THE PRAYERS OF APOSTLE PAUL
“…For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved…” (Romans 10:1 KJV). “…Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…” (Romans 12:12 KJV).
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Apostle Paul, was a finite, human being just like God’s other redeemed people, and after, his conversion he became sold-out to serving God. His prayers are noteworthy.
Paul was actually a man named Saul before he met Jesus on the Damascus Road. He had the kind of background that didn’t really fit in with Christian ways or beliefs. “…though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless…” (Philippians 3:5-6 NIV).
In addition, he was protected, most of his life, from intermingling with or being contamination by the Gentiles on any level.
In other words, they looked at the Greeks as heathens, even though Saul and his family were Roman citizens. “…Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered. Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains…” (Acts 22:22-29 NIV).
Saul and his family also saw Jerusalem as a sacred place. In fact, Saul went to the Holy city to learn about the “law of the ancestors”, from the infamous rabbi, Gamaliel. “…I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today…” (Acts 22:3 NIV).
Saul became so good at the “law of the ancestors” he could debate, like modern day apologists, it with the best, defend it, or prosecute those who broke it. He was headed toward becoming one of the Sanhedrin, who were considered the highest court officials of the land and ruled over Jewish life and religion.
However, Saul was OVERLY zealous about the “law of the ancestors.” “…though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more …zeal [for]… persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless…” (Philippians 3:5-6 NIV).
“…I am a Jew …I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today…” (Acts 22:3 NIV).
When the apostles were bought into the Sanhedrin to defend the gospel and Jesus Christ, Saul was present and more than ready to prosecute them, by stoning them to death, for breaking the “law of the ancestors.” “…Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah…” (Acts 5:27-42 NIV).
Saul, probably, heard many trials on Jesus followers. He, most likely, attended Stephen’s and other stoning deaths of Christians. Saul was a BIG part of the Jews who persecuted the church in Jerusalem. “…Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles…” (Acts 8:1 MSG).
Saul, along, with many others were zealous about getting RID of Jesus followers. Saul was like a terrorist towards the followers of Christ and truly thought he was doing the will of God by protecting the “law of the ancestors.” “…Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison…” (Acts 8:1 NIV).
Saul was a RELIGIOUS TERRORIST toward Jesus followers UNTIL he had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road. “…Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.
“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.
Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.
For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.
And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?
And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah…” (Acts 9:1-22 NIV).
Saul, of course, had heard about “this” Jesus or possibly, even witnessed his death upon the cross, but may have never encountered him, personally.
Nonetheless, on the Damascus Road, Saul met Jesus, for himself, and it turned his life upside down.
He was told to go to a man named Ananias. Ananias, along with other followers knew about Saul’s earlier reputation and wasn’t eager to help him, but the God, the Holy Spirit had spoken. “…But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name…” (Acts 9:15-16 NIV).
Ananias obeyed God’s instructions: “…Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus…” (Acts 9:17-20 NIV).
Saul’s conversion to Apostle Paul was AMAZING to ALL who witnessed it. “…At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah…” (Acts 9:19-22 NIV).
Saul NOW Apostle Paul went ALL IN and proved, undoubtedly, that he was SOLD OUT, convinced, and believed that Jesus was the Christ. “…Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah…” (Acts 9:22 NIV).
Saul now Apostle Paul was being persecuted, along with the rest of the followers of Christ. He was driven out of Judea and beginning preaching and teaching in Jerusalem, Arabia, Syria, Damascus, Cilicia and went, on a mission trip, to Antioch with Barnabas. “…Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord … Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch…” (Acts 11:19-21, 24-26).
Saul spent most of his CALLING in Gentile areas and became known, by them, only as Apostle Paul. “…Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 13:9 NIV).
Apostle Paul went on to WRITE many of the New Testament books. He spent the REST of his life proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ and facing much suffering. “…Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked…” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27 NIV).
Apostle Paul’s conversion teaches us that God’s saves ANYONE, no matter how evil they are, and can POWERFULLY transform them into NEW CREATIONS who willfully choose to do the WORK of the Kingdom of God.
Apostle Paul was HUMBLED by his conversion and the fact he was a finite, unworthy human being God, himself, through Jesus, had chosen to USE. God, the Holy Spirit, working “in” and “through” him employed Saul in the work of the Kingdom. “…God …works in you TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may … God … work [within you].... what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“…The [indwelling] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of deliverance) IN and THROUGH [his people or his willing vessels]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to deliver) THROUGH each of us (through each willing vessel)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
Apostle Paul said: “… I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents…” (Acts 20:19 NIV).
Paul was BOLD, worked hard as God’s witness, servant, and willingly told others of his incredibly conversion. “…He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!...” (Acts 28:31 NIV).
Apostle Paul “actively” expressed his DEVOTION to God, the Holy Spirit. “…Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear…” (Philippians 1:12-14 NIV).
Apostle Paul was SAVED through a miraculous conversion and in spite of all his hardships or his sufferings, he LIVED a LIFE in Christ that was an EXAMPLE for all followers. Apostle Paul was the one who said: “…For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain…” (Philippians 1:21 NIV).
Many of Apostle Paul’s prayers indicated he desired the SAME experience, not only for himself, but for his brothers and sisters-in-Christ too.“…For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
Paul prayed for others’ salvation. “…Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved…” (Romans 10:1 KJV).
Paul encouraged his fellow brethren to continually pray. “…Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…” (Romans 12:12 KJV).
Paul asked for prayer for himself, his Christians works, and the refreshing of his brethren. “…Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen…” (Romans 15:30-33 KJV).
Paul reminded his brethren that people were praying for laborers like them. “...As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! …” (2 Corinthians 9:13-15 NLT).
Paul prayed for his personal problems, but knew if he was not immediately healed, God’s grace was sufficient. “…And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought (in prayer) the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me…” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 KJV).
Paul prayed for his brethren to do the right thing, because he would have to correct them in TRUTH if they didn’t. “…Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection…” (2 Corinthians 13:7-9 KJV).
Paul prayed fervently and earnestly for the spiritual wisdom, insight, and growth for his fellow brethren. “…Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all…” (Ephesians 1:15-23 KJV).
Paul prayed for his brethren’s spiritual growth, a closer relationship with God, through Jesus, to know the depth of God’s love, and about the mighty indwelling power working within each of them. “…For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen…” (Ephesians 3:14-21 KJV).
Apostle Paul has recorded prayers throughout the New Testament that revealed his OWN desire to know Jesus Christ, for himself, and for others to know him too. “…And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen…” (Ephesians 3:14-21 KJV).
Apostle Paul prayed for and asked for prayer concerning his work of making disciples, winning souls to Jesus, spreading the gospel everywhere, and ministering to the Gentiles wholeheartedly. “…Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ…Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should…” (Colossians 4:3 NLT).
Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus was miraculous and radical, but so was his ministry for Jesus. He came to VALUE “knowing” Jesus above all else and PRAYED for others to do the same.
It was Apostle Paul who said; “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).
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