The Twelfth Apostle – Part 4
Whose Name will be on the Twelfth Foundation of New Jerusalem’s City Wall?
In Part 4 we are looking at what Paul suffered for the Savior and with which Dignitaries the Apostles came in contact with.
Paul Suffered for the Savior’s Name Sake
Example of Things Paul Suffered for the Savior’s Name’s Sake
2 Corinthians 11:23-28 Are they [other servants and apostles] ministers of Christ?—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily; my deep concern for all the churches.
2 Timothy 3:10-12 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Luke verified some of the events in Paul’s perilous ministry:
Acts 13:49-51 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from the region. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. (See Matt. 10:14)
Acts 14:19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
Acts 16:20-24 And they [the authorities of Philippi] brought them [Paul and Silas] to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe,” Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in stocks.
Dignitaries Confronted the Apostles
Who are the Dignitaries with Whom the Apostles were Confronted?
And who were some of those whom the Lord Jesus said the apostles would be brought before—for His sake?
The Lord Jesus gave to the eleven original disciples, the following directives:
Matthew 10:14 “And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city shake off the dust from your feet.”
Matthew 10:16-20 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”
Paul’s Journeys
Looking into Paul’s historical journeys, the Lord’s orders to the original disciples, it all seems to apply to Paul as well:
Paul spoke to both Festus—the Roman governor of Judea, and to King Agrippa—an Edomite (he was a Gentile)—also called Herod—6th Herod, or King of Judea.
Judea was a Roman imperial province. The Northern kingdom of Israel was exiled by the Assyrians in 722 BC, and the Southern Kingdom was overthrown by the Babylonian empire in 587 BC. Israel was not called Israel again until 1948. During the period in the early Church Age it was still called Judea, here’s what Paul was saying to Festus the procurator [governor] and to King Agrippa of Judea:
Acts 26:24-29 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
-to be continued-
To be continued in 2 weeks with Part 5
“Paul Preached the Gospel – Where and What? – When and How?”
A Personal Note:
We published these 6 posts in a small book! In case you don’t want to wait for Part 5 to 6 over the coming weeks, you can download an e-copy here or order the book through our website.
Please pray that people will come to the saving knowledge of the Truth before it’s too late, and love their children to teach them the Truth.
Thank you for reading and God bless you!
Other Blog Posts to Check Out:
Why did Jesus Christ die on the Cross?
Who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last?
What is a Believer? What is an Unbeliever?
The Decision – Is it only for Self?
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“How to Receive Eternal Life” Posts
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Resources:
Check Out these Interesting Resources:
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. Inc.
Gospel Folio Press – William MacDonald – Believers Bible Commentary
Warren Henderson Publishing
Christ-centered Books and Messages to Enhance Your Spiritual Growth
Uplook Ministry – Fireside Friday by Jabe Nicholson
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