Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
Summary: Paul’s comment about being comforted by his Jewish companions leads us to consider “Why?”
No matter what you might think of Paul, the objective facts of his life tell a story. Paul is a man of deep passion. In the first half of his life as a Pharisee, Paul is so passionate about eradicating believers from the face of the earth that he chases them all over the Middle East.
How many Pharisees bothered to do that? Did any Sadducees mount expeditions to pursue early Christians?
Looking at the available information, it appears that Paul’s zeal for chasing down early Christians was unique. Everything in his heart, mind, and soul pointed to the need to erase this offensive corruption of Jewish tradition from the face of the earth.
Then, he met Jesus.
Suddenly, as if he had been a blind man whose eyesight was suddenly restored, Paul’s world changed. Everything looked different.
In the second half of his life, with his new outlook on everything, the first half of his life looks like a total waste. (Paul called his prior ambitions “garbage.” [Philippians 3:7-9]) Yet, he was the same man. Same intellect, same passion, same devotion to God.
At first, he poured his heart into converting his fellow Jews. He desperately wanted them to experience the same kind of eye-opening that he had undergone.
The response was less than he hoped. In fact, the Jews frequently treated him the same way he had treated Christians before he met Christ.
What was to be done?
Eventually, in frustration, Paul gives up hope of being accepted by the Jews (Acts 18:6). He turns his focus exclusively to being a “minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles” (Romans 15:15).
Time after time, the Jews became jealous of Paul’s teachings and followers. Time after time they come after Paul and try and do them harm. Yet even after they have rioted, beat him, and even stoned him to the point of death, Paul still loves them and longs to see them saved (Romans 9:3).
Is it any small wonder that he is comforted that at least three Jews have seen the light?
Application: Never give up hope or praying for those not yet saved.
Food for Thought: What advantage(s) would a Jew have in proclaiming the Gospel to Gentiles?
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They have the greater context of the OT scriptures. They have been called to be a light to the Gentiles and be a kingdom of priests to the other nations (Exodus 19: 6; Isaiah 49: 5 – 6). They have a covenantal relationship with the Lord that allows them to share truths others need to know, etc.
But the value of their scriptural heritage is something Paul knew was an advantage and something he used to the glory of God.
Romans 3: 1 – 2: What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.
Thank you, Rich!
Great summary! I think it is amazing that God has preserved the Jewish race all these years for exactly that purpose: A testimony to the Word of God!
I have sinned greatly after claiming to be a
Believer was I really saved or did I deceive myself. The last chapter in revelation
Terrifies me
Hi Raymond,
Thank you for being here!
Reading your comment reminded me of 1 Timothy 1: 15-16:
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. ”
Another verse that comes to mind is 1 John 1:9:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.“
Raymond, I greatly appreciate your honesty and I am so glad you commented. Remember that God loves you and His grace is greater than all our sin. Hold on to Him and trust in the work of the cross and He will provide both eternal and abundant life.
Ephesians 2: 8 – 9: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Romans 5: 6 – 11: You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Colossians 2: 13 – 14: When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you d alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Romans 3: 23 – 26: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, i through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
What advantage(s) would a Jew have in proclaiming the Gospel to Gentiles?
God first proclaimed and equipped the Jews to by word and example proclaim His truths to the world around them.
Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; Exodus 19:5
Remember these things, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant, O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me. Isaiah 44:21
God spoke thru the Jews. In the power of His Holy Spirit. He inspired them to document 351 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Psalm 51:11, 1 Samuel 10:6, 16:13, Micah 3:8, Ezekiel 36:26.
In time, the gifts of God took a back seat to the desires of their flesh. The Jewish nation turned from God and sought earthly rewards to satisfy their flesh.
God Spoke: “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. John 16:8”
A remnant of Jews, spoke with convicting power. 3,000 Jews came to Christ on the day of Pentecost, likely in 33 AD. By the year 300 A.D. it is estimated, approximately 14 million called themselves Christian, by 500 A.D. the number neared 40 million.
Since the early 1700s, God has brought about a number of revivals where additional millions have turned to Him. Each has dwindled over time. And today we once again see a world where the desires of human flesh taking priority over the desires of our spirits.
Thank you, Ron!
Interesting numbers on how many Jews have been converted!!