19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
Who would know better what it means to be "shipwrecked" than Paul. His experience of being smashed against the rocks of Malta. I can say the word "shipwreck," but he knows what it smells, sounds, feels like.
The other thing that hits me here, is how I tend to forget Paul/Saul's past, while I'm reading through these letters. I think of Paul a little bit like a super-hero. He seems so on point, so un-self-centered, so bold, so intelligent. This chapter reminds me of where he came from. He started out exactly the opposite of the list of attributes I describe him with. God can do unbelievable things.
tp
16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
ReplyDeleteto your point, it doesn't matter where we came from or even what our worst action was yesterday or 1 minute ago. If anyone turns towards Jesus and believes in him will have eternal life...period.
knut