From Persecutor to Preacher

The Book of Acts

Chapter 9 Verses 1-20

by R.P. Woitowitz Sr.

1 And Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord went unto the high Priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the Synagogues, that if he found any that were of that way, (either men or women) he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 Now as he journeyed, it came to pass that as he was come near to Damascus, suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against pricks.(a) 6 He then both trembling and astonied, said, Lord, what wilt thou that I do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do. 7 The men also which journeyed with him, stood amazed, hearing his voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the ground, and opened his eyes, but saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus, 9 Where he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here Lord. 11 Then the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth. 12 (And he saw in a vision a man named Ananias coming into him, and putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.) 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem. 14 Moreover here he hath authority of the high Priests, to bind all that call on thy Name. 15 Then the Lord said unto him, 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. 16 For I will show him, how many things he must suffer for my Name’s sake. 17 Then Ananias went his way, and entered into that house, and put his hands on him, and saith, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me (even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest) that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and suddenly he received sight, and arose, and was baptized, 19 And received meat, and was strengthened. So was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues, that he was that Son of God.

One of my more favorite chapters in God’s Holy Word is the conversion of then Saul on the road to Damascus as found in The Book of Acts Chapter 9 verses 1-20. Here, is a man, who in an earlier chapter ( Acts Chapter 7 ) not only witnessed but condoned the stoning of Stephen, by holding the coats of those that did the actual stoning. This a man, who we read in Acts Chapter 8 is endeavoring to put out the light of the Gospel of Christ, to extinguish it with all the power and authority given to him. He is a well educated and learned man. A man of much authority, who we read in the very first verse of Acts Chapter 9 is now taking his authority to Damascus, to seek out and destroy all those who preach the resurrection of Christ, and the confessing of Him as Savior. In fact in the above translation, it is said he sought to “slaughter” them man and or woman. I don’t know about you, but this is a really heavy word; slaughter. According to Webster’s Dictionary Edition 1913, it is defined as; The act of killing. Specifically: The extensive, violent, bloody, or wanton destruction of life; carnage. That’s pretty definitive and rather permanent I would add.

So, here we find a man who for all intent purpose is actively seeking to destroy the early church and its followers. Then something amazing happens as he is on that road. Saul is suddenly blinded by a light. It is Christ Himself and He is speaking to Saul. Saul falls to the ground in much fear, and asks of Christ, what do you wish of me? There is no way of knowing, but one would logically guess, that Saul feared for His own life. For if Christ could just suddenly strike him down it is well within his His power to take his life. Yet God, in His mercy, not only forgives Saul but likewise puts Him to work, for His own ends. One must see the irony in all of this, yet also see God’s compassion that ALL should come to repentance, even those who would persecute His saints. And on the face of it, what better man, than one much learned in Jewish Law and Scripture? As noted earlier Saul was a man of much authority and high status in the Jewish community in Jerusalem.

We move further onward into the chapter and we find Saul fasting and praying, and along comes Ananias, who has been sent by Christ, to not only heal, Saul physically, by restoring his sight, but to heal him spiritually as well, so that he is now, no longer a persecutor, but, a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a side note, I am wondering exactly what the “scales” were that fell off of Saul’s eyes. I am certain that there are many eye doctors, that would put forth the proposition that they were cataracts. And it might be likely so, but we have no way of really learning with any certainty. However, it is of interest to note that as soon as Ananias lays hands on him his vision is suddenly restored, and to coin a phrase he can now see clearly, and plainly.

What follows probably wowed the leaders of the Jewish community in Damascus. That is to say, herein is one Saul of Tarsus filled with all authority to rid that city of the heretics that believed and preached the Gospel of Christ. But what does he do? He preaches that very same Gospel! How astounded they must have been, and how betrayed they must have felt, so much so that later onward in the chapter, they did plan to kill him. But today we will not speak of that fact.

Now one may ask, well, what are we getting from all of this, why am I going to such great lengths to share this reading today? First off, for those that are already familiar with God’s Word, it is a refresher course if you will, a reminder of what we once were and what we are now today. But for others, that have not read, nor sought, nor listened to the Bible, or have only read it, but not actually studied, it is a small portrait about how a person, through God’s grace and compassion can come to Christ and not only believe, but to serve as well.

R.P. Woitowitz Sr. - A humble disciple in the service the King, Christ Jesus

(a) Editor’s notation - This saying is based on an old Hebrew proverb that suggests that those who are so stubborn, wind up hurting themselves the most as opposed to hurting other people. In other words, things are going to badly for that person.

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy - Chapter two

1 I Exhort, therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

2 For Kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness, and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.

4 Who will that all men shall be saved, and come unto the acknowledging of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, which is the man Christ Jesus,

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all men, to be that testimony in due time,

7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher and an Apostle (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not) even a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

8 I will therefore that the men pray, everywhere lifting up pure hands without wrath or doubting.

9 Likewise also the women, that they array themselves in comely apparel, with shamefastness and modesty, not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly apparel,

10 But (as becometh women that profess the fear of God) with good works.

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

12 I permit not a woman to teach, neither to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and was in the transgression.

15 Notwithstanding, through the bearing of children she shall be saved, if they continue in faith and love, and holiness with modesty.

Editor’s thoughts:

Verses 1-3, 8 - Make note brethren of the words “all” and “pray” and how they are used in connection with each other and likewise a number of times they are used as such. For it is up to us to keep them daily in prayer that all will be well with us and with our nations. That all leaders shall become those that seek God in order that they might be better servants of the people.

“In this chapter, the apostle exhorts to prayer for all sorts of men, gives rules and directions about the dress of women, and their subjection to their husbands; and concludes with some comfort to them. The apostle exhorts to prayer in the first place, directs to the several parts and branches of prayer, and points to the persons to be prayed for, and what should be prayed for on their account. And next follow the reasons or arguments engaging to it, which are taken from the agreeableness of it in the sight of God; from the will of God, that all men should be saved: from there being but one God of all, and one Mediator between God and men; from Christ's giving himself a ransom price for all; and from the apostle being a preacher of the Gospel to the Gentiles, as well as Jews, wherefore he concludes and determines, according to his apostolical power and authority, that prayer be made in any place, provided there were faith and purity, and wrath and doubting were laid aside. Also, he exhorts women to appear, especially in public service, in a modest and becoming dress, and to adorn themselves with good works, and that they should be silent learners, and not teachers, and be in subjection to their husbands. The reasons of which subjection are taken from the formation of Adam before Eve, and from Eve's being deceived, and not Adam. However, for the comfort of women, it is observed, that though in sorrow they bring forth children, yet through the birth of a Son, the promised Messiah, they shall be saved, who continue in faith, charity, and holiness, with sobriety.” - John Gill - Theologian

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy - Chapter 1

1 Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior, and of our Lord Jesus Christ our hope,

2 Unto Timothy my natural son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus, when I departed into Macedonia, so do, that thou mayest warn some, that they teach none other doctrine,

4 Neither that they give heed to fables and genealogies which are endless, which breed questions rather than godly edifying which is by faith.

5 For the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.

6 From the which things some have erred, and have turned unto vain jangling.

7 They would be doctors of the Law, and yet understand not what they speak, neither whereof they affirm.

8 And we know that the Law is good if a man uses it lawfully.

9 Knowing this, that the Law is not given unto a righteous man, but unto the lawless and disobedient, to the ungodly, and to sinners, to the unholy, and to the profane, to murderers of fathers and mothers, to manslayers,

10 To whoremongers, to buggerers, to menstealers, to liars, to the perjured, and if there be any other things that are contrary to wholesome doctrine,

11 Which is according to the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, which is committed unto me.

12 Therefore I thank him which hath made me strong, that is, Christ Jesus our Lord: for he counted me faithful, and put me in his service:

13 When before I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an oppressor: but I was received to mercy: for I did it ignorantly through unbelief.

14 But the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a true saying, and by all means worthy to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

16 Notwithstanding for this cause was I received to mercy, that Jesus Christ should first show on me all long-suffering unto the ensample of them, which shall in time to come believe in him unto eternal life.

17 Now unto the King everlasting, immortal, invisible, unto God only wise, be honor, and glory, forever, and ever, Amen.

18 This commandment commit I unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies, which went before upon thee, that thou by them shouldest fight a good fight,

19 Having faith and a good conscience, which some have put away, and as concerning faith, have made shipwreck.

20 Of whom is Hymenaeus, and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they might learn not to blaspheme.

Editor’s thoughts:

Verses 3-5 - To teach what is of God, and not what is of man. Base all words on what God says, and all comments made through His eyes and of love so as not to deter those who are of the faith to stray from it or stumble. Instruct those that would teach to teach the doctrine that had been presented to them, and none other. (Read Galatians 1:8)

Verse 6 - Jangling - As an adjective; the producing of discordant sounds, noise. As a noun; idle babbling; vain disputation.

Verses 7-10 - A listing as to why and who the law is intended to serve. This is to say it is to say that it is to serve notice, and if need be convict those who refuse to hear, see and/or learn the truth of the Gospel, and judge them in the righteousness of God’s own words.

Verses 13-15 - Thanks be to God for the sacrifice of Christ Jesus who has redeemed us all, for as with Paul each of us can or should consider ourselves to have been the worst of the worst.

Verses 18-19 - Fight the good fight and run the race with endurance, so that your conscience might be clear of wrongdoing, and filled with the knowledge of a strong faith. (Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-25; Hebrews 12:1; Hebrews 10:35-36)

R.P. Woitowitz Sr. - Humble servant of Christ

“The law is good if a man uses it lawfully. However there were those that used it unlawfully, as an engine to divide the church, a cover to the malicious opposition they made to the gospel of Christ; they set it up for justification and so used it unlawfully. We must not, therefore, think to set it aside, but use it lawfully, for the restraint of sin. The abuse which some have made of the law does not take away the use of it; but, when a divine appointment has been abused, call it back to its right use and take away the abuses, for the law is still very useful as a rule of life; though we are not under it as under a covenant of works, yet it is good to teach us what is sin and what is duty. It is not made for a righteous man, that is, it is not made for those who observe it; for, if we could keep the law, righteousness would be by the law (Read Galatians 3:21 ): but it is made for wicked persons, to restrain them, to check them, and to put a stop to vice and profaneness. It is the grace of God that changes men’s hearts, but the terrors of the law may be of use to tie their hands and restrain their tongues. A righteous man does not want those restraints which are necessary for the wicked; or at least the law is not made primarily and principally for the righteous, but for sinners of all sorts, whether in a greater or less measure. In this black roll of sinners, he particularly mentions breaches of the second table, duties which we owe to our neighbour; against the fifth and sixth commandments, murderers of fathers and mothers, and manslayers; against the seventh, whoremongers, and those that defile themselves with mankind; against the eighth, men-stealers; against the ninth, liars and perjured persons; and then he closes his account with this, and if there be any other things that is contrary to sound doctrine. “ - Matthew Henry - Theologian

The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Thessalonica Chapter Three

1 Furthermore, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free passage and be glorified, even as it is with you. 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men: for all men have not faith 3 But the Lord is faithful, which will stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we are persuaded of you through the Lord, that ye both do, and will do the things which we warn you of. 5 And the Lord guide your hearts to the love of God, and the waiting for of Christ. 6 We warn you, brethren, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walked inordinately, and not after the instruction, which he received of us. 7 For ye yourselves know, how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves inordinately among you, 8 Neither took we bread of any man for naught: but we wrought with labor and travail night and day because we would not be chargeable to any of you. 9 Not because we have not authority, but that we might make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we warned you of, that if there were any, which would not work, that he should not eat. 11 For we hear, that there are some which walk among you inordinately, and work not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Therefore them that are such, we warn and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness, and eat their own bread. 13 And ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14 If any man obeys not this our saying in this letter, note him, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16 Now the Lord himself of peace give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 17 The salutation of me Paul, with mine own hand, which is the token in every Epistle: so I write 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.

Editor’s thought - Consider these verses, 12-15, and how to make a correction without using anger, but doing so in love, for correction without love results in anger and hatred. Love without correction results in a lack of self-discipline. Therefore brethren, correct with love.

“With quietness - quiet industry; laying aside intermeddling officiousness, earned by themselves, [and], not another - verse 12

Be not wanting in strenousness in doing well: with patient industry and general consistency. In contrast to the 'disorderly, not working busybodies' (See Galatians 6:9). -verse 13

Note that man - in your own minds, as one to be avoided, [and], made to turn and look into himself, and so be put to shame.' Feeling himself shunned by godly brethren. - verse 14

Admonish him as a brother - not yet excommunicated (See Leviticus 19:17). Do not shun him in contemptuous silence, but tell him why he is so avoided (See Matthew 18:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:14) - verse 15“ - Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Related Scripture:

2 Thessalonians 3:1 - Ephesians 6:19; Col. 4:3

2 Thessalonians 3:7 - 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:11

The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church in Thessalonica Chapter Two

1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our assembling unto him, 2 That ye be not suddenly moved from your mind, nor troubled neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter, as it were from us, as though the day of Christ were at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a departing first, and that that man of sin be disclosed, even the son of perdition. 4 Which is an adversary, and exalteth himself against all that is called God, or that is worshipped: so that he doth sit as God in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things 6 And now ye know what withholdeth, that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he which now withholdeth, shall let till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that wicked man be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and shall abolish with the brightness of his coming, 9 Even him whose coming is by the effectual working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders, 10 And in all deceivableness of unrighteousness, among them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved 11 And therefore God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe lies, 12 That all they might be damned which believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13 But we ought to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and the faith of truth, 14 Whereunto he called you by our Gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and keep the instructions, which ye have been taught, either by word or by our Epistle. 16 Now the same Jesus Christ our Lord, and our God, even the Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every word and good work.

Editor’s thoughts:

In verses 2-3, 15, and 17, we read that Paul encourages the congregation at Thessalonica to remain steadfast in their confession of Christ as Redeemer and to keep faith in His promise.

Now also in verse three, we read of the man of sin, (also known as the man of perdition), who must first be revealed. It is wondered herein that perhaps this has more than one meaning. It points to either a false prophet or the Anti-Christ himself, but if we read further onward we see how he has blinded all those who would prefer to succumb to unrighteousness. Could this be the second meaning, that perhaps the man of sin is a collective analogy or reference of a time, wherein the sinful nature of men, and their refusal to accept God, yea, even openly denying and defying Him is likewise revealed?
R.P. Woitowitz Sr. - Disciple in the service of the King, Christ Jesus.

“[Paul] says that the day of Christ will not come, until the world has fallen into apostasy, and the reign of Antichrist has obtained a footing in the Church; [he] therefore, employs the term apostasy to mean — a treacherous departure from God, and that not on the part of one or a few individuals, but such as would spread itself far and wide among a large multitude of persons. For when apostasy is made mention of without anything being added, it cannot be restricted to a few. Now, none can be termed apostates, but such as have previously made a profession of Christ and the gospel. Paul, therefore, predicts a certain general revolt of the visible Church. ‘The Church must be reduced to an unsightly and dreadful state of ruin before its full restoration is effected.’

Paul, foretells that, after they have had foreign enemies for some time molesting them, they will have more evils to endure from enemies at home, inasmuch as many of those that have made a profession of attachment to Christ would be hurried away into base treachery, and inasmuch as the temple of God itself would be polluted by sacrilegious tyranny, so that Christ’s greatest enemy would exercise dominion there. The term revelation is taken here to denote manifest possession of tyranny, as if Paul had said that the day of Christ would not come until this tyrant had openly manifested himself, and had, as it were, designedly overturned the whole order of the Church.”
John Calvin - Theologian

Tears Over America

by Walter A. Maier (1893-1950)

Edited & Prefaced by R.P. Woitowitz Sr.

Preface:

Brethren, is it not the time for our nation to return to God? We have become so filled with hate, vilifying everyone and anyone that disagrees with our points of view. Can we not come together at one point, that is that our Creator, loves us all, sent his spirit into that of a man; Christ Jesus and redeemed us all from sin? Be well-forewarned friends, God is not a man that he should be mocked, and likewise, take these words from the prophet Amos 4:12 - “Prepare to meet thy God” and likewise from Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God”

Therefore let us go out and proclaim His name, and bring about a revival in our nation.

R.P. Woitowitz Sr.

If Jesus were with us today, He would undoubtedly weep over America's spiritual life. We have congregations that count their real estate and resources in millions, some of them in tens of millions! Yet that alone means nothing to Christ. The United States likewise is crowded with churches which forget the divine command, "Thou shall love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind" and which, instead of this inner, heart-centered, soul-deep worship of God, permit head and lip worship to creep in, formalism and ceremonies to receive far too much attention. The plain preaching of the Gospel, without which no man can be redeemed, is pushed into the background. Ask the average American: "How do you expect to be saved? What is your hope of heaven?" and you will find first that many of our countrymen do not want to be saved, since they think they do not need to be; and you will also learn that of those who believe in the hereafter, the majority actually like to think themselves so good, so much better than others, that God will welcome them with open arms when they ought to understand that without the Lord Jesus they are lost forever; that their hearts are filled with greed, lust, hatred, their lives marked with secret and disguised sin. Because millions in this nation, founded by Christian pioneers, blessed above all other people on earth through religious freedom, have forgotten their God, neglected their privileges, spurned their blessings, rejected their Savior, we can find Him on Olivet, grief-gripped not only for Jerusalem's Temple, but for churches in the United States that are more concerned about money raising than soul-winning, more intent on gaining popular applause than divine approval. As we hear Christ repeat His warning, "This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me" may God give us the spiritual insight required to understand that, if America is to come closer to the Almighty, this rededication must start in the churches; that the groups called Christian must receive a transfusion of firm, unquestioning, self-denying trust. To stop the tears of Christ, we must go back to the Bible, back to the blessed Savior, back to the blood of His atonement, back to justification by faith, and faith alone.

From Olivet, the Savior could likewise see the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest He wore the sacred robes and the breastplate inscribed, "Holiness to the Lord." He occupied the highest position in Old Testament worship. He alone could enter the Holy of Holies on the solemn Day of Atonement. Yet that high priest, who should have been closest to God, was an unbeliever, a murderer at heart, a sworn enemy of Jesus, and long ago he had begun to plot the crucifixion. He was surrounded by many Sadducees, who openly attacked Scripture, denied the hope of the resurrection, claimed that life was ruled by chance, that death ended everything. These men, politicians, perjurers, bold unbelievers in priestly apparel, were responsible for their country's downfall. It was true, then, as now, that:

“ When nations are to perish in their sins, 'Tis in the Church the leprosy begins.”

Would not the same Savior who broke into sobs over the treachery of these priestly traitors raise His voice in lament if He were with us today to behold the unbelief in the ranks of the American clergy? The war has not yet brought a real revival of true Christian faith in America. Modernists, deniers of the free and final atonement by the Lord Jesus, are still in control of many congregations and of some denominations, Twentieth-century Sadducees sit securely in high places, Pulpit politicians, who heedlessly step over the line separating Church and State, are on the increase. For political reasons, ministers of the Gospel, in direct contradiction to Christ's Spirit, have decried the sending of food to Europe's starving children. The number of those who teach and preach that Jesus, God's Son and Mary's, our Lord and Savior, our Ransom and Redeemer, our Atonement and Reconciliation to the Father, is the only but heaven-blessed Hope for every sinner, does not increase with rapid strides. Yet, because an unbelieving, Christ-debasing, Bible-ridiculing clergy can bring disaster on the nation, the appeal in this crisis to every servant of God must be: "Preach the Word!" "Call, [the] sinners to repentance! Proclaim the Gospel with all its comforting and sustaining love! Believing American homes must help in safeguarding the Savior's truth. A national magazine presents a survey, taken among "a faithfully balanced cross-section of high school students," which reveals that almost half of the young people do not attend church regularly. Is there any connection between this startling fact and the FBI report which showed an increase last year of more than 55 per cent in the arrests of girls under twenty-one? Ask yourself pointedly, 'Would Jesus weep over conditions in my home?" If you know that He would implore Him to enter your household now and bring your entire family to His unfailing grace!

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked," is the warning America should read in Jerusalem's ruins. If up to this time you have insolently risen up against your Redeemer, turned your back on His arms nailed to the cross but stretched wide in invitation to welcome you, then, with all the life-and-death earnestness of this warning, I tell you that on Olivet Jesus was weeping for you, shedding divine tears because, if you continue to reject His ransom for your sin, you must pay in eternity for every unforgiven wrong, every unremoved transgression! Look at the Christ of sorrows once more! He weeps for you, knowing the peace, pardons, hope, and happiness you have lost without Him; the heavenly home, the seeing Him face to face in the blessed eternity you have spurned, the pain and horror of hell which you, sin-blinded, have chosen. Is your heart stone, that you are not moved by your sorrowing Savior, the Lord of heaven and earth, the God of all might, mourning over your preciously bought but carelessly lost soul? It was too late for masses in Jerusalem to repent and return to God. But, thanks to the Savior's marvelous mercy, it is not too late for you to throw off your stubborn resistance to Jesus and fall on your knees in contrite sorrow over your sins. You unbelieving husbands, unfaithful wives, ungrateful children, you blasphemers and scoffers; you, the self-satisfied and self-righteous; you who are sending your souls to hell by living in sin, helping destroy the morals and the faith of others there is still time for you to kneel before the compassionate Christ and say: 'What a fool I have been to reject my soul's salvation! Now I have found you, at last, my all-forgiving Redeemer. You do not need to weep anymore for me! O Jesus, dry your tears! Wash me! Cleanse me! Purify me through faith!" When you come to the Lord of limitless love with that faith, His face, once stained with tears, will be wreathed in heavenly happiness. The lips which once pronounced the woe over Jerusalem will tell you, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out”.

There is time for every one of you, but not so much time that you dare continue to postpone and delay accepting grace. "Now is the day of salvation.' You may not be with us next Sunday to hear another appeal for return to your heavenly Father. A week ago, while speaking to the men in tie United States Naval Air Station at Lambert Field, Saint Louis, I warned the cadets against the "speed and suddenness with which adversity may overtake us in these darkened days of war," and

I asked them, in these very words, "Who knows what message of sorrow may come into our homes before this day draws to its close?" A few hours later two of those young fliers met sudden death in the first air collision at the training station. So quickly and unexpectedly, by God's inscrutable will, was the truth of that warning proved! Some of you may never have another opportunity to hear that Christ loved you despite your sins, died on the cross as your Substitute. Now, while heaven is still open for you, while Jesus pleads with you, while the Spirit urges you, wherever you are, accept Him! Say, "He is mine, and I am His for time and eternity!" The nation needs men and women with that trust. The first line of America's defense is faith in the Savior. The strongest weapon against enemies from within and without is the power of God through Christ To have the promise of that strength, millions in America must repent. They must return to God. They must acclaim their crucified Lord of love!

The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church at Thessalonica

1 Paul and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the Church of the Thessalonians, which is in God our Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace be with you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We ought to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of every one of you toward another, aboundeth, 4 So that we ourselves rejoice of you in the Churches of God, because of your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye suffer. 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for the which ye also suffer. 6 For it is a righteous thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you, 7 And to you which are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall show himself from heaven with his mighty Angels, 8 In flaming fire, rendering vengeance unto them, that do not know God, and which obey not unto the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, 9 Which shall be punished with everlasting perdition from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power, 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints, and to be made marvelous in all them that believe (because our testimony toward you was believed) in that day. 11 Wherefore, we also pray always for you, that our God may make you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power. 12 That the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Editor’s thought - We read in verses three trough five how the apostle, is continuously in praise and the thanking of God for the growth of the Thessalonian church. As such, he rejoices over that growth because, they, through patience, via faith, have become made known, for they walk in the righteous and Holy path that has been set before them. No matter that divers trials and tribulations that they have experienced have been put before them as an obstacle or as a stumbling block.

R.P. Woitowitz Sr.

“Having mentioned their persecutions and tribulations, which they endured principally for the cause of Christ, the apostle proceeds to offer several things for their comfort under them.

He tells them of the present happiness and advantage of their sufferings, (See 2 Thessalonians 1:5) Their faith being thus tried, and patience exercised, they were improved by their sufferings, insomuch that they were counted worthy of the kingdom of God. Their sufferings were a manifest token of this, that they were worthy or meet to be accounted Christians indeed, seeing they could suffer for Christianity. And the truth is, Religion if it is worth anything, is worth every thing; and those either have no religion at all or none that is worth having or know not how to value it, that cannot find in their hearts to suffer for it. Besides, from their patient suffering, it appeared that, according to the righteous judgment of God, they should be counted worthy of the heavenly glory: not by the worthiness of condignity, but of congruity only; not that they could merit heaven, but they were made meet for heaven. We cannot by all our sufferings, any more than by our services, merit heaven as a debt; but by our patience under our sufferings we are qualified for the joy that is promised to patient sufferers in the cause of God.”

Matthew Henry - Theologian

Related Scripture

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2

2 Thessalonians 1:5 - Read Jude 6

2 Thessalonians 1:7 - Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16