These two verses are the fiber of St. Paul's mission and life endeavor. Everything that Paul lived to do and accomplish seems to stand on these verses. What did it mean for Paul to say I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ? As a Jew preaching about Jesus this would have been blasphemy and a sure way to being stoned. This embarrassment would have far reaching affect into your family life and the social status of your existence as a Jew. In some cases Jewish families until this day perform a funeral for those of their family who become Christians. Paul had come a long way from being a student under the teaching of Gamaliel to Christianities gospel frontrunner. Early in his ministry we find Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey in the town of Iconium, and this is what takes place. "Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue, and so spoke that a great company believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands." (Acts 14:1-3) This is one of the many examples of the way Paul would unashamedly approach the Jews and all people. Although he was primarily an evangelist to all people groups he had a deep commitment to his people the Jews to bring them the gospel at any cost.
The driving force behind Paul's boldness is the power of the gospel. This word power is the word dunamis in the Koine Greek of the bible. It means power, strength. force, energy, and the ability that is generated during a miraculous event. It gives one the ability to accomplish that which seems impossible. The primary result of this power generated by the hope of the good news of Jesus was what we find Paul telling the believers in Rome further on in this letter. "I appeal to you therefore, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom. 12:1-2) The most effective way of explaining this power of the gospel upon one's life is by what it accomplishes through a human being who has become a willing vessel for God's glory to be revealed is such a powerful display. Paul and his companions had by this power become willing to go the limit for God. And in many such cases the limit would have been martyrdom. Today all over the world where the gospel is preached people are following this pattern of self sacrifice and laying it all down for Christ and the good news of salvation.
Salvation is the ultimate result of one's response to the good news of Christ. It affords one the power to resurrect from a non spiritual life to one that is power enforced and ignited by God's Holy Spirit. It is what causes us to be as John says in his gospel. "To become born again of water and of the Spirit." (Jn..3:5) God's grace brings us the result of the resurrection power and lifts us from dead works to life in the power of God. This salvation is deliverance, preservation, safety, a rescuing from the wages of sin and death and eternal damnation. Paul saw himself and all believers as heralds of this good news of power and salvation. It was his mission to be an example of this and a recruiter of as many followers of Christ as possible in his life time. He was convinced that his primary objective in this life was to spread this message. His posture in accomplishing this was not like someone throwing a life support vest into the water for a drowning man. Or possibly extending a line to that swimmer from the safety of the shoreline, but more like jumping in the water and swimming out like a life guard and rescuing this individual from sure death. Perhaps we have been on the side line for too long and it is time we jump into the water and become part of the solution. Remember you to have the power of God.
His servants and yours,
Gerard & Yolanda Cleffi Directors
Oratory of Divine Love
My child, do not be too impressed by the beautiful language or witty sayings of men. My standard is not one of words, but of action. My teachings are meant to influence your will. If you live them in your daily life, you prove your love for Me. Only action will satisfy this heart of Mine. The most beautiful words are not half so beautiful to Me as the life of one who follows My teachings in his daily activities.
Anthony J. Paone, S.J., My Daily Bread, Brooklyn, NY, Confraternity of the Precious Blood, Pgs.236-237
My God and Savior, until I seek You above all else in daily life, I deserve only pity and contempt; pity for my folly, and contempt for my stubborn wrong-doing. Never can I find greater good for myself than in Your holy Will. Nowhere shall I discover a more devoted loyalty to me than in Your Sacred Heart. Make less a man of words and more a man of action. Amen.
Anthony J. Paone, S.J. My Daily Bread, Brooklyn, N.Y. Confraternity Of The Precious Blood, Pg. 238