Finish the Race; Complete the Task

August 27th, 2025

Acts 20:17-24.

In our scripture passage today, Paul is journeying to Jerusalem for his final time, “compelled by the Spirit,” he says. Yet, “the Holy Spirit warns me,” he adds, “that prison and hardships are facing me” (vv. 22-23). The rest of Acts informs us that Paul did encounter attempts on his life in Jerusalem. He was arrested, tried, and shipped off to Rome, where, placed under house arrest (28:30), he continued to teach about Jesus. Tradition says Paul was martyred in Rome.

Paul had determined the course of his life years before when he set his heart to follow Jesus. Indeed, he finished the race and completed the task Jesus had given him: to preach “the good news of God’s grace” (20:24) to the very end of his life.

I read almost daily the testimonies of today’s Jesus-followers across this world who teach and preach the good news of Jesus in areas of intense opposition and persecution. They have set their hearts to remain faithful, even in the reality of arrest, torture, and, for many, even death.

What is the set of your heart? Of my heart? Will we finish the race faithful even unto death?

Author: Barry Ross