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PAUL
(Study on the Twelve Apostles)
(MBC - Wednesday PM, December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023
We have already tackled the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ including Matthias the man who replace Judas. We are going to tackle about a man who was not included on original twelve apostles but was called of God to be a very special Apostle. Almost all know and heard of this man, the Apostle Paul. We have observed that the New Testament talks often about the Apostle that all of the other original twelve disciples even we put them all together into one study lessons. It would require us to study a book not just a brief chapter if we are going to study the life of the Apostle Paul in detail. It is necessary for ourselves to be reminded of the seven interesting things about the life of the remarkable Apostle Paul. I – PAUL’S JEWISH RELIGION The Apostle Paul had two names: Saul and Paul. Before Acts 13, before Paul was saved, he was called Saul and starting Acts 13:9 and following after he was saved, he was usually called Paul. Before Saul of Tarsus got saved, he was a very religious Jew. How about yourself, are you also a religious person? Are you faithful church goer, attending church several times in a week? Are you used to pray and give thanks before eating meals? Do you pray consistently and read the bible regularly? Are you a religious person like Saul who was a religious person? As a very religious Jew, Saul describes his religious life in Philippians 3:4-6 "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh, if any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eight day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."
Philippians 3:5 “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a ___________________;” Read Luke 18:10-12 and find out what most of the Pharisees were like.
Luke 18:10-12 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.“
Pharisees were very religious people who thought themselves they were very self-righteous people. That is the kind of man Saul was because he was a Pharisee. Read Galatians 1:14 and find out if Saul thinks of himself as more religious or less religious that most of the Jews during his day.
Galatians 1:14 “And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being _________ exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.”
Is there a possibility for a person to be religious but not right and not saved? Is there a possibility to do all kinds of religious activities outwardly but inwardly the heart of that religious person is polluted by sin and unrighteous in the sight of God? That is the kind of person Saul was. Saul thinks he serves and pleases God but exactly the opposite, Saul in reality was fighting against the Words of God, against the ways of God, and against the will of God. Many are just professing they know Christ as the Savior and Lord but not possessing Christ as their Savior. They have religion but have no true relation with Christ. Being religious cannot save but having spiritual relationship with God through faith in Christ can save. Saul’s Jewish religion does not have power to save and did not take him to heaven.
II – PAUL’S MONSTROUS ACTS
Based from what Saul says when he was a religious but unsaved man what did Saul do? __________________
Galatians 1:13 “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:”
Philippians 3:6 “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”
I Corinthians 15:9 “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”
Saul persecuted the church of God, and intending to prevent the spread of Christianity that is why, Saul he imprisoned Christians and sometimes killing Christians.
Acts 26:10-11 “Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.”
At that point of time in his life, Saul did not believe that Jesus was God. Saul was not saved; he was not a Christian.
The first Christian martyr was Stephen who was a courageous man. When Stephen was stoned to death, Saul was there.
Acts 7:54-60 “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him; and the witness laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Can you identify who was the man standing giving his approval on the day that Stephen was stoned to death?
Acts 7:57-58 “Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.”
That young man named Saul became a leader in the persecution of believers.
Acts 8:1 “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.”
Saul was like a fire-breathing dragon as he hurts and harms the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 9:1 “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,”
Paul describes who he was when he was not yet saved: (I Timothy 1:13)
I Timothy 1:13 “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”
1. Paul was a Blaspheme
The word “blaspheme” means to speaking hateful and hurtful words against someone.
Read Acts 26:9 and know who was that wonderful Name that Saul spoke against and did hostile things? ____________
Acts 26:9 “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.”
Not only Saul blasphemed against the Lord Jesus Christ, but Saul forced other people to blaspheme like what he did.
Acts 26:11 "And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities."
Did you met or know someone who speak with bad words and hateful language against Jesus Christ? _________
Did you met or know someone whose mouth full of cursing by using the holy name of the Lord Jesus? ____________
2. Paul was a Persecutor The word “persecute” basically means “pursue.” This gives us the picture of a hunter chases a fox which defines “pursue” to run after or to chase after. Therefore, to persecute means to run after a person because he wanted to harm that person. Saul the unsaved blasphemer persecuted and chased after every Christians he could find anywhere he goes.
Acts 26:11 “And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.“
When Saul got saved and become a Christian, he found out the Name of the One who he was really persecuting. Do you know who was the Name of that someone he was persecuting? __________________
Acts 26:14-15 “And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”
When you harm the body of Christ which is the Church, you harm as well the Head of the body, that is Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church.
Ephesians 5:23 “Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”
3. Paul was Injurious The word “injurious” means Saul was a violent and mad man. Saul with his aggressiveness seeking Christians because he wanted only to harm and to injure them.
Acts 26:11 “And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.“
Saul was pleased and happy to see Christians put to death.
Acts 26:10 “Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.”
Saul was pleased and happy to punish Christians whenever he could hurt and harm them. If you are living during the time of Saul the mad man, blasphemer, persecutor and injurious, you have not been safe to be in the place where the fire-breathing dragon Saul was present. If you are alive and living during the times of Saul, you probably think that Saul the blasphemer, persecutor, and injurious would be the last person who would ever get saved. Probably you have said "God is able to save sinners, but there is no way that this man will ever get saved. He is the persecuted the church of God and a church's greatest enemy. Saul wanted to destroy us all, and nothing or no one will ever change his evil thinking. There is no hope for this man." Sometimes we gave up on people we know by thinking and saying that certain person will never change and will never be saved. Do you have a school mate, love ones, friends, co-employee whom you think will bever ever become Christians? Don’t give up praying for those people you know are great sinners. The God who gracefully changed the life of Saul completely is the same God who can change the lives of any unsaved sinners today. Don’t stop you have a big reason why you have to start praying for some of these people you had given up on. Don’t lose your confidence on God. If God change and saved Saul, He will certainly change and save a worst sinner of today. For with God nothing is impossible. Don’t underestimate the power and ability of God to save the most wicked, most miserable, most evil doer of today’s generation. God is so merciful that He saved Saul and because of God’s abundant mercy and longsuffering He is also able to save chief sinners of today. I Timothy 1:15-16 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” III – PAUL’S AMAZING CONVERSION In spite of die-hearted, closed belief on his Jewish religion, with his merciless, ruthless monstrous acts persecuting the church of God and even to point of killing Christians, doing it because of unbelief, but Paul obtained mercy and God saved Him and Saul was converted. Paul turned about and changed the direction of his life. When Saul was unsaved man had been going the wrong way, but when he encountered the Savior Jesus Christ, suddenly something happened that resulted to a complete turn around of Saul. The description of Saul conversion was recorded in the book of Acts (Acts 9:1-9; Acts 22:1-11 and Acts 26:1-18). Acts 9:1-9 “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.”
Acts 22:1-11 “Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. 2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,) 3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. 6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. 11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.”
Acts 26:1-18 “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. 4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. 12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
On the day of Saul’s conversion, what happened?
Read Acts 9:6, then answer some question:
Acts 9:6 “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”
What did Saul see? __________________
What did Saul realize later when he was converted that he had not realize before met the Lord? _______________
Was Saul willing to follow and obey what the Lord Jesus told him he must do? ________________________
Read Acts 9:18 and know what Saul after salvation.
Acts 9:18 “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”
After Saul got saved, what did he do? ____________
Have you done what Saul did? Have you been converted? Have you changed your direction after your conversion?
Has God turned you about after God saved you? What direction are you going now since you met the Savior and trusted Him to save you? Saul was a changed man, are you a changed person like Saul?
IV – PAUL’S REMARKABLE MINISTRY Read Acts 9:20 find out what did Saul do soon after he was saved? _______________
Acts 9:20 “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.”
Read Acts 9:21 find out that the former persecutor of a Christian is now preaching the gospel.
Acts 9:21 “But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?”
Why all the people were so amazed because heard the former persecutor of all Christians who is now preaching the gospel of Christ? _________________________
Saul who was the great enemy of church had now become Paul the great Apostle of the Church. The life of Paul was truly and totally changed. He become a “new ___________________ (II Corinthians 5:17).
II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Christ testimony was shown to other believers what He had done for the soul of Paul. The believers testified about Paul.
Galatians 1:23 “But they had heard only, That he which _____________ us in times past now ____________ the faith which once he _______________”.
There was something that made a big difference in the life of Paul, what is it?
The big effect that made a great difference in his life is when Paul had met the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. How about you did you met Christ as your Savior?
After Saul’s conversion and was saved, the Lord Jesus had a very special ministry for the Apostle Paul. Although Paul was not one of the original twelve Apostles, God called and made Paul a special Apostle (Galatians 1:1; Romans 1:1).
Galatians 1:1 “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)”
Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,”
What Christ had done to a converted life of Paul then having a remarkable ministry as an Apostle:
First, Special Appearance – Christ made special Appearance to Paul.
The risen Savior Jesus Christ made a special appearance unto Paul (Acts 9:5; 1 Corinthians 9:1; and 1 Corinthians 15:8)
Acts 9:5 “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”
I Corinthians 9:1 “Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?”
I Corinthians 15:8 “And _______ of all he was _________ of me also, as of one born out of due time.”
Second, Special way of revelation – Christ taught Paul in a very special way. (Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:3-5,7-9).
Galatians 1:11-12 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 3:3-5,7-9 “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:”
Third, Special mission – Christ sent Paul on a very special mission.
The word “Apostle” means “sent one” or one who is sent.” Read Romans 11:13 and know what Paul has been called by God by putting down the mission words.
Romans 11:13 “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the __________ of the ___________, I magnify mine office:”
Read Ephesians 3:8, to know Paul preached to the Gentiles to those who were not Jews throughout the Roman empire.
Ephesians 3:8 “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;”
Paul told the Gentiles about the Savior Jesus Christ who could save them and make these non-Jewish people become members in the body of Christ, the church. Saul the former persecutor hated any believer of Christ who would boldly preach Christ. After Saul got saved by repenting from all his sins and trusting Christ as his Savior, Saul became Paul, the bold preacher, perhaps the greatest preacher the church has ever known. What a change direction of life, a real transformed life of Paul and was given a remarkable ministry given by Christ his Savior. Paul has really a remarkable ministry. We observed that Paul becomes the main figure and main character in the New Testament. In the book of Acts, the first 12 chapters are mostly about Peter, and the last 16 chapters of Acts, that is from chapter 13 on are all about Paul and his three missionary journeys. In order for us to have an idea of all the places that Paul went, we can look at a Bible map, and there we are informed all about his first, second and third missionary journeys. Then Paul wrote almost half of the New Testament books. Certainly, there have been a different history of the church, if it had not been for Paul remarkable ministry and dedicated labor of this faithful servant, apostle and missionary of Christ. There was a wonderful purpose, why God saved Saul and become Paul the Apostle. God saved Paul for a very wonderful, special, and important something and did not saved Paul for nothing. Read Acts 9:15 and Acts 26:16-18 to find out the purpose why God save Saul? _______________________________
Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:”
Acts 26:16-18 “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
Can you say that you are saved by the grace of God? _____________ If you are saved by God’s grace, therefore God has saved you for something not for nothing. God saved you for a very special purpose, it was a very special purpose for you. God wants you to serve Him in a special way, like Paul whose life was used by God in a special way. Now, ask yourself: Do you allow God in any way to use your life as God chooses? Do you surrender everything to God and offer your whole life to God? Are you willing to do what God want you to do, and be the person what God want you to be, and go wherever God want you to go? Did you asked God what he wanted you to do? Like Paul said in Acts 9:6 "Lord, what wilt thou have me to ______"? Read Acts 9:15 and ask yourself if you are a clean vessel to be used by God?
Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:”
Do not look Paul like of a super Christian, for there is no such that kind of a Christian. Paul was just a person just like you and me, like all Christians. Paul possessed a sinful old nature like everybody else. Listen to the statement of Paul in Romans 7:14,18,24,25 “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” In spite that Paul still has the old sinful nature as like of all, Paul became the great man, not because he was intelligent or have knowledge of all things, or not because he was skillful, but because Paul trusted the great, faithful and powerful God.
Is the great God of Paul still available to you today? _____________
Can you also trust the same God of Paul today? ________________
If God made Paul a great servant of God, can that same God of Paul make you a great, clean and vessel of the Lord? ______
Indeed, after Paul’s conversion, God gave Him a remarkable ministry. How about you?
V – PAUL’S GREAT SUFFERING After Saul was saved and his name became Paul, God instructed Paul what things he should expect in his lifetime. Read Acts 9:16 and find out the missing words.
Acts 9:16 “For I will shew him how ________ _________ he must suffer for my name's sake.”
During the time of intense persecution against Christianity, the cruel hands of Saul the Persecutor had caused the sufferings and death of many believers. When the time that Saul was converted and became Paul, he himself had to learn that the life of a believer will unavoidably sometimes involve suffering. In the case of Paul, his believer’s life involved much suffering. Paul shares to us the various different ways in which her personally suffered. It is hard to believe that anyone could have experienced all of the sufferings that Paul had gone through (II Corinthians 11:23-28). Let us Consider what Paul had testified verse to verse:
II Corinthians 11:23-28 "Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 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; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”
1. II Corinthians 11:23-28 "Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft."
a. Labours – Paul knew what it means to labor more and more often hard work for Christ and even to die for Christ.
b. Stripes – Paul acquired red stripes in his body of being whipped by the enemies of Christ.
c. Prisons – Paul knew what is to be like to be imprisoned more frequently for doing what Christ commissioned him by preaching the Gospel.
d. Deaths – Paul faced the possibility being close to death more often.
2. II Corinthians 11:24 “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.”
Although to receive just one lash would be bad enough, but how many times Paul received 39 lashes from the whipping hands of the Jews? ___________
3. II Corinthians 11:25 “Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;”
How many times Paul was beaten with rods? _____________
How many times Paul was stoned? ______________
Usually, lot of people never tell that they were stoned in life. Paul was stoned and Acts 14:19 tells us about that time.
Acts 14:19 “And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.”
c. How many times suffered shipwreck? ___________
Paul testified that one of these instances, he had experienced a night and a day swimming in the deep Mediterranean Sea.
4. II Corinthians 11:26 “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;”
How many times the word “perils mentioned by Paul just in this verse? _________
The word “perils” means danger. Paul was saying he was in constant danger, but the God of Paul is great and mighty who can deliver him from all of these perils. Read Psalm 34:17 and put the missing word as Paul could say like what David says.
Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their ____________.
5. II Corinthians 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”
Paul knew what a person is like when he got weary, when suffering in pain, when he felt hungry and thirsty, when a man stays awake at night, when to go in his missionary journey without food, when he experienced the coldness of season and when to live without any cloth to change his used garment.
All these enumerated personal experiences of Paul are truly impressive, amazing, stunning, marvelous. However, Paul wrote this list of sufferings during the early part of his ministry about 55 A.D. So, Paul had about to experience more years of suffering for the next 10 more years. There are many experiences of sufferings of Paul that are not included in the lists of Paul in II Corinthians 11:23-27 because in a later list three more imprisonments and one more shipwreck and also many other things were included in the list that Paul suffered for Christ’s sake and His gospel.
As we meditate all the listed sufferings mentioned by Paul, we might have think that Paul was a miserable man, Paul have felt of quitting or giving up, and Paul have felt as a Christian and as an Apostle was not worth all the pain and suffering. But actually, we learn the very opposite was true in the life of Paul. Do we find Paul complaining with regards to his pain and sufferings inside the prison in Philippi? _________ Acts 16:2-25 Read Romans 8:35, 37 and give the answer to several questions.
Romans 8:35, 37 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Did Paul experienced all the things he mentioned in Romans 8:35? ___________ (v.35)
Could all the dangers listed by Paul separate him from love of his Savior Jesus Christ? _________ (v.35) Complete the verse by putting the missing words in Romans 8:37?
Romans 8:37 “Nay, in _______these things we are ________than ______________ through him that loved us.”
In the midst of Paul’s numerous, frequent and countless sufferings, Paul become a super conqueror. Paul was so grateful for the grace and power of the Lord Jesus Christ that works effectively that sustained him and made him willing to go through various challenges for His Savior Jesus Christ.
Every saved person would always face difficulties and suffering in a Christian journey of life. Christian life is not always an easy life. Satan will always do his best with his demonic forces so that every child of God would find that Christian life is not always easy. The road of suffering has been the path for many Christians down through the years.
Read Acts 5:40-41 and know if it is possible for believers to rejoice in spite of suffering and persecution they are facing? ____________
Acts 5:40-41 “And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”
Read Matthew 5:10-12 what lesson the Lord Jesus wants us to learn if somebody persecuted and abused us? _____
Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
The Lord Jesus gave Paul many opportunities to rejoice in sufferings and also gave Paul many great privileges.
Read II Corinthians 12:1-10 and know that Paul actually took an amazing trip to heaven.
II Corinthians 12:1-10 “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
If Paul was given great privileges as he took an amazing trip to heaven, do you believe that it is possible for you to take a trip to heaven someday? ___________
John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
VI – PAUL’S COURAGEOUS DEATH
Second letter of Paul to Timothy (II Timothy) is the last book written by Paul in the New Testament. The II Timothy was written shortly before the death of Apostle Paul. Read II Timothy 4:6-8 and answer several questions:
Do you think that Paul was ready to die? (v.6) _______________
II Timothy 4:6 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”
Do you think that Paul was afraid to die? (v.7-8) _____________
II Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 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.”
What do you think, what physical death did mean to Paul? __________________ (Philippians 1:21,23; II Corinthians 5:8)
Philippians 1:21, 23 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:”
II Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
In II Timothy 4:7, find out if Paul has that desire to be with the Lord Jesus who had saved him? ___________
Those who fought a good fight, finished his course, kept the faith are those who live well in their Christian life, so they are ready to die well.
II Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
The Nero the Roman emperor was responsible for the death of the Apostle Paul. Fire broke out in Rome during the reign of Nero in the year 64 A.D. Six days and nights the fire burned as the greater part of the city of Rome was burned and laid in ashes. The great hatred aroused among the people of Rome against their emperor Nero because of the rumor that it was Nero himself caused the city of Rome to be set on fire and fully devastated. Nero accused the Christians for having set the fire to the city of Rome because he wants the hatred of the citizens of Rome turned to the Christians and away from himself who is the one responsible for the fire that broke out in Rome. In spite that accusation to the Christians authored by Nero was certainly not true, however, large numbers of Christians were still arrested and resulted to a severe intense persecution against Christianity. As a result of that wrong accusation toward Christians, many Christians were crucified. Some Christians were merciless sewn up in the skins of animals and then large wild dogs were loose and attacked them so that their bodies were horribly torn to pieces. The women Christians were tied to mad bulls that drag them helplessly unto death. Christians were executed for false accusation by the people of Rome as they were burned at the stake in the garden of Nero. During this ruthless and cruel emperor Nero of Rome, both Paul and Peter were put to death. To the fact, that Paul was a Roman citizen so Paul could not be crucified like the way Peter was crucified, thus Paul’s head was cut off like John the Baptist as he was executed with a sword. Are you sure, when you die today, you will go to be in heaven with Christ? If you say No, come to Jesus, repent from all your sins and trust Christ as your Savior. If you say, you are sure, the how do you know, you are sure? VII – PAUL’S ETERNAL REWARD Read II Timothy 4:8, because Paul lives righteously and faithfully before God and find out what is that Paul expects that he may received from the Lord Jesus Christ? _______________________
II Timothy 4:8 “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.”
Read Romans 8:18 what is Paul’s future hope.
Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Notice the word “worthy” here is a word that is used in weighing things and shows that the scale is balanced and even.
According to this verse, Paul tells us that the sufferings are not worthy of the glory, that statement of the Apostle indicates an unbalanced condition. Let us take a look at the scale: On one side, you have a very tiny and insignificant particle of dust which represents all the sufferings of this life which Paul enumerated his sufferings in II Corinthians 11:23-28 which we already studied. Then on the other side, large piece of cast iron that weighs billion tons. Did you see the point! The sufferings listed by Paul is like nothing in comparison with the glory which shall be revealed. Our sufferings in this present time are nothing to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us when Christ’s comes.
Read II Corinthians 4:17 then compare what Paul had said between two things.
II Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
Paul said that the sufferings are light and temporary or momentarily, while the glory which will be ours in the future is heavy and eternal. We need to view things from the perspective and viewpoint of eternity. What matters is the things with eternal purpose for the glory of God.
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