Posts with the tag “paul”

"I have often been hindered from coming to you," he writes. Each time his heart pulled westward, the Spirit redirected him. Unfinished work. Churches needing foundation. But now, "from Jerusalem round about to Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel." The apostle surveys his life's labor like a farmer viewing harvested fields stretching to the horizon. The gospel foundation has been laid: the eastern empire seeded with churches. So now, Spain beckons with that same pioneer call that once drew him from Antioch.  Read More

Paul’s own experience of God’s transformative grace, having been changed from a persecutor to an apostle (Romans 5:1-5), reinforced his trust in God to also transform his Roman brethren. Their faith, unity, and gospel-centered lives persuaded him of their potential to embody Christ’s love, knowledge, and mutual care, fostering a community of transformed, holy lives.  Read More