This type of transparency allowed Paul to reveal that his ministry was earmarked by a particular manifestation or result, like a tell if you will of his authenticity.
Consider the following.
Paul writes in Philippians 1 & 2 an admonishment to the Church, after expressing the great conflicts he experienced because of The Cross of Jesus Christ; what he describes as ‘ the fruit of his labor, ’ meaning his calling brought him to great suffering and persecution, and as he continued, he would always be in such an estate. Interestingly (slight rabbit hole) when Jesus introduced Himself to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) knocking him off his horse, and saying …I am Jesus whom you are persecuting: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks* (goad*, a sharp instrument meant to keep the Oxen in a straight line; and also referring, in tenor, to a defiance of leadership, or authority). Paul here is told that he was presently experiencing pain, and was in rebellion, and that God was about to send him to be a witness to the Jews and Gentiles. But first we see that Paul is both knocked off his horse, blinded, and told that he was persecuting God Himself. Not a great place to be, there would be ramifications. Now at this same time Jesus Himself speaks with a disciple named Ananias who was also in Damascus: Acts 9:15-16 Regarding Paul Jesus tells Ananias “ Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel: “ For I will show him how great things he must suffer for My Names sake.” Paul’s tell. As a point of instruction I would add that as you press into God keep a journal. (BTW what is meant by ‘Pressing into God’ ?) Well, it’s an older colloquial Christian saying meant to describe the woman who was desperate for healing and ‘Pressed through a crowd’ to get to Jesus and was healed for her great faith. That ‘crowd’ represents anything and everything that gets between you and getting to Jesus. Family, Friends, Work, Your Mind, Their Minds, and Most Certainly Whatever is Popular.
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