1464. Paul's Conflicts

Paul's Conflicts

"For these causes the Jews caught me in the Temple, and went about to kill me.

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come" (Act_26:21-22).

Wherever Paul went he called upon men to repent,–to turn to God, and to do works meet for repentance, but the Apostle Paul did not find an easy reception. There are three things stated with which he sums up his conflict.

1. His persecutions. "For these causes the Jews caught me in the Temple, and went about to kill me." Under this verse comes many a trying scene. Persecuted in one city, and fleeing unto another. Let down from the widow, stoned and left for dead, surrounded by mobs, beaten, bruised and bleeding, shipwrecked, marooned on a lone isle. Many were the trials, the persecutions and the conflicts that met the Apostle Paul.

2. Helped of God. What wonderful miracles of grace could be enlarged upon just here! When we follow the career of the Apostle Paul, when we study the recorded deliverances and anticipate many not recorded, our hearts swell up with praise to Him Whose eye is upon His saints.

"The way is dark, oh, Father.

Cloud upon cloud is lowering over my faith.

Oh, Father, take my hand,

And lead me safely through."

3. Pressing on. "I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great." Paul never took down the flag. Paul never camouflaged. Paul never compromised. He pressed on–preaching, teaching and testifying. The message which he gave in one city, was the message he gave in another. He never toned it down. He never cringed. He preached the Gospel without fear or favor. He was willing to know Christ, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed unto His death. Applause or censure never moved him. He sought solely to know and to proclaim the whole counsel of God. He was often oppressed, but never forsaken. He was often weary in the way, but never wearied of it. He was often faint, but always pursuing.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR