²⁴ But I don’t place any value on my life, if only I can finish my race and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

¹⁶ Therefore, God’s choice^[a] does not depend on a person’s will or effort, but on God himself, who shows mercy.

² I went in response to a revelation, and in a private meeting with the reputed leaders, I explained to them the gospel that I’m proclaiming to the gentiles. I did this because I was afraid that^[a] I was running or had run my life’s race^[b] for nothing.

⁷ You were running the race beautifully. Who cut in on you and stopped you from obeying the truth?

¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. Then I will be proud when the Messiah^[a] returns^[b] that I did not run in vain or work hard in vain.