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We may contemplate the apostle's course as —

I. APPOINTED. "My times are in Thy hand" — the time of birth, death, prosperity, adversity, usefulness. The appointment is —

1. High in its authority.

2. Wise in its regulations.

3. Good in its designs.

II. LENGTHENED.

1. Hence we have to admire the care of God in his preservation.

2. Then what opportunities for usefulness in so long a career.

III. CONSISTENT. He was governed by —

1. Christian principle.

2. Prudence.

3. "Patient continuance in well-doing."

4. Endurance to the end.

IV. USEFUL.

V. FINISHED WITH JOY.

(S. Eldridge.)

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KJV: 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.

WEB: But these things don't count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.