essay
PAUL WAS NOT ASHAMED
- PAUL WAS NOT ASHAMED “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes . . .” (Rom 1:16) This is remarkable! It doesn’t matter how “shamefully” Paul was treated, he was never ashamed! At Philippi, for example, he was treated “‘shamefully” (1 Thess. 2:2 KJV). According to the 16th chapter of Acts he was unjustly seized and dragged into the marketplace. He was stripped in public and severely flogged. He was thrown into prison and his feet were fastened in the stocks. He was however, not ashamed. His head was held high. He never considered himself a prisoner of anybody but Jesus (Eph. 3:1). He was so confident that Christ was in control that at midnight, he and Silas were singing hymns. Sure enough, they were right! Christ was in control. Soon, there was an earthquake and it was the jailer who was ashamed and afraid, not Paul. Paul was not trembling with fear, the jailer was. The Scriptures specifically state that after the earth quake the jailer “rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas” (Acts 16:29). Since the Philippians knew this story, Paul reminded them not to be frightened in any way by those who opposed them, for “this is a sign that they will be destroyed and you will be saved” (Phil. 1:28). This same confidence and lack of shame manifested itself again when Paul stood as a prisoner before Felix and Drusilla. Once again, with head held high, Paul reasoned with those sinners about righteousness, self control, and judgment. Luke stated specifically that “Felix was afraid” and said: “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you” (Acts 24:24, 25). There is something about being unashamed of Christ that is foundational to our faith.
- Jesus said: “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38)
- Jesus said: “ If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26).
- Paul wrote to the Romans that whoever believes on Jesus will never be put to shame (Rom. 9:33).
- Timothy was reminded that God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline. Therefore, Timothy, “do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner” (2 Tim. 1:7, 8).
- Paul practiced what he preached. Even though he was soon to die as a martyr he wrote: “I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” (2 Tim 1:12) Paul knew from the very beginning that he would suffer many things for the name of Jesus (Acts 9:16). He warned the brethren in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch that they also must through many hardships enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). In fact, everybody who wants to life godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:12-14). Remember! Those who truly believe in Jesus will never be put to shame!