The Story of Redemption

SEE, HEAR, FEEL WITH PAUL

See Paul in an underground prison cell at Philippi. Paul's back was bleeding, his body filled with pain. Hear Paul's song of praise that breaks the silence of midnight. Feel the earthquake that opens the prison doors. Hear Paul's words of cheer to the heathen jailer: "Do not hurt yourself. We are all here." See every prisoner in his place, kept there by the presence of one fellow prisoner. The jailer believes in the faith that helps Paul and asks Paul how to be saved. The jailer, with his entire family, unite with the persecuted group of Christ's followers. SRme 1.1414

See Paul at Athens speaking before the council of men on Mars' Hill. Hear him meet their science with God's science, their reasoning with true reasoning. Notice how, with wisdom and divine love, Paul points to Jehovah as the "Unknown God," the god the people of Athens had worshiped not knowing whom He was. Paul describes God as a Father then he repeats words from one of Athen's poets, "We too are His children." SRme 1.1415

Paul knows that the rights of people are usually not recognized, so he tells the great truth of brotherhood. "From one man He [God] created all races of mankind and made them live throughout the whole earth. He Himself fixed beforehand the exact times and limits of the places where they would live. He did this so that they would look for Him, and perhaps find Him as they felt around for Him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us" (Acts 17:26, 27). SRme 1.1416

Hear Paul in the court of Festus. King Agrippa, realizing the truth of the gospel, exclaims, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." How gently and thoughtfully Paul replies, "I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am." Paul lifts his chained hands and adds, "Except these bonds" (Acts 26:28, 29). SRme 1.1417

The life of Paul was described in his own words: "In my many travels I have been in danger from floods and from robbers, in danger from fellow Jews and from Gentiles; there have been dangers in the cities, dangers in the wilds, dangers on the high seas, and dangers from false friends. There has been work and toil; often I have gone without sleep; I have been hungry and thirsty; I have often been without enough food, shelter, or clothing" (2 Cor. 11:26, 27). SRme 1.1418

"When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are insulted, we answer back with kind words" (1 Cor. 4:12,13, TEV). SRme 1.1419

"Although saddened, we are always glad; we seem poor, but we make many people rich; we seem to have nothing, yet we really possess everything" (2 Cor. 6:10). SRme 1.1420