Verses 13-14
Why did Paul continue to serve God faithfully even though it meant suffering for him? First, Paul believed, as the psalmist did, that inner conviction about the truth must result in outward confession of that truth (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:16). Paul quoted the Septuagint translation of the Psalms, which represents the spirit of the original Hebrew here. The psalmist also spoke from a context of deliverance from suffering. He had trusted in God, and God had vindicated him (Psalms 115:1-11). Therefore he expressed his devotion to the Lord (Psalms 115:12-18).
Second, Paul believed that physical death was not the end of existence but that the power of God presently at work in him would continue working in him after death. When the apostle could serve God no longer due to death, God’s power would raise him from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus guarantees the resurrection of believers in Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:23). God’s power would unite Paul with his readers whom God would also resurrect (cf. Ephesians 5:27; Colossians 1:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:14). Paul’s reference to reunion with the Corinthians in heaven probably implies his genuine love for them.
Be the first to react on this!
