Lessons from one of the Greatest Preachers

Paul, as a preacher and teacher, concentrated on strategic cities and looked for opportunities, and specifically cities which were chief cities of the area. This would allow him to make the biggest impact with the least amount of effort. We too as teachers and preachers of the Gospel have to look for opportunities where we can make the biggest impact, and sometimes this is teaching one soul in a living room.

Paul was a team worker and had many co-workers. We need to be team workers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) also when possible. There is strength in numbers. Remember when the Lord sent the disciples out, he sent them out in pairs (Mark 6:7). It is always best, if possible, to have more than one person present when teaching the Gospel or door knocking. This provides safety first, but also allows someone with another perspective to help the work.

Paul was not arrogant, however he had confidence. Remember the confidence of Paul as he stood before King Agrippa and taught the Gospel. Paul never gave the impression of arrogance, because everything he did was in love. If we as preachers and teachers follow Paul’s example, we will be unwavering in the teaching of the faith, yet will do it in a manner which does not promote arrogance but rather love for lost souls.

Paul continued contact with churches he planted and prayed for their continued faithfulness. Notice, Paul did not make all the decisions for those churches. Yet, he often left workers behind to help those congregations. Paul desired those churches to stand on their own feet. We as promoters of the Gospel must not make the same mistake as many, which is to teach and then leave. Paul did not lead them about by the hand, yet he made sure they had what was needed to continue in their growth as Christians. We must make sure that we don’t abandon new converts, and while not leading them by the hand, offering the resources for their continued growth in the faith.

Paul was unbending in doctrine but flexible in opinion. He had Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3), but refused to let Titus be circumcised (Gal 2:3). Timothy was circumcised to prevent the hindering of the Gospel to the Jews, while Titus was not in order to teach that circumcision was nothing more than an outward sign and not necessary under the new law. We as Christians must be like Paul, unbending in doctrine yet flexible in the matters of opinion.