One might conclude that Paul's long imprisonment did not result in any good. But he did not seem to regard it all in vain. He manifested a spirit of willingness to endure anything for the sake of Him who had done so much for his salvation. His courage and faith were a continual sermon.
Photo by Paul Thompson
When he was taken to the place of execution, he did not go with dread. His thoughts were not of himself, but of his brethren, and he was trying to encourage them by repeating the precious promises.
“The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets death with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish far more toward overcoming the opposition of the enemies of the gospel than he could have effected had he labored with his utmost energy day and night to bring repentance.”
“A true Christian is never laid aside. God will use him in health, in sickness, in life and in death.” When a servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, when his voice is no longer heard in encouragement and reproof, we in our short-sighted judgment often conclude that his usefulness is at an end. But God does not so regard it. The mysterious providences over which we so often lament, are designed of God to accomplish a work which otherwise might never have been done.”
THE MAKER OF THE UNIVERSE CAN WORK UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
Paul had converts in the court of Cæsar. For one in the household of the Roman emperor of that time to accept the gospel was like rushing into the fire. Yet these converts did not leave their post, but remained, and showed by their life the change that God had wrought.
All who would fearlessly serve God, will need moral courage and firmness, and a knowledge of His word.
Before the warfare is ended and the victory won, we are to experience trials similar to Paul's. We shall encounter the same hardness of heart. Among the professed followers of Christ there is the same pride, formalism, vainglory, selfishness, and oppression that existed in the Jewish nation.
Persecution will again be kindled against those who are true to God. How shall we prepare for the soon-coming crisis? We must meet it, and we have but a short time to prepare for it. May we have help from above to enable us to live so near to Him that He can be to us “the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.”
“A man's conversation is a mirror in which you can behold his real life, for ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.’ The conversation of the man who lives and walks with God is marked by a peculiar depth, breadth, gravity, weight, thoughtfulness, and tenderness. His words breathe the deep, quiet convictions of his heart.”
