Topical Bible: Weeping of Paul

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The Apostle Paul, a central figure in the early Christian Church, is often remembered for his theological insights, missionary journeys, and pastoral care. Among his many attributes, Paul's capacity for deep emotion, particularly his weeping, is a significant aspect of his character and ministry. His tears are mentioned in several passages, reflecting his profound love for the Church, his concern for the spiritual well-being of believers, and his personal struggles.

Acts 20:19, 31
In his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, Paul recounts his time among them, serving "with all humility and with tears and with trials" (Acts 20:19). His tears here are indicative of his earnest dedication and the emotional burden he carried for the churches he established. Later in the same chapter, Paul reminds them, "Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears" (Acts 20:31). This persistent warning with tears underscores his deep concern for their spiritual vigilance and the dangers of false teachings.

2 Corinthians 2:4
Paul's emotional depth is further revealed in his correspondence with the Corinthian church. In 2 Corinthians 2:4, he writes, "For through many tears I wrote to you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you, but to let you know the depth of my love." His tears here are a testament to his pastoral heart, expressing both his sorrow over their struggles and his profound love for them. This emotional transparency serves as a model for pastoral care, emphasizing the importance of genuine concern and love in leadership.

Philippians 3:18
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul again mentions his tears, this time in the context of warning against those who live as "enemies of the cross of Christ" (Philippians 3:18). He states, "For as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ." His weeping here reflects his sorrow over those who reject the gospel and the potential impact on the church. It highlights his deep commitment to the truth of the gospel and his grief over those who turn away from it.

Emotional and Spiritual Significance
Paul's weeping is not merely an expression of personal sorrow but is deeply connected to his spiritual mission. His tears are a reflection of his Christ-like compassion, his burden for the lost, and his commitment to the purity and unity of the Church. They serve as a powerful reminder of the emotional and spiritual investment required in ministry and the profound love that should characterize Christian leadership.

Theological Implications
From a theological perspective, Paul's weeping can be seen as an embodiment of the heart of God for His people. It illustrates the depth of divine love and the seriousness with which spiritual matters should be approached. Paul's tears are a call to believers to share in this divine compassion, to be vigilant against false teachings, and to remain steadfast in their faith.

In summary, the weeping of Paul is a multifaceted expression of his apostolic ministry, characterized by deep love, concern, and commitment to the truth of the gospel. His tears are a testament to the emotional and spiritual depth required in the service of Christ and His Church.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 20:19
Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
Nave's Topical Index

Philippians 3:18
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
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Library

The Weeping Saviour.
... Paul was not given to weeping, and it makes his fervid love of souls all the more
striking when we find him confessing that he had wept like a child over those ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xii the weeping saviour.htm

Paul's Farewell Charge. Acts 20:26,27
... PAUL's farewell charge. Acts 20:26,27. When Paul was parted from his friends. It
was a weeping day; But Jesus made them all amends,. And wiped their tears away. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 28 pauls farewell charge.htm

Paul's Last Journey to Jerusalem
... When we and the brothers who lived there heard this, we begged Paul not to go up
to Jerusalem, but Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/pauls last journey to jerusalem.htm

The Life of St. Paul the Apostle
... named Plautilla, a disciple of Paul, who after another name was called Lemobia,
for haply she had two names, met there with Paul, which weeping, commended her ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of st paul.htm

The Story of Perpetua.
... eyed. And Paul, seeing her weeping, says to her: Give me thy handkerchief,
and when I turn back I shall give it to thee. And she ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostles peter and paul/the story of perpetua.htm

Revelation of Paul.
... And one of them, Joseph who was sold in Egypt, says to me: Hear me, Paul, friend
of God: I did not requite my ... And when he came near me, he saluted me weeping. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of paul/revelation of paul.htm

The vision of Paul.
... came to those who were placed in punishment and seeing him, again weeping, they
cried ... and the angels who are with me with the well-beloved Paul, if perchance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the vision of paul/the vision of paul.htm

St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ.
... While Paul remained a Pharisee he was the idol of his nation; but no sooner ... Israel
on his heart before God, and made daily intercession for them, weeping at a ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon ix st pauls wish.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
... following day, Juvenalius, running, threw himself at the feet of Peter, weeping
and lamenting ... the bishop took to Peter him that had been sent by Paul, and he ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostles peter and paul/acts of the holy apostles.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Paul.
... the sin that dwelleth in us is most vividly described by Paul in the ... sonship, but
losing their communion and their joy, often like Peter weeping bitterly over ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vii entire sanctification as.htm