GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 402 January 5, 2012
Paul's Love for Mankind
Paul was Jew by birth. He also enjoyed being a citizen of the Roman government. When asked by a commander of the guard if he was a Roman (Acts 22:27), Paul stated, "... I was born a citizen." A citizen ofRome was a big deal that carried many privileges. Yet, Paul's spiritual love for the Jewish people was so strong that he would give up anything for the Jews; even his Roman citizenship.His love for the Jews was such that Paul would even take their place on judgment day. He would gladly trade places for his people, if he could. "For I could wish myself accursed Christ for mybrethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the service of God, and the promises;" (Romans 9:3-4).And then, Paul had great love for every natural man; even gentiles. Paul loved all mankind; regardless of their ethnicity. And, while willing to exchange eternal positions with his people, we see that Paul –based upon the fact that it was not possible to trade with anyone – went to great lengths to express what it meant to be a member of the Lord's body, the church.Thus, Paul's first love after the Lord, Jesus Christ, was the church; the body of believers holding to the truth of God's teachings. Yes, Paul and the church believed that Jesus was the Messiah. However,whether Jew or Gentile, Paul explained how anyone could be saved. In Romans 10:9, Paul wrote, "That if thou shalt confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in the heart that God raised Him from thedead, you will be saved."In his writings to the Roman Church, Paul's "...heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved," Romans 10:1. And, while Paul stopped often at the Synagogues, his account in Acts 13:46shows that He knew it was no use. "It was necessary that the word of God should have been spoken to you: but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the gentiles."Thus, we read of Paul's detailed instructions about serving Christ everywhere. To the Colossians, Paul wrote, "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, kindness, humblenessof mind, meekness, longsuffering; forgiving on another..." Chapter 3:12-13. To the Philippians, "Grace be unto you, and peace...I thank my God upon every remembrance of you..." (1:2-3).What we have in Paul's teaching on mankind; whether, Jew or Gentile, is that we are to love one another, always and be ready to forgive. The key, I think, is not to take offense in the first place. I appreciateall in the church. Further, I always keep an eye on the Jews, God chosen people; even now. When it comes to looking at prophecy in these last days, Israel is the clock for us to read what time it is. The Lord is notthrough with His people, yet. We also think that God will use those who once knew about God's grace, as well. You know, the backsliders. After all, we must remember that God is more patient than most of us, evenPaul, the Apostle.