Topical Bible: Love to Christ: Paul

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The Apostle Paul, a central figure in the New Testament, exemplifies profound love and devotion to Jesus Christ. His epistles reveal a deep, personal relationship with the Savior, characterized by unwavering commitment, sacrificial service, and a passionate desire to know and proclaim Christ.

Conversion and Transformation

Paul's journey of love for Christ began dramatically on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Formerly a zealous persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered the risen Christ in a vision that transformed his life. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his profound love and dedication to Jesus, as he later recounts, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

Christ as the Center of Life

Paul's writings consistently place Christ at the center of his life and ministry. In Galatians 2:20, he declares, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" . This verse encapsulates Paul's understanding of his identity and purpose, rooted in the love and sacrifice of Jesus.

Sacrificial Service

Paul's love for Christ is evident in his willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, he details the numerous trials he faced, including beatings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks. Despite these sufferings, Paul's love for Christ compelled him to continue his mission, as he states, "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God's grace" (Acts 20:24).

Desire for Intimacy with Christ

Paul's epistles reveal a deep longing to know Christ intimately. In Philippians 3:8-10, he writes, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him... I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death" . This passage highlights Paul's desire for a profound spiritual connection with Jesus, surpassing all earthly gains.

Proclamation of Christ's Love

Paul's love for Christ is also reflected in his fervent proclamation of the Gospel. He viewed himself as an ambassador for Christ, entrusted with the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20). His letters are filled with exhortations to love and serve Christ, urging believers to "walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God" (Ephesians 5:2).

Eternal Perspective

Paul's love for Christ is rooted in an eternal perspective, as he eagerly anticipates the return of the Lord. In 2 Timothy 4:8, he expresses his hope, "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing" . This anticipation underscores Paul's enduring love and devotion to Christ, motivating his earthly ministry and shaping his eternal hope.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Admirable Exhortation of S. Paul to the Ecstatic and Superhuman ...
... But finally, methinks S. Paul makes the most forcible, pressing ... everyone), the charity,
says he, of Christ presseth us ... so much presses man's heart as love; if a ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter viii an admirable exhortation.htm

Paul Gerhardt??s Spiritual Songs
... <. Paul Gerhardt??s Spiritual Songs Paul Gerhardt. ... FOR TEMPORAL AND ETERNAL
WELFARE. FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST. THE FIRST PSALM OF DAVID. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/

The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First ...
... glorified" with him; he also desires that the Lord may direct their "hearts into
the love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ." Paul gives command ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study vii the future of 2.htm

Love and Discernment.
... revelation of the heart of St. Paul and of his love to those with whom he was
united in Christ. As, therefore, he knew them so intimately ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ix love and discernment.htm

Paul Writes to the Christians at Rome
... Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle ... apart to tell God's good
news about Jesus Christ our Lord ... have been called to be his people: Love to you ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul writes to the christians.htm

Acts of Paul and Thecla.
... God, and the knowledge of holiness, and the love of truth ... and water; and they rejoiced
in the holy works of Christ. And Thecla said to Paul: I shall cut my hair ...
/.../unknown/acts of paul and thecla/acts of paul and thecla.htm

Paul Writes to his Friends at Thessalonica
... We did want to come to you"I, Paul, did more ... God's servant in telling the good news
about Christ, to strengthen ... the good news of your faith and love and how ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul writes to his friends.htm

What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of ...
... They are the outgoings of the soul to Christ for life,"the breathings of the soul
after him, for more of ... Faith worketh by love," saith Paul, Galatians 5 ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture vi what the scriptures.htm

Preface. And as to Christ Thy Lord
... not too manifest in this also,) which Paul observed in ... who mind earthly
things,""and as to Christ thy Lord ... the lily among thorns," being his "love among ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/preface and as to christ.htm

Paul Writes to his Friends in Corinth
... Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will ... Now you are one body"the
body of Christ, and each of ... of men and of angels but have not love, I am ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul writes to his friends 2.htm