Articles
"None of These Things Move Me"
Paul visited with the elders at Ephesus as he was concluding his third preaching trip. He told them He was on his way to Jerusalem and that he did not know what would happen to him there, except that the Holy Spirit revealed that bonds and afflictions awaited Him.
What was Paul’s response to this warning? “None of these things move me” (Acts 20:24a KJV). While this expression is absent in many manuscripts, it nevertheless accurately reflects Paul’s spirit. The verse continues, “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”
Paul was unmoved by persecution. It did not convince him to stop preaching. It did not push him away from potential hot spots (see Acts 19:30). It did not prompt him to water down the message. It did nothing to in any way derail the work he was determined to do. Paul was just as unmoved by other challenges.
Paul was unmoved by disappointing brethren, whether it was the Galatians who reversed course (Galatians 1:6; 4:9-11) or the Corinthians who persisted in carnality (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) or the momentary failure of beloved Peter and Barnabas (Galatians 2:11-14).
Paul was unmoved by critics, who attacked him on a personal level (2 Corinthians 10:10) as well as what he taught, even misrepresenting him (Romans 3:8).
Paul was unmoved by the hardships of his work: the fatigue and dangers of constant travel, the financial difficulties he often faced, and the constant concern about brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26-28).
Paul was unmoved by worldly appeals. He refused to preach himself (2 Corinthians 4:5). He did not try to impress with his oratorical skills (1 Corinthians 2:3-5). While he appreciated the support brethren gave him from time to time (Philippians 4:18), he was not in it for the money (1 Corinthians 9:14-18).
Paul’s determination and dedication to the Lord enabled him to fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Let’s each ask ourselves if we have Paul’s spirit, the one that says, “None of these things move me.”
