731. 2CO 11:22. HISTORY OF PAUL. [NO. III.]

2Co_11:22. History of Paul. [No. III.]

As a Preacher and Writer

"In labors more abundant."’972Co_11:22.

In our last discourse, we traced the life of the apostle, from the period of his conversion, to the time that Barnabas sought him, and took him with him to Antioch, where they labored together in that city, for a whole year. Now, for the next twenty-five years, the Apostle Paul was fully devoted to the great work of the apostleship, and stayed not in his illustrious course, until he laid down his neck to the stroke of the executioner, in the imperial city of Rome.

But on this occasion, we wish to call your attention to two features in the apostle’s life and labors.

His preaching; and,

His writings.

I. The Apostle Paul’s preaching.

Now, it has generally been believed, hat while the apostle possessed every mental, and spiritual, and supernatural qualification for the work’97that, physically, he was not adapted to impress. Just read 1Co_2:4; and also Gal_4:13; 2Co_10:10. It has hence been supposed that the apostle was low in stature. For Chrysostom says, "This man of three cubits height, was tall enough to touch the heavens." In that case, he was not more than four feet and a half high. Then, (2). It is supposed he had occasional hesitation, or difficulty of speaking. That his eloquence was that of matter, and not of enunciation; and that (3). He was subject to some physical disease, which caused him great suffering. His thorn in the flesh, was perhaps something of this kind.

But his profound learning’97his highly cultivated intellect’97his knowledge of the Scriptures’97his ardent mind’97his devotedness of spirit’97with all the endowments of the Holy Ghost, made him a most eminent minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us just listen to the apostle on four occasions.

He is a prisoner for Christ’s sake. He is brought forth to be examined before Felix. His defence is most noble (Act_24:10-22). And afterwards, when the wife of Felix was with him; Act_24:24, Act_24:25.

See the apostle also before Agrippa; Act_26:1-26; and then his direct application to the heart of the monarch; Act_26:27-29. Let us look at the apostle, when publicly laboring in the gospel at Athens; Act_17:16, &c. And at Ephesus; Act_19:1-12; Act_19:18-20.

Now, we see the apostle in these cases, under circumstances of most extraordinary interest; and the course of noble and effective conduct he pursued, and the striking features which distinguished him as a preacher of the Lord Jesus. But let us next contemplate the Apostle Paul,

II. As a writer.

Here he stands forth most conspicuously to view. Here all his learning and mental qualities and endowments, are brought into the most effective operation. The speaker has many advantages over the writer, for the time being. Words spoken, are spirit and life. Hence the most extraordinary effects are produced. Hence Cicero and Demosthenes wrought upon the people, and moved them, as the winds agitate the leaves of the forest, or bend the waving corn.

But the advantages of the writer, are these,’97

(1.) His own personal defects, as in the case of the Apostle Paul, are not known or observed.

(2.) The production can be more carefully drawn up, and more entirely finished.

(3.) The whole subject can be better brought under review.

(4.) The writer possesses a kind of ubiquity; and can teach and edify thousands of millions.

(5.) It has the advantage of perpetuity, the press gives permanency; so that its influences may last to the end of time. So, happily for the world, the epistles of Paul.

Paul’s writings form more than one-fourth of the New Testament Scriptures. His epistles are fourteen in number.

They are distinguished,

(1.) For strong and logical argumentation.

(2.) Great vigor and energy.

(3.) Display much emotion and ardor in the writer.

(4.) Are very bold and faithful.

(5.) Often Most tender and pathetic. Embrace,

(6.) All the great doctrines of Christianity.

(7.) Are also eminently characterized by experimental religion: and,

Finally. Display a most earnest zeal for practical holiness’97and the loftiest virtues of benevolence and mercy.

His Epistle to the Romans is mainly occupied in illustrating the great doctrine of the sinner’s justification by faith, in the Lord Jesus Christ; and the righteousness of God, in casting off incorrigible Jews, and electing Gentile nations to the privileges of the gospel.

His Epistle to the Hebrews was written anonymously; and designed to reconcile his countrymen to the Christian faith, by showing that the New Testament faith had been prefigured by the types and sacrifices of the old economy, and that Jesus was the end, and the sum of the law, and the prophets. His Epistle to the Philippians is most tender and affectionate. To the Colossians, most sublime and powerful? To the Corinthians and Ephesians, most searching and faithful. But all were appropriate, excellent, and divine. There was one golden thread running through all: "Christ crucified." Christ all and in all.

In conclusion, consider,

1. Paul was an example for ministers. Laborious, constant, diligent, evangelical, and faithful.

2. As a pattern for religious writers. His research’97his candor’97his fidelity!

We should rejoice,

3. That Paul’s labors remain for our benefit.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS