Yes, Paul's motivation was the grace of God and his calling to reach the Gentile world, which compelled him to endure suffering.
Paul had personally experienced God's grace and was commissioned to suffer for Christ's name. He was driven by the burden of unreached millions and never slowed down in his fervor to get the gospel out, even to the point of death.
Acts 9:16 — God explicitly told Ananias that Saul would suffer great things for His name's sake, indicating divine purpose in his suffering.
The Bible records that God told Ananias concerning Saul, 'For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake' (Acts 9:16). This was a direct prophecy of the suffering Paul would endure. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul recounts his numerous hardships: 'Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I? Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.' These verses show that Paul's suffering was both predicted and realized.
Les teaches that Paul was motivated by the grace of God he personally experienced. He left behind his wealth and position as a Pharisee to become the apostle to the Gentiles. Paul felt the burden of unreached millions and never slowed down, despite repeated beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. His past persecution of believers served as a constant reminder of God's grace and fueled his endurance. Les emphasizes that Paul was ready to give his life, even running to his execution.
Paul endured beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, nakedness, and cold for the sake of the gospel. He faced opposition from both Jews and Gentiles and was ultimately put to death by Rome. Les highlights these trials to show the extreme cost Paul paid to reach the Gentile world.
Paul had violently persecuted Jewish believers, harming them and even pursuing them to foreign cities. Les suggests that this memory of his own opposition drove Paul to endure, as he knew the grace that had been shown to him. God had chosen him as the perfect candidate to take abuse after having dished out so much.
God told Ananias that Saul would suffer great things for His name's sake. Les emphasizes that this suffering was part of God's plan to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul's willingness to suffer was a direct response to the grace he received.
Why Christ Died for All — 2 Corinthians 5:14-16 Explained
Hello and welcome to Through the Bible with Les Feldick. An Oklahoma rancher and farmer, Les Feldick has been teaching homestyle Bible classes for 20 years in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. Les Feldick's unique style of Bible teaching has made the books of the Bible come to life. When Les is teaching, it's so interesting that people say time just seems to fly by. And now, here is Les Feldick.
Endurance Despite Suffering
Les wonders what kept Paul from giving up after constant suffering, and notes that he kept going until Rome executed him.
Sacrifice and Purpose
Les points out that Paul gave up wealth and comfort to be the apostle to the Gentiles, enduring enormous trials to spread the gospel.
Past as Motivator
Les suggests Paul's own past persecution reminded him of God's grace, carrying him until he ran to his beheading.
Commissioned to Suffer
God told Ananias that Paul would suffer for His name, and Paul's past violence against believers was part of his preparation.
Burden for the Unreached
Paul's burden for unreached millions and his numerous physical hardships were all for the sake of the gospel.
Divine Prediction
Jesus Himself declared that Paul would suffer great things, and Paul admitted the havoc he had caused believers.
Grace Response
Saul's immediate response to grace was humility and readiness to obey, leading him to suffer for the sake of the gospel.
Acts 9:16: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
This is God's direct statement to Ananias about Paul's future suffering, showing it was divinely appointed.
2 Corinthians 11:22-23: Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Paul enumerates his sufferings to defend his apostleship and demonstrate his commitment.
Les wonders if Paul might have been tempted to return to Tarsus, but he never did. He kept going despite extreme suffering until he was put to death by Rome. His motivation was rooted in the grace he had received and the burden to reach the Gentiles.
Paul had persecuted believers, and Les suggests this memory of his own opposition made him the perfect candidate to endure suffering. God had shown him great grace, and he was ready to give his life in response.
Watch the Teaching: Why Christ Died for All — 2 Corinthians 5:14-16 Explained