Conviction, Determination & Perseverance

Apostle Paul by Rembrandt 1657

Paul was remarkable.  After reading about his adventures in the Bible one can say, “They were exciting!”  He was well educated, and could speak several languages, yet he experienced a complete conversion from what he had been taught and believed.  His new faith redirected him for the rest of his life.  He was certain it was worth giving his life to tell others and he held tenaciously to his commitment, even though he was subjected to cruel punishment that eventually cost him his life.

It was soon after Jesus was crucified and resurrected from the dead, that those who witnessed the miracle, were spreading the word.  They were known as Christians.  Paul, on the other hand, who had been educated in the Jewish faith which taught that salvation was promised to those who kept a set of rules, undertook to eliminate Christians with a vengeance.  His encounter with Christ the risen Saviour had convinced him to change completely, and he devoted himself to preach salvation by faith in Christ; in that Jesus, being God in the flesh, paid the penalty completely, for the sins of all individuals who believe in God’s forgiveness.

Paul embarked by sea and by foot on a preaching tour over thousands of miles of rough terrain, along with a friend, Barnabas.  Later, it was with others.  They gained many followers and often encountered cruel resistance such as being stoned and left for dead.  With determination, they would gather their strength and reenter the city from which they had been cast out.  Beatings and incarcerations did not deter them from building congregations along the way, and they would return to bolster the faith of loyal followers.

During their travels, Paul wrote many letters to his churches.  They are known today as books in the Bible, namely, Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus and Philemon.  Paul proclaimed that God inspired his writing.  His letters contain words of great wisdom for us today, just as they did for their initial recipients.

Paul was a brave soldier of the cross, a man of brilliance, bravery, compassion, humility and grace.  He found it difficult to decide whether it was better to live close to Jesus on earth, telling others about His saving power, or to go to be with his Lord in Heaven and enjoy His presence.  As a piper, if I were asked to pay tribute to this humble man, I would choose the hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” written by Isaac Watts, and played to the music of Lowell Mason:

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss
And throw contempt on all my pride.

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.