Tuesday, August 6 I am more outstandingly [a minister of Christ]: in labors more plentifully, in prisons more plentifully, in blows to an excess, in near-deaths often.—2 Cor. 11:23. Preaching with zeal and urgency is vital to keeping on the watch. The apostle Paul was an outstanding example in this regard. He exerted himself zealously, traveling extensively and establishing many congregations. He endured many hardships, yet he never lost his zeal or his sense of urgency. (2 Cor. 11:24-29) Consider our last glimpse of Paul in the book of Acts, as recorded in Acts chapter 28. Paul arrived in Rome, where he was to appear before Nero. He was kept in custody, perhaps chained to his guard. Yet, no chain could silence the zealous apostle! Paul continued to find ways to bear witness. After three days, Paul summoned the principal men of the Jews in order to give them a witness. Then, on a chosen day, he gave an even greater witness.—Acts 28:17, 23, 24. w12 1/15 2:17, 18
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 17:14:48 +0000