Topical Bible: Character: Firmness: Paul

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The Apostle Paul stands as a paragon of firmness in the Christian faith, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ amidst trials, persecution, and opposition. His life and writings provide a profound example of steadfastness, rooted in a deep conviction of the truth and power of the gospel.

Conversion and Calling

Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his firm dedication to Christ. Despite his former life as a zealous persecutor of Christians, Paul embraced his new calling with resolute determination. In Galatians 1:15-16 , he writes, "But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood."

Missionary Journeys and Trials

Paul's firmness is evident throughout his missionary journeys, as he faced numerous hardships. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 , he recounts his sufferings: "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move." Despite these adversities, Paul remained steadfast, driven by his mission to spread the gospel.

Defense of the Gospel

Paul's firmness is also reflected in his defense of the gospel against false teachings and doctrinal errors. In Galatians 1:6-9 , he expresses his astonishment at the Galatians' quick desertion to a different gospel, asserting, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!" His letters to the early churches often address issues of doctrine and practice, underscoring his commitment to preserving the integrity of the Christian message.

Imprisonment and Final Days

Even in imprisonment, Paul's firmness did not waver. Writing from prison, he encouraged the Philippians to stand firm in their faith, stating, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). His letters from confinement, such as Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, reflect a spirit of joy and perseverance, emphasizing the eternal perspective that sustained him.

As Paul approached the end of his life, his firmness remained unshaken. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8 , he declares, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His appearing."

Paul's life and ministry exemplify the character of firmness, rooted in a profound faith in Christ and an unwavering commitment to the gospel. His legacy continues to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the challenges they may face.

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Acts 20:22-24
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
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Acts 21:13,14
Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
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Library

The Epistles of Paul
... more closely consider the whole genius and character of Paul's ... The divine assurance
and firmness of the old prophets ... On the style of Paul, see my Companion, etc ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 88 the epistles of.htm

A Good Man's Faults
... holiness, yet goes sadly astray, tarnishes his character, and mars ... With the firmness
which weak characters so often display ... Paul's remonstrances have no effect ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a good mans faults.htm

Paul Appeals to Caesar
... conspiracies of the Jews to murder Paul, and he ... dictates of conscience, will need
courage, firmness, and a ... deepest, the light of a godlike character will shine ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 40 paul appeals to.htm

Caesar's Household
... Paul is in bonds as an evildoer; but "the word ... he had given unmistakable evidence
of its divine character. With noble firmness he had risen up before the sages ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 44 caesars household.htm

Christian Casuistry.
... Paul makes a distinction between those things which he speaks by commandment ... is
naturally deficient; to the one strength of character and firmness of moral ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiii christian casuistry.htm

Paul in Jerusalem.
... in Scripture, of their situation, the character of their ... as was the prospect before
him, Paul betrayed no ... retained his self-command, and the firmness of his ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxv paul in jerusalem.htm

The Panoply of God
... as are sorrows, for to Paul the 'evil ... especially threatens moral and spiritual character,
and these ... of successful resistance is increased firmness of footing. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the panoply of god.htm

The Epistles of Paul.
... This, Paul steadfastly resisted, and it is to his ... Yet with his uncompromising firmness
of principle he united ... 4. The peculiar character of the apostle's style ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... Paul, a fiery and violent temper, which was the ... his utter ignorance of Calvin's
character, whose only ... task with more Christian firmness, intelligent justice ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

Sudden Conversions.
... to give some opinion on the character of each ... Paul's conversion, however it was effected,
and whatever was the ... fickle mind is shown by his firmness in keeping ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xv sudden conversions.htm