Paul

[Thompson, Darryl]

Paul

     At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me. .
. . Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by
me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might
hear. 2 Tim. 4:16, 17  

     Paul before Nero--how striking the contrast! . . . In power and
greatness Nero stood unrivaled. . . . Without money, without friends,
without counsel, Paul had been brought forth from a dungeon to be tried
for his life. . . .  

     The countenance of the monarch bearing the shameful record of the
passions that raged within; the countenance of the prisoner telling the
story of a heart at peace with God and man. The results of opposite
systems of education stood that day contrasted--a life of unbounded
self-indulgence and a life of entire self-sacrifice. Here were the
representatives of two theories of life--all-absorbing selfishness,
which counts nothing too valuable to be sacrificed for momentary
gratification, and self-denying endurance, ready to give up life itself,
if need be, for the good of others. . . .  

     The people and the judges . . . had been present at many trials,
and had looked upon many a criminal; but never had they seen a man wear
a look of such holy calmness. . . . His words struck a chord that
vibrated in the hearts even of the most hardened. Truth, clear and
convincing, overthrew error. Light shone into the minds of many who
afterward gladly followed its rays. . . . He pointed his hearers to the
sacrifice made for the fallen race. . . .  

     Thus pleads the advocate of truth; faithful among the faithless,
loyal among the disloyal, he stands as God's representative, and his
voice is as a voice from heaven. There is no fear, no sadness, no
discouragement, in word or look. . . . His words are as a shout of
victory above the roar of battle.  

     Let this hero of faith speak for himself. He says, "I take pleasure
in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecution, in
distresses for Christ's sake."  

>From My Life Today - Page 65