The Apostle Paul is probably one of the most prolific speakers in the New Testament. Having authored a good portion of it by way of the Holy Spirit, Paul writes passionately about his devotion to Jesus Christ.
A legalistic Pharisee originally known as Saul of Tarsus, he made a name for himself by persecuting first century Christians. He excelled at this task, and even stood by to hold the coats of the men who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr. But even as Saul looked on approvingly at Stephen’s death, God had a plan of his own. Shortly thereafter, Saul had a unique road-side encounter with the risen Lord and it turned his life upside down. From that day forward, Saul of Tarsus becomes Paul, Apostle of Jesus Christ.
Over the next several years, Paul completes a whirlwind tour, traveling from city to city, boldly sharing the Gospel with anyone who will listen. He is uniquely qualified for this mission. As a former Pharisee, Paul uses his extensive knowledge of the Law and the Prophets to speak to the Jews, demonstrating how Jesus fulfills Messianic promises of the Old Testament (Acts 13:13-41). His education also gives Paul the ability to speak and reason with the intellectual Greeks in an articulate manner (Acts 17:16-34). Finally, Paul’s Roman citizenship gives him standing with other Romans, and provides him the opportunity to share the Gospel with Roman officials (Acts chapters 22-26), a mission which Christ himself assigns to Paul.
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11, NIV
Paul understands his mission: to declare the saving grace of Christ to as many people as the Lord puts into his path. But he also recognizes that the journey will not be without risk.
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:23-24, NIV
Fearing for his life, Paul’s friends urgently plead with him to avoid Jerusalem. Paul however, reminds them of the bigger picture.
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13, NIV
As anticipated, Paul’s message is not well received in all places. His preaching causes mobs and riots. People threaten him and try to kill him. Paul is beaten, arrested and imprisoned. Despite this, he remains steadfast in the purpose of his mission.
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21, NIV
Last evening I heard an interesting perspective on this familiar passage. I was listening to the RealRadio broadcast of Pastor Jack Hibbs, who has the gift of teaching God’s word with great enthusiasm! He quoted this verse as a conversation between Paul and those who wanted him dead. I’m paraphrasing a bit, but the exchange went something like this:
For me to live is Christ! To die is gain!
Paul, stop preaching or we’re going to kill you.
To die is gain!
Okay then, we’ll keep you alive.
To live is Christ!
Well then we’ll put you in prison!
Great, I’ll preach to the prisoners! I’ll preach to the guards! As each guard is chained to me, I’ll tell him about Jesus, and when his replacement rotates through, I’ll tell him about Jesus too!
Paul had the boldness to see opportunity in each circumstance and he had an eternal perspective of his mission. It didn’t matter to him if he lived. It didn’t matter if he died. It didn’t matter if he was imprisoned, so long as Christ was magnified through him. Paul also recognized that the Lord uses even bad circumstances to reach people, and that his own “boldness under fire” as it were, actually encouraged other believers!
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. Philippians 12-14, NIV
Oh, that we would have the boldness of Paul!
Dear Lord, Please help us to focus on our own missions. Grant us an eternal perspective, and help us to recognize that time is short. Give us a heart for the people who need to know you, and the courage to be bold in the face of persecution. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On the journey toward Home,
