An Essay on the Character of the Apostle Paul, Considered as an Example and Pattern of a Minister of Jesus Christ # 2

An Essay on the Character of the Apostle Paul Considered as an Example and Pattern of a Minister of Jesus Christ # 2

Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians abound in such expressions and strains of tenderness, as would doubtless be generally admired, were they not overlooked, through the unhappy disregard which too many show to that best of books in which they are contained. When he is appealing to themselves concerning the sincerity of his conduct, and how far he had been from abusing his authority, he says, "We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children," - who, by her tender and assiduous offices, supplies their inability to take care of themselves" (1 Thess. 2:7-8).

He then adds, "We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us!" No comment can do justice to the spirit of this sentiment.

In another passage, "We were forced to leave you," (1 Thess. 2:17). the original term has an emphasis which no single word in our language can answer. It imports such a state of separation as is made between a parent and a child by the death of either, when the child is left a helpless and exposed orphan, or the parent is bereaved of the staff and comfort of his old age. It beautifully intimates the endearing affection which subsisted between the apostle and the people he was writing to, and demonstrates the greatest tenderness, simplicity, and love.

But his regard went beyond words, and was evidenced by the whole course of his actions. Nor was it confined to those who had enjoyed the benefits of his personal ministry; his heart was charged with the care and welfare of all the churches; and even those who had not seen his face, had an unceasing share in his solicitude and prayers (Col. 2:1). Nay, so strong was his love to the churches, that it balanced his habitual desire to be with Christ; he could not determine which was best choice - to suffer with the members upon earth (so that he might be serviceable to them), or to reign with the Head in heaven (Phi. 1:23-24). In the passage referred to, we see the happy centripetal and centrifugal forces which carried him on through the circle of duty - he  constantly tended and gravitated to his center of rest; but successive opportunities of usefulness and service drew him off, and made him willing to wait yet longer.

In this part of his character we are not to consider him exclusively as an apostle. All who have truly known the Gospel to be the power of God unto salvation, are partakers of the same spirit, according to the measure of their faith. That person is unworthy the name of a Christian, who does not feel a concern and affection for his brethren who are in the world. It must be allowed that prejudices and misapprehensions too often prevent the Lord's people from knowing each other; but, so far as they believe a person to be a child of God through faith - they cannot but love him. This is the immutable criterion which our Lord Himself has given, whereby His real disciples are to be known and acknowledged (John 13:35). He has not directed us to judge by their discourses, their knowledge, or even their zeal - but by the evidence they give of mutual love! We may as easily conceive of a sun without light, or a cause without an effect, as of a person duly affected with a sense of the glory of God and the love of Christ - and not proportionally filled with a spirit of love to all who are like-minded. But especially this disposition is essential to a minister of the Gospel, and the apostle assures us, that all imaginable qualifications are of no avail without it!  Though we could possess the powers of a prophet or an angel, or the zeal of a martyr - if we were destitute of this love - we are, in the sight of God - but as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

3. Paul's Inflexible Attachment to the Great doctrines of the Gospel is another part of his character which deserves our attention. He knew their worth, experienced their power in his own soul, and saw that, though they were unacceptable to the wisdom of the world, they bore the impress of the manifold wisdom of God. He takes no notice that, in those early days, there were many who "corrupted" the Word of God (2 Cor. 2:27). Corrupted properly signifies to adulterate; to imitate the practice of dishonest winemakers, who mix and sophisticate their liquors, so that, though the color is preserved, and the taste perhaps nearly counterfeited, the quality and properties are quite altered. But he says, "We are not as they." He preached the Gospel in its purity and simplicity, the sincere, genuine milk of the word, (1 Peter 2:2) neither weakened by water, nor disguised by any artful sweetening to render it more palatable. He added nothing of his own, nor employed any arts or glass to palliate the truth - that it might be more acceptable to men of carnal minds. Further, he denounces an anathema (the highest curse) upon any person who should dare to preach any such pretended Gospel. When the cause of the Gospel and the honor of Christ were in question - he could not, he dared not, consult with the feelings of flesh and blood; but, as the minister and messenger of the Lord, he solemnly declared what must, and will, be the awful consequence of neglecting or corrupting the Word of God!

~John Newton~

(continued with # 3)