I AM A FAN OF PAUL! I hope people do not take that to mean that I think of him as more than a man. That is obviously not the case – but he was a great man, though he did not see himself that way. True, he lived in great times, during the period in which God completed His plan for man and sent it forth in the hands of a few trusted disciples. His own actions were crucial in establishing and expanding that “Way”, and as part of the “foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Eph 2) his work still has as much impact as any in defining and encouraging discipleship. In Paul’s conversion, effected by the power of the gospel, Christ perfectly illustrates both “reach”of His system (deep within the ranks of the most ardent of the religious and political adversaries of truth) and its converting power (capable of taking this “injurious” one and turn his potential into a mighty dynamo of productive energy on behalf of the Lord.) Obviously, a major factor was the character and nature of Paul himself. He demonstrated – first as a persecutor, and then as a loyal and sacrificial servant of his Lord and Master – a tenacity in fulfilling his moral and spiritual obligations (as he saw them at the time), and a capacity to translate his convictions into a productive and faithful servitude. This perhaps explains why Christ would choose him to be “apostle to the Gentiles” – he proved himself more than equal to this task. Even while an enemy, Paul exhibited a selfless devotion to duty and pursuit of the righteous end of his convictions at whatever price he might be called upon to pay. Just as he at first gave himself completely to the work of hounding and punishing Christians, upon his conversion he immediately and completely reversed his course and spent the rest of his life seeking to undo the horrible mistake he had made. From then forward, he evidenced an utter disregard for his personal feelings and safety as he “labored to be accepted of Him” 2 Cor 5:9 He spoke continually of the grace of God (Titus 2:11,12) which he was able to share with others, and committed himself to a life spent urging the obedience of faith (Rom 1:5; 16:25) on the part of all. If a man of this conviction and commitment saw himself as “the chiefest of sinners” (1 tim 1:15), and even as the servant of Christ felt himself to be “less than the least of all saints” (Eph 3:8) – what does that make of me? (acb)
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 11:41:37 +0000
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