Paul's life was spent in the service of our God in any way God lead, especially in chapter 20 where he was preparing for Jerusalem knowing that he most likely faced persecution there. Speaking to the elders of Ephesus he states, "You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house," (v.18-20). The thing that stuck out to me most here and when he stated it again in v.27 was the phrase "I did not shrink from..." Paul, though being persecuted and through all that happened, didn't shrink from declaring the gospel regardless of where he was and what opposition he faced. He remained steadfast because he used his life to glorify God and through that glorification he shared the gospel. Do we as believers share this same mindset of not shrinking?
I think what really ties this all together and gives reason why he doesn't shrink from proclaiming is what is found in v.24, "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only that I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." True humility is found in Paul here realizing his life is nothing but for the work of the gospel given to him by Jesus Christ. Why else would he not shrink from proclaiming it if his life is worthless to himself? There would be no reason. God granted him the knowledge and wisdom in realizing his life was meaningless unless he proclaims the gospel. This is why he suffered at great lengths and eventually was crucified for the sake of the gospel.
This is an extreme challenge to us as believers and followers of Christ. We must not shrink from proclaiming the gospel wherever we are no matter the persecution or the awkwardness of the conversation. Let us humble ourselves before God that he may use us to proclaim the grace of his gospel to his people. Let us not shrink from the task we've been given in reaching those with the gospel to glorify our mighty God.
