Day Eighty-Three -- Freedom, Spiritual Blessings, Joy and Glory

Galatians 3:26--6:18, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians

Listening in on Paul's "conversations" with these Christian communities around the Mediterranean Sea makes me wonder what he was like in person.  Commentators have speculated, based on some of Paul's own words, that he was not very physically impressive and his speaking voice left much to be desired.  There is no denying, however, the power of his written word, and his often soaring turn of a phrase can leave us breathless: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).  "There is one body and one Spirit -- just as you were called to one hope when you were called -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).  "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near." (Philippians 4:4-5).  "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15).

It is testimony to the power of Paul's message that it did not depend upon externals.  He did not impress his listeners because he had the right "look" or the most engaging after dinner remarks.  It is no secret that he could speak too long (see Acts 20:7-12) and his written sentences could exceed 70 words (see Ephesians 4:11-13).  What he offered was insight into the heart of a person who couldn't contain the joy he experienced by having his whole life turned upside down by God.