If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
Summary: Paul reflects on his impending death and how to use his remaining time effectively.
Paul’s dilemma is an interesting one.
On the one hand, “to die is Christ.” Paul knows that to be released from the body of flesh means that he can be fully present with the Jesus he first met on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9).
On the other hand, if he remains in the body, he can continue his work for the Lord. Even when he is in chains, his work continues.
What should he do?
This is where his question becomes even more interesting! In reality, what can he do?
In Matthew’s Gospel account, Jesus returns to Jerusalem for his last Passover on earth. During the days that follow his arrival, he teaches cleanses the temple (21:1–17), and performs the unusual miracle of cursing a fig tree (21:18-22). He endures confrontations with the Pharisees and Sadducees and then prophesies about the destruction of the temple (24:1-51).
Without being prompted, Jesus knows people are curious about when this will happen. His answer is an enigma:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)
Immediately, Jesus follows up with a parable about ten virgins who are waiting to meet the bridegroom when he comes for the wedding banquet (Matthew 25:1-13). Five of the virgins are prepared to wait a long time. They have brought oil for their lamps so they won’t get caught in the dark. The other five virgins expected the bridegroom to come before dark, so they were unprepared.
If you know the story, you will remember that the virgins without oil for their lamps were taken by surprise when evening came, and the bridegroom had not yet arrived. Since the other girls were unwilling to share their oil for fear of running out, the five without oil went to buy some.
Did they hurry in fear, afraid of not getting back in time? Or, were they confident that if the bridegroom were so late, they had nothing to worry about?
Jesus doesn’t tell us that part.
What he does tell us is, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13), repeating his earlier warning.
Paul is ready to meet the Bridegroom, Jesus (Luke 5:34). He has already told us this (Philippians 1:21). He knows that he cannot choose the “day or the hour” of his departure. What he can choose is whether his heart, mind and will are pointed towards serving Christ on earth or whether he resigns from the field and waits patiently for his Lord, the Bridegroom, to appear.
Application: Do not fall into the trap of the five virgins without oil. Choose to serve Jesus (Colossians 3:23-24)
Food for Thought: Paul’s best days seem to be behind him. What kinds of “fruitful labor” are still waiting for him at this point in his life?
Paul’s best days seem to be behind him. What kinds of “fruitful labor” are still waiting for him at this point in his life?
1.) Paul has been arrested, is now living in confinement, yet he can continue spreading the gospel through words, written and sent, or verbally conveyed to the visitors being brought to him, allowed to come see him.
V18 The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
2.) Paul cannot lose. Christ is with him, continues to minister to others through him, and is being confined by people who are determined to send him to be perfected and spend eternity in the presence of Jesus Christ in heaven.
V21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
3.) As believers, we are empowered by God to effectively minister to this world around us, irregardless of the circumstances around us. Let God minister to others as we bloom where we have been planted.
V27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Thank you, Ron!
I like the way you put this: “Paul cannot lose.” 🙂
So true!