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Most of us think of the Apostle Paul as an extraordinary man, but Paul was just an ordinary man with extraordinary faith! |
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He experienced many miraculous events and visions. Wow—to experience what Paul experienced! But would you and I really want that? He probably also suffered more than any other Christian. Just read his list of hardships in Second Corinthians 11:23-28.
However, Paul knew he would suffer for Christ from the beginning of his conversion (see Acts 9:15-16).
Yet despite all his suffering, he remained steadfast in his faith. Surely he had times of discouragement and doubt. Listen to what he wrote to the Corinthians:
We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. (2 Cor 1:8, see also 2 Cor 12:8)
How did he endure? How did he not throw in the towel?
He learned to trust and rely on God.
Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. (2 Cor 1:9)
I’m certain that Paul learned to trust God because of his close relationship with Him and God’s divine interventions. Paul saw and experienced many of God’s miracles—big and little ones.
I see at least 7 reasons why Paul had such extraordinary faith
1. Experienced firsthand the presence of God
Example:
- Paul saw the risen Christ (Acts 9)
- While imprisoned in Jerusalem
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11, emphasis added)
2. Had very strong prayer life/very close communication with God
God communicated directly to Paul many times. [Acts 20:22-23, Acts 23:11, Gal 1:11-18] and many times indirectly [27:23-25].
3. Had a vision of heaven
He saw things so beautiful and glorious that he was not able to speak of them (nor was he allowed to[i]).
4. God performed many miracles on Paul’s behalf
Example:
- Blinded and unblinded (Acts 9:8-9, 17-18)
- Miraculous deliverances/escapes (Acts 9:25, Acts 16:25-26, Acts 23:12-35, Acts 27:14-44, Acts 28:3-6)
5. God empowered Paul to perform many miracles (see chart below)
6. He received help, support and confirmation from others
Example:
- Ananias (Acts 9:17)
- Barnabas (Acts 9:26-27)
7. Saw much evidence of eternal fruit being produced through his suffering
Example:
Phil 1:12-18, Eph3:13
I suspect these extraordinary encounters and experiences greatly encouraged Paul to remain faithful during his times in the pit. Through them, he came to love his Savior more than life itself (Phil 1:21). Although it came at great cost, Paul counted it a privilege to serve God as His messenger.
I too have seen and experienced many miracles and connections with my Lord—surely not to the same degree as Paul’s, but wonderful nonetheless. And I too have experienced many hardships—surely and gratefully not to the same degree either!
And just like Paul, thinking about my extraordinary Lord and what He’s done has helped me to remain faithful during my times in the pit.
And I know God will do the same for you—if you let Him!
My friends, Paul needed God and so do we! He was just an ordinary man, extraordinarily endowed to fulfill his God-given purpose. Although Paul’s purpose was extremely important, so are the purposes God has for each and every one of His children! Let us open our eyes to see the countless ways God has divinely interceded in our lives so that we can carry out God’s plan for us.
You and I may not perform miracles or see visions of heaven like Paul, but God wants to do His miraculous work through each of us. And remember: the saving of a soul from hell is one of the biggest miracles God could ever do!
Miracles performed by Paul the Apostle
- The prophecy of Elymas the magician being blinded for a season (Acts 13:9-11).
- Healing the lame man (Acts 14:8-10).
- Casting out the spirit of divination from a girl (Acts 16:16–18).
- Handkerchiefs brought from his body to others would heal the sick, and wicked spirits would leave (Acts 19:11-12). Many healed in Corinth
- Raising up Eutychus, who fell from the wall and died (Acts 20:9-10).
- Healed Publius’ father on Malta (Acts 28:8).
- Healed many others on Malta (Acts 28:9).
Relevant Resources
Remembering God: Going Down Memory Lane with Your Savior
Does God Still perform Miracles?
10 Ways to Recognize God’s Little Miracles in Our Lives
Do You Know Your God-Given Purpose?
[i] https://www.bibleref.com/2-Corinthians/12/2-Corinthians-12-4.html#:~:text=In%20other%20words%2C%20God%20revealed,(Revelation%2010%3A4).
All Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV. ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.