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In Acts 20, beginning in verse 17, Paul is found on his final recorded journey to Jerusalem, where he will be arrested and sent to Rome. Paul had a great desire to preach to those in Rome (Romans 1:10-15), and he would get that opportunity (see Acts 28:30-31)! The Lord assured Paul of this opportunity, “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” (Acts 23:11)

On this final journey to Jerusalem, Paul makes several key stops along the way to strengthen the Christians with whom he had invested a great deal of time. In this passage, he stops in Ephesus to let them know they would see his “face no more” (Acts 20:25). You can imagine the feelings involved with this visit. You can also understand then the weight of the words that Paul would deliver to these brethren he loved so dearly. 

Paul gives us several notes of exhortation in this passage, but they all draw to a singular purpose. In other words, all that Paul stated concerning his ministry came down to one thing. We also need to be people of one purpose. Notice three areas that Paul speaks of in these precious final words.

Paul Speaks Of His Steadfastness
In verse 18, as a great example to you and me, Paul was able to testify that He was the same from the “first day” and through “all seasons.” 

“And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,”

Paul Speaks Of His Service
Paul served the Lord with “humility of mind.” He served with great passion and dedication, despite facing opposition. (vs. 19) Paul further states that his ministry of the gospel was complete (“…I kept back nothing profitable unto you…”) and carried out even from house to house (vs. 20).

But all of this was under the constraint of one singular thing! In other words, what was the thrust of Paul’s life? Notice with me verse 24. 

Paul Speaks Of His Singular Purpose 
Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Many Christians today easily move from one thing to another. Being tossed to and fro is an indicator that we are double-minded (James 1:8, 4:8) rather than having a set, singular purpose. Paul recounts all of the things he did in ministering to the Ephesians. Then he tells them, I am going to Jerusalem, where bonds and afflictions await, but I cannot be moved. My life isn’t dear to me. He continues, I want to finish my course with joy and do all that my Lord has asked of me!

What is the secret to Paul’s fruitful ministry? We see that his singular purpose, which Paul received from the Lord, was to “testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Did you know we should have that same singular purpose today?