sufferings on your behalf, for they are for your benefit [eventually].

2 Corinthians 7:4

I have great confidence in talking to you; I have great pride in you and I am full of encouragement [over you] In all of our troubles I am overflowing with joy.

Hebrews 10:34

For you showed sympathy for those who were in prison and accepted it joyfully when your [own] possessions were taken away, [because] you knew that you yourselves had a better and more permanent possession [in heaven].

Titus 2:11

For God’s unearned favor has appeared, bringing salvation to all people [i.e., in the coming of Christ].

2 Timothy 4:17

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message could be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles could hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. [Note: This is probably a figure of speech indicating that Paul had escaped some immediate danger. See Psa. 22:20-21].

Acts 22:21

Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away from here to the Gentiles.’”

1 Thessalonians 3:3

so that no one would be shaken by [having to experience] these difficult times. [See 2:14]. For you yourselves know that we are destined to have such experiences.

1 Thessalonians 2:2

But [even though] we had already suffered and been mistreated at Philippi [See Acts 16:19-24], as you people know, we had the boldness, [with help] from God, to tell you His message in spite of much struggle [i.e., opposition].

Acts 20:21

[You know how] I testified to both Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], that they must repent [i.e., change their attitudes and behavior] toward God, and have faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:6

so that we would praise His glorious, unearned favor, which was freely given to us through the One whom God loved [i.e., Christ].

2 Timothy 3:11

persecutions and sufferings. You know what kind of things happened to me at Antioch, Iconium and Lystra [See Acts 13:13-14:23], and what [severe] persecutions I experienced [there]. But the Lord rescued me from all of them.

Romans 4:4

Now wages are not considered a gift if the person has to work for them, but [rather] an obligation [of his employer].

Luke 16:28

where I have five brothers. Then he could warn them so that they will not [have to] come to this [terrible] place of torment also.’

Acts 13:25

As John was completing his ministry he said [to the great crowds], ‘Who do you people think I am? [No], I am not the Messiah. But look, Someone is coming [to Israel] after [I complete] my mission whose sandal straps I am not even worthy to unfasten.’

Acts 15:7

And after many questions were asked [about it] Peter stood up and addressed the assembly [including the former Pharisees who were now brothers]: “Brothers, you are aware that some time ago God decided that it would be through my ministry that some Gentiles from among your number would hear and believe the Gospel message.

Acts 18:5

But when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia [i.e., from the town of Berea], Paul began devoting his full time to declaring the message to Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

Acts 20:23

except that the Holy Spirit reveals to me in every city [I visit] that chains and persecutions await me there.

Philippians 2:30

because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to provide me with what you were not able to.

Revelation 6:11

And a white robe was given to each one of them, and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the [full] number of their fellow servants and their brothers would be killed like they were.

2 Corinthians 4:12

So then, [the possibility of physical] death is at work in us, while [spiritual] life is at work in you.