November 17, 2024–Pastor Bill’s Reading Plan

It appears that some said that Paul was bold in his letters and was not as impressive or bold in his speech.  The accusation was that he would say tough things and call out sin in a letter from a distance, but when he was in person was timid and not impressive.  I don't think Paul's message changed between in person and by letter.

We know he had some boldness and courage in person because he called out Peter for hypocrisy to his face.  Perhaps the critique on Paul's preaching was not in the content but in the delivery.  While possible that he was not a great public speaker in a technical sense, his message still drew crowds of people and he always had an audience. It also could be in the fact that some people may read letters differently because there is no tone of facial expressions to judge.  Have you ever read an email and think someone was mad but it turns out you read into the email an emotion that was not meant by the writer? This can cause issues because we misread the tone or intention in how we read words.  It is possible that people are misreading the tone of Paul's letters and while he is saying tough things he is doing it not in a mean or hurtful tone that some people are interpreting because they are defensive.  Anyway you look at things just know that when you do ministry for the LORD you will have critics and people who do not support you as you should.  All that really matters is doing what the LORD asks of you faithfully and to the best of your ability.  We can always grow and develop in our abilities and I think good advice from others is helpful.  But don't forget that even Jesus had critics who never appreciated his perfect life and ministry.  Paul clearly has critics.  Having critics should not stop you from serving the LORD so long as you remain humble before the LORD. If you know that you are doing what God wants you to do that should be all that matters.