LESSON 1, INTRODUCTION:

Paul the Apostle, one of the greatest Christians who ever lived. For a few days, maybe even a month or so, I'd like us to study this tremendous man of God. Each Lesson will, I trust, stand alone, with a seed thought, a sermon idea, a study focus, embedded in its heart.

Actually the first Lesson will be written tomorrow morning. I merely today wish to introduce you to the subject.

I don't know if I've ever done this here on the Website. Though I should have. Pray for me as I seek God's Face for leadership about which aspects of Paul's life and ministry to highlight.

He presents such an exceedingly vast array of biography and preaching, of personality too. He was indeed quite a "character!"

I also pray YOU will join us on this Pauline journey through the New Testament. Maybe even seeing some things ancient historians say about the man as well.

We're not looking for some "new" Paul, a revision of the Biblical portrayal of this giant in the faith. We are looking for the "real" Paul, exactly as depicted in Scripture.

One of the greatest things he ever said, ever wrote, one of the greatest indicators of how closely he walked with the Lord, is found in Philippians 1:21. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Wow, that's the kind of person with whom I'd like to fellowship!

              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

The Lord willing, more tomorrow.

LESSON 2, FIRST TIMOTHY 1:12-16, PAUL'S CONVERSION:

oday I'd like us to notice Paul's conversion. The day he was "saved" by the Grace of God! The Event is recorded in Scripture time and time again. Luke tells of it, fully, in Acts chapter nine. Then Paul himself relates the Story in Acts chapters twenty-two and twenty-six. Three times in one single Book of Scripture! It then must be important!

Then in Paul's Epistles we get even more "glimpses" of his conversion. These are more autobiographical, too. From Paul's own "pen." Really "first person" accounts!

Galatians 1:11-17 is an example of one of these. "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus." I've placed in all capital letters the moment of Paul's salvation. God "revealed" Jesus to Saul of Tarsus! "Apokalupto" is the verb, our Heavenly Father "unveiled, uncovered" Jesus to this future Apostle!

But the PE (Pastoral Epistles) account of what happened when Paul met Jesus is (to me) most accurately and succinctly worded in the Book of First Timothy 1:12-16. "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."

True, the words "born again" do not occur here. But "obtained mercy" certainly does! And "saved" also! "Faith" in Jesus is apparent as well. Yes, this is a brief (short enough to preach or teach in a single setting) description of Paul's conversion.

Notice a few things about this First Timothy Passage.

1. Paul is grateful for what God has done in his life! That's a pretty good "sign" of salvation already. "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord."

2. Next Paul regrets his past life, ashamed yet not lying about his wickedness. That's what Christians are, sinners saved by Grace! Who (Paul) was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious."

3. And Paul might have been, apparently so, "called to preach" the very day he was saved! That's unusual, but did happen. "Our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry."

4. Now come the very "ingredients" in salvation. "The grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." Later this very man will write that we are "saved by Grace." Even "through faith!" Ephesians 2:8-9 says: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." By the way, all this happened because of God's Love to us!

5. Then the most direct statement in the Text, about Paul's salvation. "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." Wow, what a testimony! "Chief" here translates the word "protos," a superlative which means "first in prominence." (A keen sense of wickedness is always a good indicator if the indwelling Holy Spirit.)

6. Lastly Paul wishes to use his "testimony," his "conversion," as a "spur" to incite others to Jesus! To "win" many to God. "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." The noun "pattern" is "hupotoposis," an "imprint" made by a falling hammer! A "brand" permanently affixed!  This is "why" God saved Paul, for this "cause!" In Greek "because of this" I was saved! As a "testimony" to the lost world! Sort of a: "If God saved Paul, He can save anybody" kind of idea!

Yes, this 1st Timothy 1:12-16 pericope is a first-hand account of what happened when Paul was redeemed! Not a physical description of each detail, but a theological masterpiece, salvation from God's Perspective!

Preachers, Sunday School Teachers ... I am going to use these thoughts (primarily these Verses) soon in a Sermon, the Lord willing! And I'd like to invite you to pray about doing the same thing too!

In it, this paragraph from First Timothy chapter 1 is an evangelistic thrust that God certainly could use to save the lost.

It's also a pretty good Text for the "call" to preach, that part about God "enabling" a man to be a minister! That verb is "endunamoo," placed "power" deep down "within" me to preach the Word!

Then too this Text can be mightily used to encourage us Christians to share our own testimonies with others! An "I was there when it happened" sort of statement! Using what God did for YOU to invite others to Jesus. Helping future converts "believe on Him to life everlasting."

Amen!

I'm excited.

              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

The greatest "Theme" in the universe, or the multiverse: GOD'S GRACE REDEEMING LOST SINNERS, BEING WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF THE PRECIOUS LAMB, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

LESSON 3, PAUL THE TRAVELER:

Have you ever thought about Paul as a "traveler?" One older book, "Saint Paul the Traveler and Roman Citizen" comes to mind, by William Ramsey. One Teacher told us that he thought Paul may have been the most widely traveled man of his day, in the whole Empire!

Wow!

I've amassed some facts about Paul "on the road" that I believe might be interesting. And helpful, certainly increasing our admiration for this determined little Preacher!

God "timed" Paul's life, in fact the Death and Burial and Resurrection Of His Son Jesus too, to occur at the time of "Pax Romana." The world-wide (relatively speaking) peace brought by the dominance of Rome.

Roads were built everywhere, to help missionaries travel with the Gospel Message! Few disruptive wars occurred, again aiding in the propagation of the Word! And one dominant language (Greek) prevailed. A tongue so precise that every detail of the Life of Christ could be fully disseminated, grammatically correct too!

Rome had built over 50,000 miles of main military highways! And another 200,000 miles of secondary roads! We even know the names of some of these routes! The "Appian Way," for example! In Acts 28:15 a town on the Appian Way is mentioned!

Another point of interest, a man walking (Paul's main way of travel it seems) could cover about 20 miles a day. Travel by animals would increase that, the speed then being around 5 or 6 miles per hour.

Paul occasionally mentions some of his "traveling companions." Acts 19:29 tells us, "And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre."

Then Paul often traveled by sea as well. The Romans Emperor Augustus boasted, "I made the sea peaceful and freed it of pirates." A condition of which Paul took great advantage!

Looks to me like the Apostle used sea travel on each of his main trips, each missionary journey. And certainly on the voyage to Rome as a prisoner. The ship ride to Rome, Luke's account in Acts 27:1 through Acts 28:17, gives us more detailed information about that type of transportation than nearly any other ancient document in existence!

Yes, Paul traveled many thousands of miles (one text estimates over 6,200 total miles), preaching the Gospel. This may not sound like a lot, but try walking them!

One more thought. An Emperor  in 20 B.C. erected a column in the very center of Rome, the Capitol City, calling it the "Golden Milestone." From that point every distance throughout the Empire way calculated. (From here in Ephesus it's 830.9 miles to Rome.) Thus it could literally be said, "All roads lead to Rome."

That's beautiful in light of Acts 1:8 and the spread of the Gospel! "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." The "Goal" Jesus had in mind here, the "uttermost" point on earth ... was what all the people of Israel called "Rome" herself!

And Paul indeed traveled there ... preaching all the way! He preached after he arrived too! Even up to the very point of his death. His death, history says, on the "Ostian Way," another of those famous Roman roads.

Amazing.

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 4, PAUL, HOW LITTLE OF HIM WE REALLY KNOW:

The clause was first used by the Queen of Sheba, concerning the majesty of King Solomon. "And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard." First Kings 10:6-7

"The half was not told me!"

Then both Isaiah (in 64:4) and Paul (in First Corinthians 2:9) use the memorable words: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard."

Today I feel like plagiarizing these folks and applying their vocabulary to my subject. That subject being the Apostle Paul himself, his life and ministry.

Yesterday I began to think about the "gaps" in this man's Scriptural "biography," even after he was saved. Missing years of his "post-Damascus-road" existence.

Let me tell you what I mean. No sooner had Paul been "saved" and he "disappears" from Damascus, apparently spending a block of time in the Arabian desert! Luke tells us nothing about this sojourn, not in his Book of history, the "Acts" of the Apostles. Only Paul, then much too briefly, relates: "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus." Galatians 1:15-17

How long was Paul gone, absolutely "silent" as far the Bible account goes? The very next verse, "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days." Galatians 1:18, thirty-six months!

Yes, that's a time "gap."

Here's another one. After being escorted from Jerusalem, once he finally went there: "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he (Paul) spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus." Acts 9:26-30, to save his life!

And Paul stayed in Tarsus, completely under the "radar" of any Bible writer's pen, for years! Here's when he resurfaces in the Book of Acts. "And the hand of the Lord was with them (in Antioch): and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he (Barnabas) was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:21-26

From Paul's being "sent" to Damascus until his being "brought" to Antioch to help preach and teach the new Christians there, Gentiles, was a period of up to 9 years we are told!

Another silent "gap," a rather long one.

Then Luke leaves us, in Acts 28, with Paul under "house arrest" in Rome. Here's Paul incarcerated. "And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him." Acts 28:16.

How much "kindness" did Rome show Paul, in this his "first" Roman imprisonment? "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." Acts 28:30-31

But by the time Second Timothy is written, Paul is (again) in jail in Rome. This time NOT in a hired house, but "chained" to Roman soldiers, in a cold jail cell somewhere. History says in a dungeon! "Timothy. do thy diligence to come shortly unto me. For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer (trial) no man stood with me, but all men forsook me." Then immediately one more earnest plea: "Do thy diligence to come before winter." Second Timothy 4:9-16, and within days, weeks at most, Paul was killed by Nero!

Oh, how we want to know more! But the Bible is again "silent." Another "gap" in the Pauline chronology! What happened between Paul's first Roman jail time and the last (and final) imprisonment? How many years transpired?

We're used to it by now, with Paul anyway, another "gap" in the chronology!

One more example, if the Lesson isn't getting too long for you. A verse Paul writes autobiographically is very enlightening. It's taken from his famous list of trials in Second Corinthians. "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness." 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, lots of these are "unreported" in either the Book of Acts or Paul's own Epistles! For example, those three shipwrecks! The one shipwreck we know about on the voyage to Rome has not occurred yet, when Paul wrote these marvelous words! Several of the eight "beatings" fall into the "not described elsewhere" category too.

Even more "gaps!"

What's my point today?

Of Jesus we are told by John His beloved Disciple: "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:25

We only know a fraction of what Jesus did and said while on earth. The Son of God is too Great to be encapsulated in time. Four Gospels likely only "scratch the surface!"

And so is it with Christianity's greatest expositor, Paul of Tarsus. He was a great man, but we have no idea how great! He did overcome many a trial, but we have no idea how many trials, how severe and often!

He was faithful, but no one know how faithful!

This makes Paul's last words all the more profound. "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day." Second Timothy 4:6-8, spoken soon before Paul's execution, Paul's martyrdom.

I suspect of Paul, as I've already hinted, "the half has never been told!"

Our Lord is indeed worthy of such followers!

May we give our "best" too!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 5, A DECISION BASED ON GEOGRAPHY:

Once a Preacher named Donald Grey Barnhouse preached a series of sermons on "The Geography of the Book of Ephesians." That material is yet available "on-line" I believe, free of charge.

Anyway, I thought yesterday about the vast  "geography" of the life of the Apostle Paul. What a world traveler he was!

Here's what I believe is one of the most significant "geography" decisions ever made. It involves an "east" or "west" determination. One that has impacted every person reading these words, though thousands of years after the event!

Paul and Silas are on their second missionary journey. Well, second for Paul, first for Silas. Actually Timothy was their companion as well, a neophyte but anxious to learn.

Paul had decided they would travel toward "Asia." Acts 16:6 records: "Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia." They wanted to go one place, but the Lord said "No!" The Holy Ghost "hindered" them, "cut them short," gave them no liberty to go to Asia. Not at that time, for sure.

Now watch the very next verse. "After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not." Acts 16:7, a second "refusal" in a row! Bithinia was northeast of Mysia, but another Divine "no go." The verb "suffered" them not translates "eao" in Greek, "to allow, to permit." Here in the negative, "ouk," meaning "no" in the "absolute."

What's happening here?

Paul was supposed to be the Apostle to the "Gentiles!" See Romans 11:13 to hear Paul using that every term of himself. "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office."

Then why can't he go to preach to them, "at will?"

Soon we'll understand.

The men keep traveling. "And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas." Acts 16:8, "Troas" of Trojan War fame, ancient "Troy," that "horse" story, if you remember.

Then it happened! "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us." Wow, Acts 16:9. Macedonia clearly is west, not east of their encampment!

Then the conclusion the men reached. "And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them." Acts 16:10, a correct assumption, based on God's blessings to follow.

This is pure geography!

Macedonia, here they come! "And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days." Acts 16:12

Yes, Philippi, where many were saved! So we have an Epistle to the Philippians in our New Testament!

Next to Berea.

Then to Thessalonica.

Onward to Corinth.

Some of the greatest years of Paul's Ministry!

All because of a geographical decision, based on God's leading.

Instead of going east (forbidden) ... they journeyed west (approved,) carrying the Gospel with them, proclaiming it at every opportunity!

Amazing!

But what am I so excited about this simple little fact?

It's personal. Had the Gospel initially gone west ... not east ... my forefathers might have never heard the Truth! The "Western" world would likely have remained in spiritual darkness.

Had the Gospel gone east, Islam may have never risen.

And conversely, England hence America never evangelized.

I might have died and gone to Hell!

Folks, thank the Lord today that you "heard" the Truth. That these men came the direction God guided them!

Geography played a role, a quite important one, in my knowing Jesus Christ the Lord!

My Saviour!

                         --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 6, PAUL THE PIONEER PREACHER OF THE GRACE OF GOD:

Paul's early life, prior to his salvation, could be encapsulated with these words from his pen: "If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." Philippians 3:4-6

Yes, Paul dedicated his life to obeying the Law of Moses.

And this young Rabbi could never "see" how Jesus of Nazareth fit into the Old Testament pattern as the "Messiah" of Israel. After all, the man did not even obey the Law, not scrupulously!

Paul writes again. "My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee." Acts 26:4-5

Religion!

By the way, that word comes from "religare," a Latin verb meaning "to bind!" Religion says, "Do this, do that, then do it again," a cruel taskmaster indeed! It "binds" one to a set of laws.

In fact, the word "religion" is used only 5 times in the whole Bible. Four of those being "negative!" And its one "positive" occurrence had to be adduced to an adjective, "pure," to make its meaning clear!

Paul certainly would have lived his whole life based on the Law of the Old Testament, all 613 commands of it. Paul was indeed a Pharisee.

Then one day, Jesus "appeared" to him!

The "Damascus Road" experience, we call it.

And Paul was "saved."

In an "instant!"

Acts 9:3-6 summarizes the event. "And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

Wow!

That quick?

No set of rules, laws, commands to pursue?

Jesus revealed Himself.

And Paul soon was calling our Saviour "Lord!"

From that moment forward, Paul no longer preached the Law! Not as a means of righteousness.

He has learned, according to Romans 3:21, that the Righteousness of God can be enjoyed, imputed, "without the law!"

That a man or woman can be "saved" by Grace!

By Grace alone!

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul talking of course!

Why have I written all this today?

Because I believe this vital Truth is the greatest contribution Paul made to the family of humanity. The revelation of the Salvation that is available through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, simply by "belief" in His Name!

In Ephesians 3:8 Paul delights in the fact that he could "preach" God's amazing Grace among the heathen! "To me is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."

Had Paul never lived, the Gospel would still have been proclaimed and spread ... yet without the world-wide success it has enjoyed. We might be in a synagogue somewhere memorizing the Book of Deuteronomy in order to help procure our salvation!

Paul thunders "No!"

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." No Law of Moses, Romans 10:9-10

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31, with "they" being Paul and Silas telling a lost jailor how to be born-again.

Paul, proponent of God's saving Grace!

Again I say, his greatest contribution to New Testament Truth.

Praise the Lord!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 7, PAUL AS A POLISHED SHAFT IN HIS MASTER'S HANDS:

I've never read any material on the Apostle Paul that denies his premier place of leadership in Christianity. Paul, outside of our Lord Himself, may have been the greatest man who ever lived.

Granted, he did not enjoy as long a ministry as did some of God's "giants." Jeremiah probably preached faithfully forty-five years, if not more. And Moses served God eighty years! Paul likely about 30-32 years.

And others wrote more Scripture than Paul. Certainly Moses, penning Genesis all the way through Deuteronomy. And maybe David with his countless Psalms. But Paul, less than a hundred chapters in all, depending on how you categorize the Book of Hebrews.

But what I'd like to say today is that Paul was, in our Lord's arsenal, a tremendous "weapon." I would even go so far as to call Paul, using one of Isaiah's word pictures, a "polished shaft" in God's Quiver!

Let me share with you Isaiah's little paragraph about God's most glorious servant, let me capitalize Servant. The Passage is prophetic. Jesus, no doubt, is ultimately in view! "Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; and said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified."

Yes, one of Jesus' Titles, Names, in the Book of Isaiah is the "Servant" of the Lord. There are four great "Servant" Texts in his 66 chapter prophecy. And the "polished shaft" unit is one of them, Isaiah 49:1-3. In fact I have a Series of studies in print on this thought. (Just "click" Isaiah 49:1-3 to read them.) All I'm trying to say today is that Paul was one of those very "meet-for-the-Master's-use" kind of tools!

The best of the best!

One of a kind!

No one was as "sold-out" to Christ Jesus as this Apostle.

No one taught doctrine as did Paul, Romans being the prime example.

No one discusses spiritual warfare as does Paul, remember Ephesians.

No one exalts God's Grace, even above the Law of Moses, more than Paul. Galatians is the epitome of this motif.

No one encourages young Preachers as does Paul. The Pastoral Epistles prove this point, First and Second Timothy and Titus.

And no one exalts Christ Jesus as does Paul. The Book of Colossians is a perfect specimen of such magisterial writing.

And no one helps solve Church problems like the Apostle! Just read First Corinthians as a primer.

And no one reports the future of the Church as does Paul. I mean the Rapture Passage in First Thessalonians chapter four.

And no one shows the compassion Paul does, even for a newly converted runaway slave named Onesimus. That's the story of the Book of Philemon.

Yes indeed, Paul is a "polished shaft" in the Lord's quiver. God needs men (and women) to use for his Glory! To "stand in the gap" as Ezekiel said.

A "shaft" is simply an "arrow," in Hebrew Isaiah uses the noun "chetzs." A sharpened, smoothed "dart" in the hand of the Almighty Archer.

And "polished" translates "barar," fully meaning "choice, clean, bright, purged," as well as "polished."

Yes, let's thank God for the supremely yielded "Apostle to the Gentiles," for Paul the man of God!

Indeed, a unique Servant of His Lord.

Often God the Father said of His Son Jesus, "In Him I am well pleased." Both at His Baptism and again at His Transfiguration these words were heralded from Heaven!

Nothing like that is said of Paul, not yet. But I'll promise you this. He will receive that Crown of Righteousness he mentioned in his last words. He will hear "well-done!" He will be one in whom our Heavenly Father is said to be "well-pleased."

Who else could have said, on the verge of martyrdom? "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Amen!

Let this great man's life of dedication and love be an example, an incentive, for us all.

One more word from Paul, Philippians 1:21. "For me to live is Christ."

What more needs to be said?

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 8, PAUL AT HIS MOST INTENSE:

I believe the most "heart-wrenching" thing Paul ever wrote just might be the Book of Galatians. The Believers in that area, a Province not just a city, of the Roman Empire had been among Paul's earliest converts during his first missionary tour.

But, somehow, they had drifted away from the Message of the Grace of God, apparently back into the domain of the Law of Moses.

Listen as the Apostle "reproves, rebukes and exhorts" his "little children" in the Lord. In fact, we might learn how to better present the Scriptures by watching this veteran Man of God "fight" for the Truth.

Talk about being "direct!" Paul "opens" his Galatian Letter by saying: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:6-9, where "marvel" is "thaumazo," which means "amazed." Literally, "to behold, to look," sort of with "your mouth wide open." Like "I can't take my eyes off you!" I am that shocked! And the word "accursed" is strong as well. It's "anathema" in Greek, very close to saying "let him be doomed to hell!"

Paul is "agonizing," trying to keep from losing these men and women. Trying to overcome the "perverters." This word is "metastrepho," attempting "to turn backwards" the progress of the Gospel of Grace in Galatia!

Next Paul, who was normally quite congenial in his writings, has this to say: "Because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you." Galatians 2:4-5, where the "enemies" of Grace are now called "false brethren!" Men who are out to destroy the "liberty" we have in Christ. By placing Believers back under the "bondage" of the Law! But Paul would not "submit" to their lies!

Folks, now read Galatians 2:16. It's classic! "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Nothing could be any clearer!

Saved by faith, alone!

Not by the works of the law!

Next to Galatians chapter 3. Where the "barrage" continues! "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" Galatians 3:1

The verb "bewitched" translates "baskaino," meaning "to charm" a person! To put under a "spell!" The adjective "foolish" is not real comforting either! It's "anoetos," literally meaning "without thinking!" These folks had clearly (evidently set forth) heard the Gospel, from Paul himself!

Then comes Galatians 2:11. "No man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith."

Wow!

There's more: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Galatians 3:13-14

Read Galatians 4:11 now. "I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." Are you folks really saved? How could you so quickly "turn" from the Gospel?

Then Paul appeals to the "love" the Galatians had for him, once. "Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Galatians 4:13-16, they loved Paul as if he had been an angel!

If these words are not from deep within Paul's heart, I've never read any that are. "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you." Galatians 4:19-20, Paul is in "labor pains," intensely agonizing, that these converts to Christ become "more" like their Saviour. Less like the Grace despising Judiazers who have "attacked" them!

Someone is trying to "trap" the Galatians, trying to "tie them up" in hundreds of legal constrictions. So Paul continues: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1

In closing, I believe Paul is asking those who have not "defected," who still believe in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to "help" those who have turned back to Moses. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Galatians 6:1

Paul's greatest battle!

Grace versus law!

And he loved the Galatian people enough to "fight" for their liberty in Christ! And Oh, the fierce enemies he made in the process.

Just a "glimpse" of Paul today.

Contending for the Grace of God!

This little Lesson has kindled a desire in my heart to "preach" the Book of Galatians! I'd like to try to expound at least five great Passages found somewhere in its six chapters. Championing the marvelous Grace of God!

Paul at his most intense!

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 9, THE "MIND" OF THE APOSTLE PAUL:

I believe somewhere I've seen a Book entitled, "The Mind of Paul." Or something similar. How interesting that sounds! I told Debbie yesterday that's what I thought today's Lesson might be, a reflection on that brilliant intellect! The Apostle Paul's.

One author said last week that he though Paul would have excelled in any walk of life he chose. The man was undoubtedly a "genius." He could have entered all the history books, especially the Jewish ones, as a true career Pharisee. Perhaps the greatest who ever lived.

In all likelihood he had the Law of Moses "by heart," thoroughly memorized. And he carefully, if not fanatically, obeyed all 613 commands. Yes, they counted them, throughout the whole Old Testament!

A sharp mind indeed!

A mind so dedicated that he would not allow it to even think thoughts less than worthy of a Christian! He writes to one of his dearest Churches. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8, which the man practiced or he never would have commanded such. Yes, the verb "think" (in Greek "logizomai" in which you can plainly see the English noun "logic") is expressed in the imperative mood, a mandate!

Thinking that positively, that purely, for years. For decades in Paul's case, absolutely astounding!

Here's another verse about Paul's mind, when "bad" thoughts did try to come his way. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Second Corinthians 10:5, where "bringing into captivity" uses the word in Greek for "sword."

Every single thought immediately brought to our Lord for approval!

And look at his memory. The people he could recall at a moment's notice. Never does he write an Epistle without including those around him or mentioning several in the Church to whom he is writing. Romans 16 comes to mind, dozens of folks.

And his ability to transfer earthly, mundane thoughts to the realm of the spirit! To this degree: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Colossians 3:17, transfer everything in life to some aspect of the Kingdom of Christ!

And the Old Testament? He sure had applied his mind (since childhood) to its many truths. He speaks of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and Moses and well, just read Hebrews 11 for example. He knew God's Word!

And when in his New Testament Corpus (14 Books if you include Hebrews) he is not directly talking about some vital ancient Truth, he is alluding indirectly to some verse of Scripture.  Hundreds of times this is so.

It's true. When Nero ordered Paul's execution, by "beheading" history says, that day was severed from a godly human body ... one of the greatest minds that ever functioned.

One that was dedicated to God "in toto," entirely.

He wrote these words to each of us who believe, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2, what a noble "example" the writer of these words left us!

Reader, are your thoughts "right" in God's Eyes?

Does you mind "ponder" the right things?

Do you spend time in Scripture daily, "thinking God's thoughts after Him?" Paul's verb "transforming" in Romans 12:2 is "metamorphoo" in Greek, our term "metamorphosis."

To "morph" into godly thinkers!

To dedicate our bodies, "minds included" to the One Who died to save us! That sure sounds "reasonable."

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. "

I think so.

Do you agree?

Amen!

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 10, PAUL'S "SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY," WHAT AN INTELLECT:

I need to write one more Article on "the Mind of the Apostle Paul." It's not that I didn't complete my thoughts yesterday, but I've had more since then!

God almost miraculously "gifted" the Apostle with an "analytical" mind! Paul was just created to be a "thinker." Among many other things too, of course.

By the way, the two men in Scripture who wrote the most, both in volume and in importance, were Moses and Paul. I think this fact will be admitted by nearly all Bible scholars, the conservative ones anyway.

Moses wrote the Books of Genesis through Deuteronomy. And Paul wrote, in the New Testament, Romans through Hebrews. (I believe Hebrews, at least.) Plus, the Book of Acts is pretty heavy with Paul's presence. His sermons and actions and interactions.

And these same two men seem to have been the most "intelligent" in all the Bible as well. Certainly the most educated! Moses via the schools of Egypt. Paul via the genius of Gamaliel.

This is not to say that God's can't use an illiterate servant either. He has. He does. And He will again. Many a godly Preacher has never graduated school, worldwise, but has the Wisdom and Power of God all over him!

Still, it is to Paul's great mind that God entrusts vital truths revealed to no one else! "Mysteries" hidden from the foundation of the world!

Of the use of the Greek noun "mystery," singular or plural, in the New Testament ...  Paul is by far the predominant speaker. A total of 27 different appearances, 20 of which are Pauline!

God showed Paul "new" things!

Many a "mystery!"

For example, Romans 16:27-29. "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

One of those "mysteries" was the Church, the New Testament Church! "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:32, Jesus the Bridegroom!

Another was the Rapture of the Church! "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." First Corinthians 15:51-52

Then too the incarnation of Jesus, His Life and Ministry! "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." I love this verse, First Timothy 3:16.

The "mind" of Paul can scale these heights! And bring these special Truths back down to earth, teaching them to us! Via the Strength and Ability of the Holy Spirit.

Then this too, about our hero's intellect. He was capable of taking a few bare facts, 100% true, and expressing them collectively as a "unit" of thought. He actually wrote, in his Epistles, a "systematic theology" of Christianity!

What he knew to be true of Jesus, he cataloged into chapters of thought, making it all more comprehensible. Hence we have Theology (truth about God) and Christology (truth about Jesus) and Pneumatology (truth about the Holy Spirit) and Ecclesiology (truth about the Church) and Soteriology (truth about salvation) and Hamartiology (truth about sin) and Eschatology (truth about the last days) and so forth. There are several others!

Only Paul!

Only that mind!

Only that degree of dedication, too!

If a mind was ever totally dedicated to our great God, this man's certainly was. He, as he wrote in First Corinthians 10:5, had learned to bring "every thought" to Christ Jesus! Making "every imagination" of his heart "obedient" to our Saviour! What an accomplishment!

Give the Lord your "mind" today!

Saturate it in the Word of God!

Paul again, Philippians 2:5. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus ..." A mind like our Lord's! In every way humanly possible!

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 11, PAUL AND PEOPLE:

With Paul's "intellect," based on our last two Lessons anyway, one would think the man would live in some sort of "ivory tower!" Apart from normal mankind! Somewhat of a "loner," perhaps.

But, surprisingly, nothing could be further from the truth!

Paul was indeed a "people" person!

And this is strange because before the man was saved by the Grace of God, before the "Damascus Road" experience, he never is mentioned in Scripture as associated with a single companion!

Nothing specific about his Mother or Father.

And later, not a wife.

Not a child.

Not a single "friend."

His teacher is listed, Gamaliel, but only in an official capacity. And though nameless, the "High Priest" at that time, who hated Christians so fiercely, who often commissioned Paul to persecute more of the Jesus people.

But still, no peers are ever listed.

No freinds.

Until he was born again!

And then the first word he ever heard from a fellow Believer was, read it for yourself, "Brother!" Ananias, a "certain disciple" of Jesus, speaking to Saul the new convert: "And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 9:17

From this point forward, Paul is around his "brethren" in the Lord! I think the Apostle never got over, never forgot, that initial word. "Brother!" Yes, Brother Saul!

The "sisters" became special too.

Barnabas was perhaps one of Paul's earliest friends and companions. And what a man, what a source of encouragement, what an exhorter, he was!

But on Paul's various missionary travels others were included. Here's a list, in alphabetical order: Aquilla, Aristarchus, Epaphras, Gaius, Justus, Luke, Marcus, Priscilla, Secundus, Silas, Sopater, Tertius, Timothy, Titus, Trophimus, and Tychicus. Quite a group!

Then come his co-workers and supporters. Including Andronicus, Apphia, Archippus, Carpus, Demus (for a while), Epaphroditus, Erastus, Lucius, Lydia, Jason, Junia, Nymphus, Onesiphorus, Phebe, Philemon, Tyrannus and Urbane. Some better known than others, but all sympathetic to Paul and his preaching! And the Saviour!

No wonder Paul was so keen on teaching us Christians how to treat "one another!" In fact, sometime study the "one another" verses of the New Testament, most from the pen of our little Apostle Paul!

And even when Paul came to the time of his death, martyrdom by wicked Nero, he four times in his last Book (Second Timothy) asked his little "preacher boy" to come see him! To come before winter! To come and bring John Mark with him! To come quickly!

Paul and people!

By the way, Paul's Lord, Jesus Christ the Son of God, was a people Person too! A British Preacher named George Campbell Morgan preached series of Sermons (still in print) about all the "interviews" Jesus held with various people. Jesus and the crowds! Jesus and individuals! What a list! What Bible Messages!

Truly, God so loved the WORLD!

Today go be kind to someone for Jesus' Sake!

People need the Lord!

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 12, PAUL AND SONG:

The Apostle Paul and "singing," his use of "hymns," that's the subject I'd like to discuss with you today. And at first one might say, "There's not enough information to develop such a theme!" But really there is.

Listen to Paul address the Ephesian Church: "Be ye filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20

Then to the Colossian Christians: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16

And that time, in the Philippian jail, just before the earthquake: "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." Acts 16:26

Yes, Paul made use of singing in worship!

Plus this, several times in his Letters he "incorporates" a "hymn" to help express a thought. The "words" to a hymn I should say.

Here's an example, more easily discerned in Greek than English. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." This little verse, First Timothy 3:16, is poetic and musical to the core!

Another one: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:5-11, often yet today called by the commentators and scholars "The Christ Hymn."

Wow!

Maybe one more sample of which we can be confident. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians again, this time 5:4-5, you can just see the "harmony" in those words!

Yes, Paul loved singing!

Maybe in response to an earlier Old Testament command, one of many like it. "Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." Psalm 100:2

Jesus, the "Subject" of our singing!

No wonder we are musical people!

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 13, PAUL AND "ADOPTION," A WORD ONLY HE USES:

I'd like to discuss a word Paul uses, only Paul uses it, in the whole New Testament. This will be a "doctrinal" article on the concept of "adoption" into the family of God!

The noun in Greek is spelled, "uiothesia," but pronounced with an "h" in the front. "Hwee-oth-es-ee'-ah," the language teacher would say.

A compound word, it means "son," the prefix does, "huios." Then the bulk of the little noun is derived from "tithemi," meaning "to place, to set, to appoint." Putting it all together, "to place a person into a new family as a son!" Hence, "adoption!"

Only Paul utilizes this beautiful expression!

Then at that, only 5 times!

Here they are, beginning with Romans 8:15. "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

Next is Romans 8:23. "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."

Then Romans 9:4, of the Jews. "Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises."

Also Galatians 4:5, but I'm including the immediate context here. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Galatians 4:4-6

Last, Ephesians 1:5. "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

Wow!

Now this is important. In other New Testament locations we are "saved" by being "born-again." The Gospel of John specifically, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

But Paul, though he alludes to the New Birth ("And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins" Ephesians 2:1), majors on our being "adopted" into the family of God! As the above printed five texts illustrate.

The term, "huiothesia," pictures a person being "taken" out of one family (maybe with even a "ceremony" being involved), and being legally and officially placed "into" a new family! I mean "with full rights and privileges!" Not as a "second-class family member!

It's sort of a "out-of-one" and then "into-another" kind of maneuver. Paul, ever the keen student of the Old Testament, might have had the original "Exodus" from Egypt in mind. The Jews were, by God's mighty Power, taken "out of" Egypt ... and carried "in to, inside" the Land of Canaan!

Apparently Moses was "adopted" into Pharaoh's family! "And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water." Exodus 2:10

Esther and her relationship with Mordecai might be another example. At least the adoption linguistic formula is followed. "And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter." Esther 2:7

Jesus, our Perfect Saviour, went through a "ceremony," His Baptism at Jordan by John the Baptist, and was immediately and publicly announced as God's "Son!" Mark 1:10-11 records it. "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

When we are saved (baptized into "Christ," not by water, but by the Holy Ghost), we too are adopted into God's family and the Holy Spirit immediately declares us God's "children!" Romans 8:15 again: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

Thrilling!

Listen to Paul again, very close to the "adoption" word picture again. He "spurns" what he once was. He rejoices in his new "position" in Jesus! That's adoption! "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss (out of) for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him (into), not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." (Philippians 3:4-10) Don't you see the taken "out of" analogy? And then the "placed into" comparison that quickly follows!

Isaiah 43:6 may have an "adoption" motif in mind too, and it includes more than "sons!" Ladies, note this. "I (the Lord God) will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth."

Amen! Paul knows this. "And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Second Corinthians 6:18

I'm no longer in that old family of death and defeat and sin!

I've been "placed," (adopted) into a new Family, the family of God!

Rejoice therein!

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 14, PAUL AND "SUCCESS:"

Was Paul a "success?"

Or did he die, perhaps even prematurely, at the hand of the crazed Roman Emperor Nero, not having reached his life goals?

First I'd like to say, that for the Christian, "success" is best determined by our Lord ... rather than by any human agency. Our God looks on the "heart," man merely on the "outward appearance." First Samuel 16:7 proves this point! "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

And if we examine Paul's last Letter, Second Timothy (4 chapters, just 83 verses) seems to suggest that Paul's "goal," his most driving "concern" was to encourage Timothy to "stay faithful" to our Lord.

There (in Second Timothy) Paul constantly compares those who have "left" him to those who have "stayed" with him, as he preached the Word of God.

The point of it all?

"Timothy, stay true to the Lord!"

Timothy, don't quit!

Timothy, "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world." Do not act like him! Be loyal to our Cause!

Paul died, I really believe, victoriously in Christ, of course ... but also doing all he could to incite Timothy toward continuing in the Gospel!

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them." Second Timothy 2:1, maybe even "Paul" was the one from whom Timothy had learned the most.

Now again I ask, "Was Paul successful?"

Did Timothy stay true to the Word of God?

Or did he grow lukewarm?

Here the Bible does not specifically say. There's certainly in Scripture no "hint" that Timothy ever departed from the faith. As so many others did, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."

Yet while the Bible is silent, "history" does yield some information. One source states that in the year 97 AD, in the City of Ephesus where Timothy served as Pastor of the true Church, he was attacked and stoned to death by a mob! Because Timothy tried to halt a procession marching through the City, one worshipping the false goddess Diana! Timothy tried to stop them by standing in their path, preaching the Word of God!

If this is accurate, Timothy indeed died "right!"

Timothy did not disappoint his spiritual mentor, the Apostle Paul.

And most of all, Timothy stood true to the Saviour, to our Lord Jesus Christ!

Was Paul a success?

Yes!

Yes!

Yes!

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

By the way, we do know from the Bible that Timothy did serve time in prison for the Lord's sake. "Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you." Hebrews 13:23

All these facts should "blend" to urge us to faithfulness as well!

May we some day be able to say, as Paul: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

Amen!

LESSON 15, "UNSEARCHABLE," WHAT A WORD:

Today I would like for us to study another word that is used only by Paul. And then only twice. And then only in English! Because the two Greek words the Apostle employed are different!

And the subject concerning which these words are used? Our Great God, two of His attributes or actions anyway.

Now immediately to the Scriptures. But first I tell you the powerful little word itself, "Unsearchable." (My computer tells me it does not exist!) But it does, in my King James Bible!

Here are the two references.

Joining Paul mid-sentence (because occasionally the man will write a ten-verse-long sentence) ... "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Ephesians 3:8, the unsearchable riches of Christ!

The word Paul chooses here is "anexichniastos." It means "not" (the first letter, the "a") plus "out of" (the second syllable, the "ek" as in our word "exit") plus "footprint, track, step" (the final "ichnos).

In other words, "something that cannot be followed!" Cannot be tracked! Beyond the scope of our pursuit! Never to be located!

Yes, the unfathomable riches of Christ!

Not able to be mapped!

Like what? Our salvation and sanctification and glorification and a million other things ... all because we have been gloriously saved, having been placed "in Christ Jesus!"

Wow!

Now here's the next (the only other) location for "unsearchable." Romans 11:33, which exclaims: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

This time God's "judgments" are in view. And clearly they are here paralleled, favorably compared, to God's "Ways." The noun "judgments" is "krima," suggesting God's "decrees," especially in the areas of "condemnation," and "damnation," and the like.

The Flood in Noah's day.

The Fire in Lot's day.

The Famine in the coming tribulation day.

And millions more!

These "judgments" are, Paul says, "unsearchable." (Psalm 36:6 beautifully captures this same truth. "Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.")

Now here our Greek word "unsearchable" is spelled "anexereunetos," blending two prepositions and a verb! The initial "a" is called an alpha privative, and negates the whole stem. It means "not." The second syllable is "ek" meaning "out of." Then the root, "ereunao," meaning "to utter, to speak."

Putting it all together, "unable to speak." So glorious that words cannot describe it, them in this case!

Indescribable!

God's actions, deeds, habits, character!

Amazing!

Two different words today!

Yet still one great Truth!

Our God is awesome!

His ways are, as Paul just said, "past finding out!"

In fact, we would know none of them (His "riches" or His "judgments") except through Jesus Christ, God the Son! In Him are "hidden" according to Colossians 2:3 "all the treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge."

Amen!

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Unsearchable ... but enjoyable nonetheless!

LESSON 16, VICE AND VIRTUE LISTS:

They are called "vice lists!" The word is Latin, meaning "crime, guilt, fault," spelled "vitium." Ancient first-century literature often contained them, as a "spur" to live a better life.

And Paul incorporates them into his "corpus" as well, his "body" of writing. But Paul also adds another grouping, "virtue lists." A catalogue of proper behavior traits to pursue.

And most of Paul's Epistles contain either one or the other, with only three exceptions. Those being his Thessalonian Letters and Philemon.

Here's an example from Romans 1:29-31. "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful." How depraved humanity is! Do not live like this, be saved and obey the indwelling Holy Spirit!

Then in First Corinthians 5:9-11, people whom growing Christians should avoid. "I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators. Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat." Quite comprehensive!

A short sample of a vice list, still Paul writing. "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying." Romans 13:13

Here are some folks not going to Heaven, framed as another vice list. "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." First Corinthians 6:9-10

Here are some things Paul "fears" might be happening in the Corinthian Church, forbidden activities for the Believer. "For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults." First Corinthians 12:20

Then a list of the "works of the flesh," apart from God's saving grace. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21, the power of sin!

Now, how to "spot" a false teacher. Another list for Timothy to learn! "He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." First Timothy 6:4-5

Beware, young Preachers, in the last days. "Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." Second Timothy 3:2-5, separation is required!

There are other "lists" in Paul too. Here not bad things, but good ones. "But thou, O man of God, follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." First Timothy 6:11, one's manner of life. "Follow after" means "pursue," a very strong verb.

Then this one, for the maturing Saint of God. Yielded to the Holy Spirit, filled with his Influence. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." A lifetime of noble goals, Galatians again, 5:22-23.

Let's include one example from  Paul's Prison Epistles, at least. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." Colossians 3:12-14, very positive!

Then one of the most lofty of all Paul's lists. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8, how to think, topics about which to think!

Surely I've shared enough instances to say this is a normal procedure with Paul. His listing various "do not do these" activities, and sometime later, "do these" sequences.

To warn us, the vice lists.

And to teach and encourage us, the virtue lists!

I have an idea. Memorize one of them today, either negative or positive. They will help us better live for our Lord!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 17, PAUL AND "DIATRIBE," STRONG REBUKE:

The word is "diatribe." And Paul uses this literary convention occasionally in his writing. It is sort of a "verbal attack" on one's opponents! Like when Paul is opposing false doctrine!

A strong rebuke!

In fact, another Biblical term, "jeremaid," obviously coined after the name of an Old Testament Prophet (Jeremiah), means about the same thing as "diatribe." The Bible is a Book that stands it ground, defending the Truth ... against all systems of falsehood! A "jeremiad" is "a list of woes!" Almost "threats!" Against blatant, rebellious sin.

But back to "diatribe." The word has a Latin background. "Tribein" means "to rub." And "dia" means "through." Hence, "to rub something real hard until it has been sloughed away!" To rub it all the way through, to obliterate it!

Where does Paul feel that strongly?

Galatians 1:8-9 provides a classic example. "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

That's strong, folks, confrontational! "Accursed" as much as means "let him die and spend eternity in Hell!" That's clearly a "jeremaid," a "diatribe," for sure.

Here's another instance. Again from Galatians. "And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? I would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." Galatians 5:11-13, where the "issue" is circumcision. Which is NOT part of God's Plan of salvation! But certain enemies of Paul and the Grace of God he preached, these folks insisted that every "convert" to Christ be "circumcised," all the men. The procedure, "circumcision," literally means a "cutting" all the way "around," pretty much self-descriptive. And Paul is so opposed to anything spoiling the Grace of God unto salvation that he wishes ... the detractors themselves were "cut off!" The verb is "apokopto," Greek meaning "cut all the way off." Drastic suggestion, sarcastic too! And definitely a "diatribe," or a "jeremaid."

I also think First Corinthians 5:11, especially in its entire context, is a "diatribe." Paul is warning the followers of Jesus there to avoid certain kinds of people. He writes: "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat." Do not even eat with anyone from that crowd!

More: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" Second Corinthians 6:14

This too: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Second Corinthians 6:17

I am so thankful today that the Bible is "direct" in its instruction and bold in its rebuke of false teaching!

Talk about diatribe, read this: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." Jesus Himself in John 8:44, to the Pharisees.

But if a man or woman is truly saved, born again, this blessing is applicable. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1

No more diatribe, "in Christ Jesus!"

              --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 18, PAUL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH:

An idea that is most prominent in Paul's writing is that of "maturity." Or really to be more precise, "perfection." Of the two Greek words the Apostle uses to express that idea, one far more often than the other, Paul writes of this concept (perfection) more than any other Bible writer. Far more!

In fact, I just counted thirty times, if all fourteen of the Pauline Books are considered. I realize that contemporary scholarship now says several of those books are "contested," as far as Paul writing them is concerned. But not to me. If my Bible says "Paul," then I am believing Paul! 

Let me quickly show you the words involved.

In Greek "teleios" (the adjective) along with "telos" (the noun) and "teleo" (the verb), obviously from the same "root" word ... means "perfect, complete, mature" then "the goal line, the end, the point of completion," then "to reach that line, to achieve that goal." Twenty-two times for this word group.

Also in Greek "katartizo" (and its cognates) carries the idea of "putting something into perfect working order." Ready to use "this very second!" Except for the Gospel writers, then only four times, and Peter once, Paul is the sole user of this word as well. Eight times counting Hebrews. "Katartizo"  is translated "mending" twice in the New Testament, as when the Disciples were "mending" (fixing) their torn nets!

Paul never uses either word for "perfect" to suggest a total absence of sin in the lives of us Christians. That happens in Glory, in Heaven, when Jesus comes again! Rather, the idea of "progress" is evident.

Now let me show you a few times Paul specifically employs this concept, some using each word for "perfection."

First with the "telos" group.

Speaking of "growing in Christ," Paul writes in Ephesians 4:13. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect ('teleios') man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Having reached the goal line!

The idea of "teleios" in Philippians 3:15 is "maturity" for sure. "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect ('teleios'), be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." Having "actualized" God's plans in my life!

In Colossians 1:28, one of my favorites, Paul has a goal for himself! Preaching and teaching to his Churches until every "man" is mature! "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect ('teleios' again) in Christ Jesus."

Wow!

Now here's a godly man praying for the "telos" (perfection, maturity) of the saints in his Home Church! "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect ('teleios') and complete in all the will of God." Colossians 4:12

But I'd also like to share with you a few examples of "katartizo."

First Corinthians 1:10 is a good place to start. "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together ('katartizo') in the same mind and in the same judgment." Sort of "put in working order!"

Another prayer for the children of God. "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect ('katartizo'), be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." Second Corinthians 13:11, for a time they had not been "in unity." But now they have been "mended," or that's Paul's strong desire anyway.

Here's "katartizo" in the King James Version, Galatians 6:1. Watch this one carefully. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore ('katartizo') such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." The verb "restore," (still "katartizo" though) has the idea of "sewing back together" a ripped cloth! Or "setting" a broken bone! Helping to bring someone to maturity, "perfection" in that sense!

Paul longs to help his spiritual children so "grow" or "develop" in the Lord. One more case. "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect ('katartizo') that which is lacking in your faith?" First Thessalonians 3:10, clearly an idea prevalent throughout "Paul" in the New Testament.

Paul's "passion" is that the saints become more and more like Jesus! Live closer and closer to the "goal" of "fulfillment" of all God intended us to be! This, "attaining completion," is a good way of wording it.

To grow in Christ Jesus ... read and obey a lot of Paul!

Romans through Hebrews!

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Yes, Paul the "tent maker" is also Paul the "coach" or "cheerleader" and in some ways "architect" of spiritual progress! He's still "building," isn't he? Paul outlines such noble development, but the Holy Spirit Himself empowers and helps us attain it.

Oh, by the way. Listen to some of Paul's very last words. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Second Timothy 6:7, where "finished" is his word! You know, "teleo." Paul indeed lived, practiced what he preached!

LESSON 19, PAUL THE TENTMAKER:

Paul, the "tentmaker!"

He's of course best known as a Preacher of God's Word, par excellence! The Apostle to the Gentiles! The lowliest of the Servants of God! Perhaps the most dedicated Christian to ever live!

But he was a "tentmaker" too.

Luke in Acts 18:3 tells us of a couple named Aquila and Priscilla, with whom Paul lived a while. "Because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers."

The Greek word for "tentmaker" is "skenopoios." The word blends the noun for "tent" or "vessel" with the verb that means "to do, to make." Here's the only time this precise word is used in the whole New Testament, in its compound form.

These tents may have been made from "goats' hair," or "cilicium." By the way, the Province of the Roman Empire in which Paul was reared was known as "Cilicia!" Perhaps a reference to one of its leading industries! Tarsus was Paul's specific city, his hometown.

Another, but less likely, idea is that the material with which Paul worked was "leather." Not goat's hair. But that line of work (the job of being a "tanner") was considered "unclean," by the upper class of Jews anyway. And Paul often ministered to them, leading a number of that "upper crust" to Jesus!

It's clear that Paul worked this job in order not to be a financial burden to the small Churches he served. Here's First Thessalonians 2:9. "For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God." The nouns "labor" and "travail" used in the verse are two of the most intense words in the Greek language, at least concerning one's employment. "Kopos" and "mochthos" both indicate "toil, acting with difficulty, cutting to the bone," those kinds of ideas.

Today I just want to take a minute and salute and honor those many Pastors in the Lord's work who yet today, because of finances, both preach the Gospel ... and work a job! Doing double duty, still faithfully serving the Lord!

Paul did.

I'm remembering that Jesus Himself was a carpenter prior to the beginning of His public Ministry!

Maybe this verse best applies. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Colossians 3:17

Or First Corinthians 10:31. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Amen!

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 20, PAUL AND HOLIDAYS:

I wondered early this morning, Christmas Day of 2014, "What did Paul do during holidays?" Back during first century Roman Empire culture? Or more so, Jewish culture of that time?

Of course Paul's "holidays" did not center around Christmas or the new year. Nor did it focus on Easter or Independence Day.

But twice in Paul's Biblical biography "Pentecost" is mentioned. That's a holiday, sort of one. More precisely it's a "Holy Day" to the Jewish mind. And it has Christian connotations yet to this very hour.

Paul at holiday.

Here are the two verses.

"For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost." Acts 20:16, written about Paul by Luke his faithful travel companion.

And then from Paul himself. "But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost."

I am not today going to discuss the "why" Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Or the wisdom of such a decision. You may read a whole series of lessons concerning that aspect of Paul's life by visiting here, Acts 21 ... The "Mistakes" Of Paul, on the website. Just "click" with your mouse the underlined blue print.

 But I do want you to notice that Paul gave holidays a spiritual emphasis.

Then too that he often traveled in preparation for holidays.

Also that he arranged his work for the Lord so that he could get maximum impact ... right up to the holidays.

And that Paul would have known the godly significance of Pentecost, or any other holiday.

Holidays and Paul ... times to be busy for Jesus!

Always!

By the way, Pentecost emphasizes the Holy Spirit!

The Third Person of the "Godhead," using Paul's terminology.

The Holy Spirit Who empowered Paul in all he did for Jesus.

Now ... no longer about Pentecost.

But back about Christmas (or any other American holiday) ... apply the same principles Paul used about his life and "special days" to your Christian experience

Make every holiday special ... in a Biblical sense!

Be Spirit-filled in every area of your life!

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell 

And ... from us to you, Merry Christmas! Remembering that Jesus is the Virgin Born Son of God! Who lived sinlessly and died vicariously so sinners might be saved!

LESSON 21, PAUL AND MIRACLES:

One of the strangest Verses Paul ever wrote, to me anyway, is Second Timothy 4:20. Where he tersely informed his young preacher friend, his student Timothy ... "Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick."

A dear co-worker, left behind as Paul travels, "sick." And while the adjective "sick" gives no specifics as to the man's condition, it does precisely mean "without strength."

Now for a little background. We meet Trophimus three times in Paul's life. The first of which, Acts 20:4, informs us that he was as "Asian," from the City of Ephesus precisely.

The point I'd like to make today is that Paul, who often healed the sick via the Power of the Spirit of the Lord, DID NOT do so for Trophimus in Second Timothy 4:20.

From this fact several truths can be deduced.

1. The frequency of "miracles" Paul worked seems to have gradually receded. Even to the point of here not healing his friend and trusted companion Trophimus. The early Church seems to have been granted miracle after miracle, "signs and wonders" ... the later Church, not as much.

Although God is still "almighty," and can do anything He pleases! That's for sure. And this too, any real physical restoration, healing in that sense, comes from "above." From our Heavenly Father.

2. It is not always God's Will to heal an individual. Sometimes old age, extenuating physical conditions, or one's "time to go" can outweigh the need for healing. Such may have been the case with Trophimus. We just do not know. It is "appointed" to every man to die, Hebrews 9:27.

3. Paul may have been arrested and quickly removed from Miletum, forcefully taken to Rome. Leaving him no time to "minister" to Trophimus. This would have been Paul's last, and most severe, imprisonment. The one which led to his death, his martyrdom for Jesus' Sake.

4. One more thing. The Word of God, the Bible, is brutally "honest!" It tells the truth, no matter what. The story would have sounded smoother, more optimistic, had this sentence been omitted. Or had Trophimus been made well. But such was not the case! How we ought to thank God for such an attitude, such a spirit of accuracy!

By the way, the name Trophimus is derived from a Greek word, "trophe." It means "food" or "nourishment." I'm sure this godly helper proved true to his name as he served the great Apostle Paul. And today, by meditating on the one verse that tells of his "sickness," Trophimus might "nourish" us a bit today, spiritually so.

Jesus once said, "If it were not so, I would have told you." (John 14:2) It's in that same vein of thought that Paul told us, told Timothy, "Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick."

Good times and bad times ... the Bible is going to be accurate!

Wow!

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 22, PAUL AND WEAKNESS:

Paul the great Apostle!

How we all admire his stamina, his determination!

Yet Paul often speaks of his "weakness."

Primarily using a noun, "astheneia," meaning "without strength" in Greek, the language of the New Testament.

For example, Paul may have been "weak" in appearance. Not a "striking" individual, no "good looks" about him. Some of Paul's "enemies" mocked him for this, anyway. "His bodily presence is weak," they laughed in Second Corinthians 10:10, using "asthenes," a close relative of "astheneia."

Again, Paul may have been "weak" in speech, in his oratory skills, in quality of voice. The detractors continue taking about the Apostle, "His speech is contemptible." Second Corinthians 10:10, where "contemptible" means "worth nothing!"

And Paul was, for sure, "weak" physically, at least at time. He was "given" a "thorn in the flesh," for example. Some incapacity that he could not overcome. He even prayed to the Lord to "remove" the malady, but God said "No." ("For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me." Second Corinthians 12:8, but the "thorn" did not go away!)

Then Paul learned a lesson about "weakness."

A lesson that changed his attitude toward all his "inadequacies."

God told the Apostle, "My Strength is made perfect in weakness." Second Corinthians 12:9, where "made perfect" translates "teleioo," meaning "fulfilled." Or better, "having reached its goal!"

In other words, when we are weak, not depending on any of our natural abilities, God's Strength is more operable! Move visible! More willing to enact some Divine Plan!

God's gets all the Glory when we are so "inept" that He can do ALL the work, through us!

I think of it this way sometimes. "When I am weak. He is all the more willing to be STRONG!" Maybe even, "When I am weakest, He is Strongest!"

This truth so captivated Paul that he could later write: "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Here "infirmities" is a translation of "astheneia," of course! (The word for God's "power" here is "dunamis," God's "dynamite" Strength!)

Apparently God's Power will not "rest" on a self-sufficient, proud, I-can-do-it-on-my-own" man! But God's Power will gladly rest on a "weak" man, who cries daily for the Lord's Help!

Wow!

This is a life-changing thought, folks!

So while Paul's enemies "deride" him because of his weaknesses, the Apostle will "brag" on his weaknesses. Thus allowing God to work (powerfully) through him! Second Corinthians 11:30, "If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities."

Amen!

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 23, PAUL AND CHURCH FELLOWSHIP, THE COMMUNAL MEAL:

I first heard the term years ago when studying Paul's correspondence to the Corinthians, the Church in that Greek city.

Especially in the New Testament Book of First Corinthians, where Paul has so much to say about "eating." About the Church apparently taking meals together, the "breaking of bread," in other words.

The exact phrase is "love feast." Or the "agape meal." This precise term is not used in Scripture but once. Where Jude calls them "feasts of charity." In Greek that's just "agape" in Greek, the deepest noun that language knows for "love." Here's Jude's twelfth verse, speaking of false believers who had infiltrated and weakened the Church in those days: "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear (without reverence). Clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots." Wow!

A sacred meal, one Believer sharing with another, Church-wide fellowship, but these apostates were "spoiling" the spirit of that hour!

Second Peter chapter two, which follows Jude's Message, parallels it, so closely adds: "And they (the same troublemaking crowd Jude has in mind) shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you." Second Peter 2:13

By the time Peter wrote, this holy meal, this sharing of food (the "haves" with the "have-nots"), is being held in the "day time." Folks, the meal included (at its beginning or at its end) the "Lord's Supper." And suppers were always eaten at night, of course! But now it's been "rescheduled" to the daylight hours! Changing God's pattern!

A Church sharing food together?

It's a good idea.

Really is.

Biblical, too.

Fellowshipping around soup, meat, salad, desert, whatever ... collectively ... in the Name of our Lord!

Again, this is called the "love feast" or the "agape meal."

"But how does all this relate to Paul?" You rightly may be asking. Well, the Apostle has more to say about these "meals" than any other Bible writer.

Here's what was happening in Corinth, during what was supposed to be the pure, "helping-one-another" meals shared with fellow Christians. "Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken." First Corinthians 11:17-21, what selfishness, what disorder, what carnality!

Paul's advice: "Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another." First Corinthians 11:33, where "tarry" (in Greek "ekdechomai") means "receive, accept, wait for." Do not go ahead of others and "hog" all the food and drink!

The "rich" should not eat and drink what they've brought. Going ahead of the "poor" of the Church, many times slaves who worked all day and could not arrive until evening, later in the evening many of them!

By desecrating the meal of love, including the Lord's Supper which was attached to it, the offending Christians were clearly inviting God's chastening Hand!

Just how serious is this to the Lord? "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." God has made some of the offenders "sick." And had taken some of them to Heaven, prematurely! They "slept" in Jesus, died! First Corinthians 11:30

The truth behind all this?

The moral of today's lesson?

Love one another!

Share with one another!

Do not put self first!

And approach all aspects of worship, especially the Lord's Table, with the utmost reverence.

The "love feast," what a great idea.

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Remember this text, this Bible setting, next time you are enjoying a Church "fellowship" time! Behave yourself properly!

LESSON 24, PAUL AND THE DEVIL:

Any analysis of Paul's Ministry where he is handling of a certain "subject" is interesting. For example, the "devil." How does Paul approach and teach about the "enemy" of our souls?

The Greek noun "satan" is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew noun, "satan," spelled exactly the same in both languages! I can find 33 times this word is used in the Old Testament. And Paul was a keen student of those precious Scriptures.

So, naturally, Paul employs (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) that term, "satan." Though not as many times as you might think, 10 times in his Epistles and once as he preached in Acts. Here's an example, reflecting Genesis 3:15 for sure: "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." Romans 16:20, where "Satan" means "adversary," an opponent.

The other Pauline locations where "Satan" is found are as follows. Acts 26:18 before Agrippa. Twice in First Corinthians, 5:5 and 7:5. But three times in Second Corinthians, 2:11 then 11:14 followed by 12:7. Twice in Thessalonians, First Thessalonians 2:18 and Second Thessalonians 2:9 in that great prophecy paragraph. Then two times in First Timothy to his young preacher boy, 1:10 and 5:15.

But Paul also uses the word "devil" when describing our arch-enemy. In Greek "diabolos" means "one who slanders, blasphemes, accuses." Really, one who "slings mud" would be a good word picture!

Here only 6 times in his Writings and once more in Acts does Paul utilize this name for Satan, "devil." In Acts 13:10 first, addressing a demon-filled man, a sorcerer. "And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?"

Followed by the short command in Ephesians 4:27. "Neither give place to the devil." Then the famous Ephesians 6:11. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Plus First Timothy 3:6 and 3:7. And the intriguing Second Timothy 2:26. Followed by Hebrews 2:14, the devil's defeat. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself (Jesus) likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." Amen!

And the devil or Satan is also in the New Testament's Pauline Corpus called by certain other terms, expressions. Here are just a few. In Second Corinthians Satan is called, I think, "Belial!" A noun meaning "worthless, good-for-nothing, wicked!" And in Second Corinthians 4:4 he's the "god of this world." Here it is: "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."

Again, "the evil one" is also the "serpent" in Second Corinthians 11:3. "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

One more anyway, "the prince of the power of the air." In Ephesians 2:2, before we were saved. "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience."

There are others.

But surely I've shared enough of them to prove that Paul believed in the devil! The Apostle was not one who thought Satan to be merely an influence! A figment of antiquity's imagination!

An real enemy ... but one who could be confronted via the Holy Spirit and His mighty Wisdom and Power!

And an enemy who is already defeated by the Cross of Calvary!

Let me end where I began, with Romans 16:20. "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

Victory in Jesus!

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 25, PAUL THE SOUL WINNER:

One verse from Paul's pen gives us all the information we have (direct information anyway) on today's thought. Two words, "Caesar's household." Who are these people?

In Philippians 4:22 Paul tells us: "All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household."

He's in Rome as he writes these words, in prison. As described in Acts 28:16. "And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him."

Yet Paul, though "under arrest," was given some latitude. No real freedom, but he could still teach and preach to any who came to him! "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." Acts 28:30-31

So it's from Rome Paul wrote the Book of Philippians (as well as Ephesians and Colossians and Philemon). And at the close of his Epistles he usually sent "greetings" to those who would receive the letter. That's what's happening in Philippians 4:22. "All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household."

Here's the whole closing paragraph. "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Philippians 4:21-23, note the personal words of love being shared, the salutations.

Now back to my initial question. "Who are these folks, these members of Caesar's household?"

One more hint. Here's Philippians 1:13. "So that my bonds (chains) in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places." We must study the noun "palace." In Greek spelled "praitorion," it's the name of the "headquarters" area where Caesar ruled!

And the praetoria was overseen by a special group of soldiers. Men known as the "Praetorian Guard!" They would have been in charge of watching Paul, seeing he was still "in custody." These men would have been considered "members of Caesar's Household," men in the Emperor's employ!

Here's what happened.

As the men "guarded" Paul, he told them the Gospel, of Jesus, of salvation, of Heaven and Hell! And some of them were "saved!" It was like this: "And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not." Acts 28:24

Paul, in prison, a soul-winner!

These who were saved, possibly even including the "cook" who prepared food for Paul, the "doctor" who checked him physically, the "custodian" who cleaned his room (all of whom would have been in Caesar's household ... by the standards of that day) wanted to send love and grace and kindness to the Philippians as Paul closed his letter to that Church!

How much a single sentence can reveal! "All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household."

Wow!

Talking favorably of Jesus ... whatever the circumstances!

Staying faithful ... even in unfaithful times!

Promoting love and fellowship among believers in Jesus ... no matter how different they may be!

I admire Paul more than ever.

What an example!

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 26, PAUL AND THE "MYSTERIES" OF GOD:

I am realizing that these lessons about Paul could continue for weeks, months even. He is such a vast personality! Soon I must come to a "stopping place," however. One Series of studies cannot continue indefinitely.

This is being written on New Year's Day, 2015. I just opened a new calendar, one of those page-a-day varieties. I can now learn a new Latin expression every time the sun rises! Today I saw "nil novi sub sole," which means "nothing new under the sun." I love these! They are like "riddles" to me, measuring how much High School Latin I've retained.

Paul also used "riddles." Well, not exactly that word, but similar. In Greek Paul wrote "musterion" numbers of times. Our word, obviously, "mystery." I just counted 17 times, in Paul. That's 17 of only 22 times in the whole New Testament. (Only Mark 4:11 and the Book of Revelation, 4 different times, employ this same word.)

What does "musterion" mean?

"Something once hidden, but now revealed." That's how I've defined it for years now. It derives from "muo," meaning "to shut one's mouth!" Hence, a "secret." Or loosely, a "riddle." Things "unknown." Maybe even things "unspeakable."

Watch Paul use the noun, in context. "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." Romans 11:25, God's dealings with Israel!

Here's a very good example. "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." First Corinthians 15:51-52, the Rapture!

Doctrinal truth, which is somewhat veiled in the Old Testament, but now clearly illuminated in the New Testament!

And often revealed to Paul!

First Timothy 3:16 is one of my favorites. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." Amen, Jesus our Lord!

I just said "revealed to Paul." Listen to him, briefly. "How that by revelation He (God) made known unto me the mystery." Ephesians 3:3

One of these "key" mysteries is that of the full-orbed GOSPEL of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Death and Burial and Resurrection of Jesus, not merely promised, but actualized, completed, finished ... providing soul salvation to all who believe!

Here's Paul "goal" in that area: "that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel." Ephesians 6:19, to make known the "secret" of the Gospel!

One devilish philosophy of Paul's day, now called "gnosticism," majored on "mysteries," all of which were false. Paul is just saying that "mysteries" do exist, but only True ones as revealed by the God of Truth, our Heavenly Father!

Aren't you glad God has revealed to you, through His Word, through the Apostle Paul, the "mysteries" of His Kingdom?

In a light sense, today I shall call Paul the supreme "mystery writer" of all time! And we, through our New Testaments, are all able to learn of them, the very "deep things" of God!

Hallelujah!

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 27, CONCLUSION:

Paul, what a person, what a subject, what a man of God!

So far I've written twenty-six lessons about some aspect of this great Christian, his personality or his preaching.

Yet I also have a new Bible Study Series "burning" in my heart. So I must, reluctantly, bring the "Paul" Study to an end.

I say "regretfully" because I really wanted to write an Article about the "Chronology" of Paul's life. Which of his Epistles are "early" and which are "later" in his ministry? How do we know he undertook three missionary journeys? That sort of idea.

Then I too wanted to write a Lesson about Paul's use of the word "fulness" in his Corpus, meaning just the Pauline "body" of literature we have in the New Testament. Fulness is "pleroma" in Greek and clearly suggests Paul's belief that in Jesus we have ALL we need. Completely sufficient in our Lord!

Also Paul's attitude toward money! I wanted to discuss that with you. Why from some of his Churches he would take no money, not a cent! While others were allowed to support his ministry time and time again. What criteria did he use to make such financial decisions?

And then I would have enjoyed delving into the criticism of Paul that he never once (they say) mentioned "Hell" in all his preaching and teaching. Not that is recorded, anyway. But he did talk about future judgment! About the "wages" of sin. He may not have used the exact word "Hell," but he surely agreed with Jesus about the eternal retribution of the wicked.

Then a Lesson on Paul and Jesus' Crucifixion, our Lord's vicarious Death, would have been on my "list" as well. While the Apostle was not physically present when Jesus was put to death, he accepted and preached and rightly interpreted the Truth of the Atonement!

And what about Paul and the "demons?" He cast out many an evil spirit apparently. How did Paul advise us to confront the Devil? Ephesians chapter six is coming to mind. "The whole armour of God" Text. That deserves to be studied for sure.

And so much more.

But tomorrow, Lord willing, I want to begin another Psalm, verse by verse. One of the "Psalms of the Sons of Korah," hopefully.

And of course, you are invited to accompany us on the journey!

Paul the Apostle, let's thank God today for saving such an old sinner and transforming him into the giant he really became.

A Preacher whose life goal for each of us was: "that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." Colossians 1:28, where "perfect" means "mature, having reached the goal line!"

Amen!

             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell