Persecuting Christians
Persecuting Christians
The Prison Epistles
Saul of Tarsus also known as (Paul) had been persecuting Christians, until an encounter with Jesus. Jesus Christ had blinded Saul for three days, and the Lord called to Ananias in a vision. The Lord told Ananias to go to Saul and place his hands upon him to restore his eyesight. From that moment Saul could see, became baptized and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul had become an apostle with great influence, upon many believers.
A dispute broke out between the Sadducees and the Pharisees, about there being no resurrection of Christ. The religious leaders plotted to kill Paul, as they had plotted against Jesus. During Paul’s time in Rome he was under house arrest, and he wrote letters to Colosse, Ephesus, Philippi, and Philemon. Paul’s task was to deliver God’s message, to Rome. 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, NIV).
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit strengthens and provides conviction of humanity’s sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit serves to help, comfort, guide, and encourage throughout daily life and struggles. As one becomes a follower of Christ, they are marked with the Holy Spirit, receiving forgiveness, and salvation as God promised. The Holy Spirit guides one who believes, into the truth, helping one glorify the Lord Jesus for the Spirit remains and lives within one who believes. By way of Jesus Christ, His followers are adopted by God as His children and given opportunity to access the Holy Spirit. By way of Jesus Christ, spiritual strength, guidance and unity can be attained. Believers are given gifts for serving and glorifying God, within the church and multiplying disciples. Through the Holy Spirit we are sealed with the promise of forgiveness and salvation. Throughout life, one experiences a variety of struggles although not alone, but with the Holy Spirit by way of Jesus Christ. The foundation of unity is the Holy Spirit, and unity within can be disrupted.
Unity
As one remains and rejoices in Christ, they can find joy and receive strength throughout the struggles one endures. “On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,” in (2 Corinthians 1:10, NIV). Paul had faith in that God would deliver him of his troubles and in Christ he had hope. In Christ one who believes has hope for a better future, for they are forgiven of sin. “No matter that we may face adversity, persecution, affliction, hardship or disaster. God’s remarkable purpose for us is so much better, that it is not to be compared with this life’s sufferings.” (Kelly & Kroll). Paul learned contentment throughout his circumstances, as he encouraged those he knew and loved. By way of Jesus Christ, one is able to love one another, as brothers and sisters. The love of Jesus Christ for humanity remains to be unconditional, so He gave His unconditional love in order for our forgiveness and salvation. One who is with Christ in the heart, for He lives within, and the spiritual blessings or spiritual fruits are secured and cannot be lost. (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV) 22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.