JMNT(i)
19 "constantly performing as a slave for the Lord (or: continually serving as a slave-servant to [Christ, or, Yahweh]), with all submissive humility (the frame of mind as of being in a low position) and [with] tears and [with] harassing ordeals (or: tests and trials) which from time to time walked along with me (= happened to me) during, and in the midst of, plots originating from the [religious leaders of the] Jews –
20 "how [in] nothing (or: under no circumstances) did I arrange myself under (= out of public view) and hold myself away [from the issue] (or: shrink or draw back) from repeatedly bringing [thoughts and information] together to recount to (or: for) you and to teach you folks in public, as well as from house to house,
21 "to both Jews and Greeks constantly certifying with thorough testimony about and full witness of the change in thinking and the returning into God, as well as faith and trust [directed] into our Lord, Jesus [p74, Aleph, A, C & D add: Christ].
22 "And so now, look and consider this! I myself, having been bound by the Breath-effect (or: in the Spirit; to [my] spirit and attitude; with the [realm of] spirit; for the breath-effect) – and still being thus – I continue proceeding on my journey into Jerusalem, not seeing or knowing [p41 & D read: having insight about] the things that will progressively be meeting together with me (or: that will proceed falling together in opposition to me) within the midst of her (or: it),
23 "except that down through each city (or: from city to city) the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit) keeps repeatedly giving full witness and evidence to me, continually saying that bonds (= imprisonments) and pressures (oppressions; afflictions; tribulations) continue remaining and are still awaiting me.
24 "Nevertheless, from not even one thought do I habitually make my soul of value to myself (or, with other MSS: neither do I now hold a word or idea for me, nor do I continuously make my inner life or self valuable or precious to me), until I can finish my course (complete my trek and perfect my career; bring my run to its purposed destiny; or: [with other MSS: so] I would bring my race-course to its goal), as well as the attending service, which I received from beside the Lord Jesus: to for myself make full witness of and give thorough evidence for the good news (the message of ease, goodness and well-being) which is God's grace (or: which has a source in, and the character of, the undeserved joyous favor of God).
25 "And thus now, consider this. I have seen and am thus aware that all you folks, among whom I passed through constantly and progressively making public proclamation heralding the reign and kingdom [D adds: of Jesus; E and others read: of God], will no longer see my face.
26 "Hence (or: Because of this) I am now testifying to you men – in this very day – that I continue being clean from the blood of all humanity,
27 "for you see, I did not draw back from recounting to you folks all the purpose, will and counsel of God (or: from the [situation] to at some point announce again all God's design and determination for you people).
28 "Continue holding focused toward and taking attentive care – to and for yourselves, as well as for all the little flock among whom the Set-apart Breath-effect Itself (or: the Holy Spirit Himself) set you folks [as] ones who look around over people for their welfare and oversee situations – to be continuously (or: habitually) acting as shepherds of God's [other MSS: {the} Lord's {= Christ's or Yahweh's}] called-out community which He built as a surrounding for Himself (or: made to encompass Himself), through (or: by means of) His own blood.
29 "Now I myself have seen and am aware that, after (or: with) my spreading forth as dust and ashes (= going away, so as to be out of reach), heavy (= burdensome and oppressive) wolves will enter into the midst of you folks – folks by habit not sparing (or: treating with tenderness or forbearance) the flock,
30 "and men from among you yourselves (= from your own community) will of themselves proceed standing up, repeatedly speaking things having been thoroughly turned and twisted (things that are distorted and not straight), to progressively drag (or: draw; [D & p41 read: turn]) away the disciples behind (thus: after) themselves.
31 "Therefore, constantly keep your wits about you (be continuously awake, alert and watchful) while continuously bearing in mind through remembrance that three-year period [when] night and day I did not cease – with tears – repeatedly and progressively placing [thoughts; ideas; information; admonition] in the minds of each one [D & E add: of you folks].