| Christian Life and Doctrine | March 1965 |
Paul, the Faithful
JESUS is the outstanding example of devotion to the will and work of his Heavenly Father, and the Apostle Paul earnestly endeavored to be like him. From his prison home in Rome Paul wrote, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” (Phil. 3:17) Again, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Phil. 4:9) Paul did not admonish that we follow him instead of Christ; he entreated the brethren to follow him in the same faithful manner and to the same sacrificing degree that he followed the Master.
Paul was a devoted servant of God even when he was still Saul, and a persecutor of the church of Christ. He was sincere in his devotion, but unaware of the fact that he was opposing God in his efforts to stamp out the Christian church. When the Lord appeared to him on the Damascus road, and revealed to him that Jesus truly was the Messiah, he was ready at once to embark upon the ministry of the Gospel.
Paul entered the ministry of Christ fully aware of the hardships which would be involved, for the Lord revealed to Ananias that he would show Paul (then known as Saul) “how great things he must suffer” for his “name’s sake.” (Acts 9:1) But this did not deter Paul. We read that “straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20) That Jesus claimed to be the Son of God was one of the “crimes” for which he was crucified. This point was particularly distasteful to the Jews, but this did not dissuade Paul from affirming in the synagogues that the One whom they had crucified was indeed the Son of God, and that now he had been raised from the dead.—vs. 22
Paul must have realized that this would lead to persecution. We read, “And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him.” (vs. 23) Through the aid of the brethren at Damascus, Paul escaped from his persecutors by being let down over the wall of the city in a basket. But this proved to be only the beginning of a long ministry in which time after time attempts were made on his life. Besides, sufferings of other sorts resulted from Paul’s faithfulness, but he never wavered or hesitated in saying and doing what he believed to be the Lord’s will for him to say and to do.
To Paul, the “great things” which he had the privilege of suffering in the name of his Master were evidences of divine blessing. Indeed, he looked upon them as among the proofs of his apostleship. Writing on this point, he said:
“In labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep: in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”—II Cor. 11:23-28
None of these things moved Paul from his steadfast service of the Lord, the truth, and the brethren. Years after his conversion in Damascus, and while held in protective custody by the Romans, he testified to King Agrippa that he had not been disobedient to the heavenly vision which brought about his conversion to the cause of Christ. (Acts 26:19) Even when he spoke these words he knew that he would be taken to Rome as a prisoner.
Missionary Work Begun
Paul’s active service began at Antioch, in association with Barnabas. There had been a scattering abroad of the believers as a result of the stoning of Stephen—to which, incidentally, Saul consented—and some of them had gone to Antioch and begun preaching the Gospel there. Many believed. The news of the wonderful manner in which the Lord was blessing the work in Antioch reached the brethren of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to assist. When Barnabas arrived in Antioch “he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.”—Acts 11:19-24
After witnessing the manner in which the Lord was prospering the work in Antioch, Barnabas concluded that still more help was needed, so he went to Tarsus, where he apparently knew he would find Paul. Paul returned to Antioch with Barnabas, and they labored together in this city for an entire year. Learning from Agabus “that there should be a great dearth throughout the whole world,” the brethren at Antioch decided that they would send help to their brethren in Judea, “which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Paul.”—Acts 11:27-30
Superficially, this does not appear to be an especially important incident, but actually it is very revealing so far as Paul is concerned. When he was converted the Lord told Ananias, whom he sent to visit Paul in the home of Judas, that he was a chosen vessel unto him to bear his name before the Gentiles. (Acts 9:15) Doubtless this information was conveyed to Paul. This would assure him that in addition to the fact that he would be called upon to suffer, the Lord also had an important work for him to do, and that he had been specially chosen for the service. But now we see this noble man of God, in association with Barnabas, acting as a carrier of material relief to their stricken brethren in Judea.
The point is that those whom the Lord can and does use in important aspects of his work must be humble enough to do the lesser things. And doubtless Paul rejoiced in the opportunity of assisting Barnabas in the task assigned to them. He did not take the position that the Lord had commissioned him for more important service and that therefore someone else should go with Barnabas.
As the church at Antioch grew in numbers and in spirituality, it was natural that they should begin to think about extending the ministry beyond their own city. The Holy Spirit directed them to select Barnabas and Paul for this missionary work. (Acts 13:1-3) One of the places visited on that journey was Antioch in Pisidia. As was his custom, Paul first visited the synagogue. There he was given an opportunity to speak, and in a wonderful sermon presented the Gospel, pointing out the reasons why Jesus was the Christ of promise, emphasizing his resurrection from the dead.—Acts 13:14-42
Many of the Jews who heard this message rejoiced in it, as did also a number of Gentiles who had been converted to the Jewish faith. Paul preached this sermon on the sabbath, and on the following sabbath “almost the whole city” came together to hear the Word of God preached. Again Paul presented the Gospel eloquently and with power. But there were those who “raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.” These servants of the Lord did not resist. Instead they “shook off the dust of their feet against” their persecutors and left the city. It was a trial, but nevertheless “they were filled with joy, and with the Holy Spirit.”—Acts 13:44-52
Paul’s experience at Antioch of Pisidia was not an isolated one. In essentially every place he visited he encountered bitter persecution. It did not always take the same form. Sometimes it originated with the Jews; sometimes with the Gentiles. Sometimes it resulted in imprisonment, as in Philippi; sometimes they were merely forced to leave the city. Also, even in those early days of the church, there were those referred to by Paul as “false brethren” who caused trouble for him.
At Troas
Paul’s faithfulness to the vision which had been given to him often led to weariness of the flesh, for he never hesitated to make use of any opportunity of service which presented itself to him. We recall his experience at Troas, which Paul reached by ship. He remained with the brethren for seven days. The next day was the first day of the week, and he knew that the local brethren were gathering that evening for the breaking of bread, probably in remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus.—Acts 20:6-13
Paul decided to remain in Troas for another day in order to be with the brethren there for this important assembly, although he knew his ship was leaving. The next port of call for the ship was Assos, about twenty-five miles distant. He instructed the brethren who were traveling with him to leave Troas with the ship, while he remained for the meeting, although he knew this would require his walking those twenty-five miles to Assos.
Just why Paul considered it so important for him to be at that particular meeting in Troas is not revealed. Since the resurrection of Jesus was probably commemorated at the meeting, Paul may have taken the occasion to confirm their faith in this great fundamental doctrine of the divine plan. If so, we can imagine some of the telling points of his discourse by reading the 15th chapter of First Corinthians. This was the time when Paul preached all night. And it was here that a young man who was sitting in the window went to sleep, fell out of the window and was killed, and was restored to life by Paul.
What a long period of continuous service that proved to be! The beloved Paul must have been extremely weary by the time morning came. And then he had that long walk to Assos. Twenty-five miles of walking over the rough roads of that time was in itself a difficult task, yet Paul knew this was before him when he decided to remain in Troas and serve the brethren there. Yes, Paul was zealous. There is nothing in the record of his ministry to indicate that he ever endeavored to save himself.
Ready to Die
One of the very interesting highlights of his ministry occurred while he was on his way to Jerusalem on his final missionary journey. On that journey he met with the elders at Ephesus. He made known to them that he was going “bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Spirit witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.” To this Paul added, “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 20:22-24
Later, certain brethren tried to dissuade Paul from going to Jerusalem, knowing that trouble awaited him there. But Paul replied, “What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13) Paul was an ardent follower of his Master, and it would seem likely that under these circumstances he would recall the account of the time that Peter similarly tried to dissuade Jesus from going up to Jerusalem, to be arrested and to be put to death. What a blessing it must have been to him to realize that now he was going through an experience almost identical to the one in which Jesus proved so faithful. And Paul also met the challenge faithfully, and with fortitude.
Paul did not die at Jerusalem, as Jesus did, but he was there imprisoned by the Roman authorities to save him from death at the hands of an infuriated mob of his own countrymen. While in prison in Jerusalem the Lord appeared to him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” (Acts 23:11) This message of assurance from the Lord doubtless had a bearing on Paul’s decision to appeal his case to Rome.
Being a lawyer, and a Roman citizen, Paul knew that if he appealed his case to Caesar the Roman authorities would be obliged to take him to Rome. He knew also that in this way he could get to Rome under the protection of Roman guards. But even so, his journey to Rome was a long and difficult one. That it was a great trial to the beloved Paul is indicated by a few words recorded by Luke in connection with brethren who came out from the city of Rome to meet Paul, having learned that he had landed in Italy. Luke wrote that when Paul saw these brethren “he thanked God, and took courage.”—Acts 28:15
Still Faithful
From his prison home in Rome Paul wrote letters to the brethren, one of which was to the church at Philippi. There is not the slightest sign of discouragement in this letter, but to the contrary, he admonishes the brethren to “rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (ch. 4:4) Looking back upon the harrowing experiences of his ministry, one less resolute than Paul might well have wondered, at this point, if it was all worthwhile; but not Paul. He seemed more determined than ever to serve the Lord, regardless of what the further cost might be. “For me to live is Christ,” he wrote, “and to die is gain.”—ch. 1:21
In chapter 3 of this epistle Paul further reveals his zeal for Christ, and his determination to be faithful to the Lord. In the first seven verses he reminds the brethren at Philippi of some of the advantages he had enjoyed as a Pharisee. From this statement it is evident that Paul, or Saul, as he then was known, had enjoyed a great deal of prestige, and had been a man of influence among his people. But he concludes by saying, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” (vs. 7) Even though now a prisoner in Rome, with his future as a man uncertain, Paul was still rejoicing in the fact that he had given up everything for Christ. He added, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”—vs. 8
With all his natural abilities Paul knew that he had no righteousness of his own that would commend him to the Lord. He wanted to be “found in him,” not having his own righteousness, which, as a Pharisee, was the righteousness of the Law. He wanted to be in Christ, and be assured of the righteousness “which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”—vs. 9
Paul wanted also to “know” Christ, “and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,” and to be “made conformable unto his death.” “If by any means,” he continued, “I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.”—vss. 10-12
In Ephesians 1:17-23 Paul reminds us of the mighty power of God which was manifested in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He informs us that this same mighty power is enlisted on behalf of the followers of Christ even now, to assist them in their every time of need. And of course this power will also be utilized to raise each member of the Christ body from the dead.
Paul knew that there was only one way to attain the full likeness of Christ in the first resurrection, and that was to be “made conformable unto his death.” (Phil. 3:10) For this he gladly “suffered the loss of all things.” Paul realized when writing this epistle to the Philippian brethren that he had not yet “apprehended,” or secured that for which he had been called. “But this one thing I do,” he said, “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”—vss. 13,14
A Crown Laid Up
Later Paul wrote to Timothy from prison in Rome, and said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (II Tim. 4:-68) When writing these words of assurance concerning himself, Paul’s situation was somewhat different from the time when he wrote to the Philippians. At that time he was not sure what the immediate future held for him; he saw the possibility of a release from prison, and consequently of continued service in the Lord’s vineyard. Had matters turned out this way, Paul knew that he would have been subjected to many more tests, and he did not want to be one who “thinketh he standeth,” lest some unexpected experience should cause him to fall.—I Cor. 10:12
But when Paul wrote to Timothy the situation had changed. Now he knew that soon he would be executed. Whether or nor he had been officially notified of this, we may not know. But Paul had learned about it, and could still write, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (ch. 1:12) Paul had met the final test, and had been victorious. That course of faithfulness begun in Damascus was now essentially finished. Through all the many things he had suffered, he had continued to fight “a good fight,” and he had “kept the faith.” He knew, therefore, that a crown of righteousness had been laid up for him which he would receive when his Master returned.
“And not to me only,” Paul added, “but unto all them also that love his appearing.” The “love” which Paul speaks of is the love which he manifested throughout the entire course of his ministry. This was the zealous, self-sacrificing love which consumed Jesus, and Paul held back nothing in order to be like Jesus. Do we have this love? Are we following Paul as he followed Christ? Is this the “one thing” which is uppermost in our minds and hearts? If it is, and we continue in this way of faithfulness, we too will one day finish our course with joy and be joined with Jesus, and Paul, and the other faithful ones.