Traveling more than twelve thousand miles in his lifetime, Paul trod Roman roads and sailed Roman seas to plant the cross of Christ in new lands. Preaching, teaching, writing, healing, this ardent traveler is known as the most powerful missionary the church has ever known. His personality leaps from the pages of the Bible with startling vividness. He is not mentioned in the four Gospels; yet more than a third of the New Testament involves his ministry. His Epistles rank next to the Word of Jesus in spiritual power.
No stained-glass saint, Paul endured insults, hardships, privations, persecution, and calamities as he spread the Gospel message. Yet he was joyful. Thirteen of his brilliant letters are incorporated in the Bible. From the very beginning, these Epistles were considered God-breathed and formed part of the New Testament Canon. From his doctrinal Epistle to the Romans through the personal plea to Philemon for a runaway slave, Paul's letters expose the very heartbeat of our Lord.
Only after Paul's death were his Epistles titled. Then they were identified by names contained in the first verse of each. Throughout his letters, he calls for deep love, purity of life, and undying compassion for the lost. Paul sowed spiritual seed in the far corners of the earth. He wrestled for the right of Gentiles to hear Christ's message and become vital believers in the church. No one questions his influence for good. Yet, the amazing fact is, he once was a murderer! When he found Christ, his life dramatically changed. The inspiring story of Paul serves to remind us that God's mercies are long and His love is strong. Thank God for saving power that has reached even such as us.
“Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”
2 Corinthians 11:28 KJV
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