Five words with the understanding
Five words with the understanding” – 1 Corinthians 1419
In what has been called the ‘Pearl of Psalms1 ‘, we can find three phrases which illustrate beautifully the title of our message for the month. The title suggests that in the delivery of a message the apostle Paul looked for conciseness of speech to address the life-changing or life-threatening issues that each of us might have to face.
The first time we encounter Paul (then known as Saul) 2 was at the martyrdom of Stephen. Stephen, one of the early Christians, had been entrusted with a care of needy widows – but was also outstanding in the preaching of the Christian message. What a contrast between these two men – Saul profoundly ‘anti-Jesus’ – and Stephen enjoying a committed relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Stephen could truly say “The Lord is my Shepherd’ – and indeed his ministry displayed true ‘shepherd care’. However, his preaching of Jesus of Nazareth as the only Saviour of mankind resulted in violent opposition. But, preach he did – facing the challenge with “I will fear no evil” – and as he is being stoned to death, he testifies of the presence of the Lord Jesus with the words “I see the Son of Man” 3. The promise of the Psalm – “For Thou art with me.”, had been fulfilled.
Our final view of Paul, in perhaps AD 62 / 63, is of him in the Mamertine Prison in Rome, under sentence of death under Nero4. What has occurred in between?
On the road to Damascus in the persecution of Christians, Paul has encountered Christ – he has been ‘found’ as a ‘lost sheep’ 5.
He too, can now say “The Lord is my Shepherd”. His life then devoted to missionary service in his three great journeys sustained by the reality of “ I will fear no evil’. Of those final days awaiting execution, he wrote6 “no man stood with me .. all men forsook me… but the Lord stood by me and strengthened me” He now knew the truth of “For I am with thee”.
These three five-word-phrases belong not only to Stephen or Paul but are the possession of all who are prepared to“confess with their mouth Jesus as Lord – and believe in their hearts that God has raised Him from the dead” 7.
1Ps 23; 2Acts 758; 3Acts 758; 42 Tim 46; 5Lk 155; 62Tim 416; 7Rom 109.