Word In Life Study Bible
HOPE FOR YOU: WATCH PAUL GROW!
Gal.1:11-24
The Bible offers many examples of people who struggled as they tried to live for God. Their stories are meant to encourage us. But sometimes comparing ourselves to the “heroes” of the faith only intimidates us. Paul, for instance, was a learned scholar, a fervent evangelist, a compassionate pastor, a competent businessman, and a diplomatic statesman. So when he tells us to follow his example as he follows Christ’s example (1 Cor. 11:1), it sounds a bit unrealistic. How could we ever emulate a super-saint like Paul?
But Paul didn’t start out as a super-saint. Nor did he end up that way. In fact, he never saw himself that way. On the contrary, he grew in the faith with some difficulty. Notice how his view of himself changed over time (dates given are estimates):
It sounds as if Paul was perhaps more “average” than we often think. In fact, look carefully at some of the highlights (and lowlights) in his life (see Paul’s profile at Acts 13:2–3). If one changes a few particulars and develops the wholehearted commitment to God that Paul had, then his story could well be anyone’s. That’s because Paul was as human as any of us. His life challenges us to ask whether we are growing, struggling, and changing as he did. If so, then there’s hope for us!
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
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