“So I boast in Christ Jesus about the things that pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in order to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem even as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person’s foundation, but as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”’ Romans 15:17-21 NET
Paul emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit
in his life, recognizing that it is Christ, through the Spirit, who reveals the
truths that have shaped his ministry, rather than relying on his background
or achievements. As a young Jew, Paul had the privilege of being mentored by
Gamaliel, one of the most esteemed rabbis in Jerusalem, which granted him
considerable credibility within the Jewish community. This prestigious training
could have easily led him to take personal credit for his success, basking in
the accolades that come with such a distinguished education.
In modern terms, we might find ourselves in a similar
position, feeling a sense of pride in our education from elite institutions or
renowned seminaries, guided by esteemed professors known for their expertise,
wisdom, and accomplishments. However, Paul viewed his esteemed background as
nothing more than “garbage” and “filth” when weighed
against the profound revelations he received through the Holy Spirit.
Why did Paul hold this view? Because he was wholly committed
to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believing that the divine insights and
truths imparted to him were far more valuable than any knowledge acquired
through traditional means. He understood that these revelations flowed directly
from heaven, illuminating the path of obedience to God. In contrast, he
regarded the knowledge derived from mere human effort as lifeless and
ultimately leading to spiritual death, as it often resulted in conformity to
human expectations rather than genuine obedience to divine will. Through his
reliance on the Holy Spirit, Paul discovered a deeper, more authentic
experience of faith that transcended his past learning.
The Apostle Paul demonstrated a
powerful truth throughout his life: we are never greater than our Master, Jesus Christ. This
fundamental understanding positions us as perpetual disciples or students,
always learning and growing in our relationship with Him. Each day, we receive
fresh insights and revelations from the Holy Spirit, who acts as our divine
guide, leading us toward deeper levels of trust and unwavering obedience. This
journey of faith is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is an active and
transformative relationship.
We are continually influenced by an invisible, supernatural
force that transcends the physical world, emanating from the ethereal dimension
we refer to as heaven. This divine presence communicates personalized guidance
and wisdom uniquely tailored to our individual circumstances—truths
that are often not accessible through conventional means or by the wisdom of
others. This intimate connection with the Holy Spirit profoundly shapes our
lives, equipping us to reflect the character of the God-man—Jesus—who sacrificed his life for our sins. Through this transformative
journey, we are gradually conformed to His image, empowered to fulfill our
divine purpose, and inspired to impact those around us with His
love and grace.
Our personal journeys often begin with a profound
existential need—an intrinsic longing for purpose, connection, and
understanding of our place in the world. However, when we find fulfillment
through our relationship with Jesus, this deep-seated need transforms into
something entirely different. What once felt like a solitary quest for meaning
is reshaped into a solid foundation of unshakeable trust and unwavering faith..
As we navigate the shadows of past traumas and emotional
scars, Jesus’s healing presence offers a sanctuary, filling the void with
hope and reassurance. This gentle yet powerful influence encourages us to let
go of our fears and insecurities, allowing a renewed sense of trust to take
root in our hearts. As this trust flourishes, it blossoms into a steadfast
faith that propels us forward, providing strength in times of uncertainty and
guiding our steps with purpose.
Ultimately, this deep-seated faith becomes the bedrock of
our life’s journey, illuminating our path and empowering us to embrace both the
joyous moments and the inevitable challenges that life presents. With each
passing day, as we lean into this relationship, we are reminded that we are
never alone—our quest for meaning has transformed into a vibrant tapestry woven
with hope, love, and unshakeable faith.
Paul was deeply convinced that every encounter and
experience in his life held a divine purpose, intended to inspire the obedience
of the Gentiles. He viewed his journey as a sacred mission, utilizing his gift
for eloquent speaking to convey profound truths while backing them up with his
genuine actions. Equipped with an unwavering faith, he often witnessed the
extraordinary power of signs and wonders—miraculous events that were
tangible proof of God’s presence and influence. Operating profoundly under the
guidance of the Spirit of God, Paul dedicated himself to sharing his message
far and wide, believing that these efforts would lead others toward faith and a more profound commitment to following God’s will. This conviction drove him to engage
with diverse communities, fostering understanding and encouraging spiritual
growth among all who would listen.
Paul’s missionary journeys encompassed an extraordinary
expanse, taking him from the heart of Jerusalem to the far reaches of
Illyricum, a region rich in history and cultural diversity. In the present day,
this area includes several nations: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,
Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and a small part of Kosovo. Throughout his
travels, Paul established vibrant Christian communities, diligently preached
the transformative message of the Gospel, and penned letters that would later be
revered as foundational texts for the burgeoning Church.
The historical evolution of Illyricum—a region that once
thrived as a significant cultural and political hub within the Roman
Empire—adds a profound context to Paul’s missions. His tireless efforts to
evangelize across this vast and varied landscape underscore his
unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Christ, but also highlight the
ripe harvest of Gentile nations he endeavored to reach and inspire during his
apostolic lifetime. Each community he encountered was unique, marked by
distinct customs and traditions, yet united in their quest for spiritual truth,
making Paul’s journeys a remarkable testament to early Christian outreach.
Paul draws upon the writings of the prophet Isaiah to
reinforce his message about the transformative impact of the Gospel. He quotes,
“So now he will startle many
nations. Kings will be shocked by his exaltation, for they will witness
something unannounced to them, and they will understand something they had not
heard about” (Isaiah 52:15).
This passage emphasizes the profound and unexpected
influence of the Gospel on ordinary people and influential leaders.
In spreading the Gospel to the Gentile nations, Paul
believed that the Holy Spirit was actively preparing the hearts and minds of
the people to receive this life-changing message. He saw the Spirit as an
essential force that readied individuals for acceptance and
affirmed the efficacy of the Gospel itself. Paul viewed his role as a
humble messenger or delivery method, believing that it was not his own
authority that changed lives, but rather the divine power behind his shared message. This perspective underscores his commitment to spreading the Gospel and
his recognition of the Holy Spirit’s role in the process.
Paul’s powerful testimony is a compelling invitation
for us to embrace the role of ministers of the Gospel of Christ. We
carry a profound message—the life-changing good news of Jesus—that holds the
potential to transform lives. It is ultimately up to God to send His Holy
Spirit, the Comforter and Advocate, to affirm His truth and back up His claim by
preparing the hearts of others to receive Him. The Spirit works patiently,
tenderly drawing people towards God, illuminating their path to salvation. Our
mission is to courageously and faithfully share the Gospel while
trusting in God’s unwavering commitment to work within the hearts of those we
encounter, helping them experience His boundless love, grace, and mercy.
Stephen Barnett
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