MOVED BY NONE

Moved by None

Toni Babcock

“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.” (Acts 20:24 KJV)

The Apostle Paul spoke these words to the elders of the church of Ephesus before departing on a journey to Jerusalem, knowing in every city he would be met with “bonds and afflictions”. He knew it would be the last time the elders would see him face to face. Their grief was real as they knelt together with Paul to pray and weep - and say goodbye.

The afflictions of the world held no promise of deliverance to Paul, but this is not what troubled him the most. 

“For I know this” he said, “that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:29-31)

We all live in a world of uncertainty, suffering, and loss – and for some the imminent threat of religious persecution. We should not be moved in all of this, yet this is not our primary concern. 

Paul warns us of a far greater danger. Wolves will try to infiltrate and corrupt the church of the God. It begs us to ask the burning questions:

‘Who do I follow?’ ‘Do they testify the gospel of the grace of God? ‘Do they point me to the Savior?’ 

  
Toni Babcock is author of The Stone Writer, Christian Fiction for Young Readers and Teens. Contact