Committed to the Finish: Paul (Part 2)

In this part of the imagined interview, Paul admits he was the "chief tormentor" of the early Christians, a thorn in the flesh of the brethren. He believed that destroying anything opposed to Judaism was righteousness. Then, on the road to Damascus, he met Christ (Acts 9:3). After true repentance, Ananias prayed for him, he was baptized immediately, and the Lord made him a chosen instrument to carry the message to Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel (Acts 9:15, 18). Everything he once valued became worthless compared to knowing Christ Jesus his Lord (Philippians 3:7). Yet the transition was not easy. Many believers could not fellowship with a man who had persecuted them (Acts 9:26). Barnabas encouraged him and helped bring him into the community, and Paul owed him a great debt of gratitude.

Paul's list of hardships is staggering. His own people wanted him dead (Acts 9:23). He endured prison, countless beatings, stoning, three shipwrecks, a night and a day adrift at sea, danger from robbers, sleepless nights, hunger, and cold (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). What kept him going was fixing his eyes on Christ, the Author and Finisher of his faith (Hebrews 12:2), and pressing toward the prize of the upward call (Philippians 3:14). As Christ's ambassadors, we are called to the same endurance. Like Barnabas, we can also help someone who is trying to find their place. Paul's closing words to us still stand: "Be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless" (1 Corinthians 15:58).