[251 words]
“We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition” (1 Thessalonians 2:2).
Never do we hear Paul complain, and his causes to complain would be many. Just a shipwreck and a stoning would be enough for me. No, his eyes are so ever-fixed on Jesus and the end goal of his faithful service that whatever he had to endure was worth it if the gospel could be heard and obeyed. In fact, in this whole chapter he seems to indicate that the less glitz and glimmer the gift is packaged in, the better to show the gospel for the good news it is. When others saw Paul’s suffering, toil, and hardship for the sake of the gospel, then his motive for bringing it to them could be seen as pure.
Ray Stevens has a song that shows that this is true. It’s “Would Jesus Wear a Rolex” and pokes fun at the inconsistencies of many “evangelists” on the TV who most of us see are just out for our money. If asked what was the exact message was spoken, most of us couldn’t answer because we’ve already rejected it because of the hypocrisy of the messenger. So, we too must be willing to be the packaging that gets discarded if only the gospel we preach is obeyed.
Do you preach the gospel in spite of strong opposition?
Doug Kashorek
Plattsburgh church of Christ
Plattsburgh,NY