Christian Friend vol. 19, 1892, p. 169.
Few can doubt that in the apostle Paul is presented the closest approximation to the example of Christ that has ever been seen in this world. Two things, as we judge, clearly prove this. First, the fact that he is frequently led of the Holy Spirit to refer to the character of his walk and example among the saints (Acts 20:18-35, Phil. 3:17, 1 Thess. 2:10, etc.); and secondly, in that he could say in the power of the same Spirit, "I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." (2 Tim. 2:10.) Short, therefore, of making expiation for sins, which none but He who was God as well as man could do, the apostle was animated by the same spirit and objects, and trod in the same steps as his blessed Master. The epistle to the Philippians, in which we have Christian experience in the power of the Spirit developed, and as exhibited in Paul who could say, "To me to live is Christ," points to the same conclusion.
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The first aspect in which Paul is seen as a pattern is in his conversion. There were conversions before his, as all know; but in one sense he is the first convert, for, until he himself had his eyes opened, and was turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, no details of the change wrought are given. And, speaking of it himself, he says, after telling us that he was the chief of sinners, "Howbeit, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first [or, as some render, "the first"*] Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting." (1 Tim. 1:16.) Those who bowed to Peter's testimony in Jerusalem were truly converted; but they represent rather the elect remnant from among the Jewish nation, and hence the call of Saul of Tarsus is regarded as the new start, the inauguration, as it were, of the economy of grace.
*It would seem, if we take it as "the first," that the reference is to himself as "the first" of sinners in the previous verse.
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There are several features in his conversion which make him a pattern or model. First, it was Christ who sought him, not he who sought Christ. When on his way to Damascus he was filled with enmity to Jesus of Nazareth, and all the energy of his resolute will was directed to the end of destroying the name of Christ from off the earth. Christ went out from the glory itself to meet His persecutor, and by His grace subdued him at His feet. This was in accordance with the truth of the gospel, in which God is seeking sinners. (Compare John 4:23, Luke 15:4-8.) Saul, moreover, as already mentioned, though a most religious man, and blameless, as touching the righteousness which is in the law, was the chief of sinners. It was on this account that he could say that in him the Lord Jesus had shown forth all (or, "the whole") longsuffering as a pattern to all who should afterwards believe. In this aspect, therefore, as a pattern convert, he is an immense encouragement to every poor convicted sinner upon the face of the earth - an encouragement to trust in the heart of Christ, whose longsuffering, while the day of grace continues, can never be exhausted.
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As a Christian also Paul was a pattern. It is not meant that he was always, and in everything, a perfect example. Christ alone is that; He alone was the leader and completer of faith. It is still true that Paul, although he sometimes failed (and his failures are recorded), is pointed out by the Spirit of God as one to be imitated by the people of God. Some examples may be adduced - references to which were made at the commencement. "Brethren," he says, "be followers [imitators] together of me," and he also tells them to mark those who walked "so as ye have us for an ensample." Then he gives two things that characterised him: his conversation, all his interests or life-associations were in heaven, and from thence he was looking for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the goal of all his hopes, inasmuch as then he, in body as well as in soul, would be entirely conformed to the image of Him for whom He waited.
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Once again, writing to the Thessalonians, Paul says, "Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe." (1 Thess. 2:10.) What a record of the life of a Christian, and made, too, under the eye of God, and before the eyes of men? It takes in, if we understand rightly, three spheres - as "holily" will refer to his walk with God, "justly" to his relationships with his fellow-believers, and "unblameably" to his conduct still in respect of believers, but including perhaps the sphere of the world as the source of contamination. Writing likewise to Timothy, he says, "Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience," etc. (2 Timothy 3:10.) And this statement is important for another reason - as showing that Paul's teaching was the instrumental means by which the Spirit of God produced all this blessed fruit in this elect vessel of His testimony. Other references of the same kind will occur to the reader, and he may abundantly profit by their examination.
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As a servant, too, Paul is a model. Take, for example, his address to the elders of Ephesus. Speaking to them of his service amongst them, he says, "Ye know, from the first day after that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears … and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house." And again, "I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:18-20, 27, etc.) To show how closely he trod in the footsteps of his perfect Master, as to his service, we may cite a few words from Psalm 40. The Lord Himself is the speaker: "I have not hid Thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation: I have not concealed Thy loving-kindness and Thy truth from the great congregation." What a reproduction of the fidelity of the Lord's own service in His servant Paul! And it needs to be studied by every one who seeks to serve acceptably in the power of the Holy Ghost.
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One more reference may be made. In 1 Thessalonians we read, "Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." (1 Thess. 1:5.) The point to be observed is that the life, the walk, of the apostle corresponded with, yea, was the embodiment of, his teaching. And surely this is the mark of a perfect servant! Nothing is sadder indeed than the contrariety often witnessed between the testimony and the life of a witness; and nothing humbles a servant more deeply in the dust before God than the consciousness of how poorly he presents in his own conduct the truths he proclaims. But here was one who could call to his converts' remembrance the character of his conversation when labouring in their midst. The power of the Holy Ghost was thus as much displayed in his everyday life as in his proclamation of the gospel of God's grace. This explains to us why the Holy Spirit led the apostle to dwell so often, and so fully, upon the character of his life and ministry. (See 1 Cor. 1:12, 1 Cor. 6:3-10, 1 Cor. 11:5-29, etc.) It is that we might all be stirred up to seek grace to tread, in our several measures, in the same blessed path of entire devotedness to Christ.
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It may, however, be replied that Paul was a chosen vessel, and that as such he received singular and special strength for his walk and service. This is undoubtedly true, as also that he had pre-eminent gifts, received extraordinary revelations when caught up into paradise, and had peculiar responsibilities. But let it be, at the same time, insisted upon that Christ is as all-sufficient for us in our several positions as He was for Paul. When He said to His servant, "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness," He announced the secret of sustainment and power for every one of His servants. We possess, moreover, the same indwelling Spirit; so that the only thing wanting on our parts is Paul's realized dependence, Paul's singleness of eye, and Paul's concentration and purpose of heart. May the Lord Himself come in and produce these things in our souls, that He may be more abundantly glorified in our ways and service!