Apostle Paul

APOSTLE PAUL

Paul, or Saul, was a Jew (Acts 21:39 & 22:3).

He was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1).
He was a missionary to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21, Acts 26:17-18, Romans15:16).
Paul

He was a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37-38).
He was a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3).
He was a Pharisee (Acts 23:5, Acts 26:6, Philippians 3:5).
He was from the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5).
He was beaten with rods thrice, stoned once, and suffered shipwrecks thrice (2 Corinthians 11:25).

He raised a young man named Eutychus who fell from a third story window and who was thought to be dead (Acts 20:9-10).

Paul saw Jesus Christ (Acts 9:17, 1 Corinthians 9:1, 1 Corinthians 15:8).
Paul was caught up into paradise and into the third heaven. (2 Corinthians 12:1-4)

His mission was to testify of Jesus Christ unto “the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15)

Acts 7-8

Saul was born in Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia. Tarsus is now in southern Turkey.

Saul supported the stoning of Stephen, as a young man. The men who stoned Stephen laid down their coats at Saul’s feet.

Saul persecuted the Church. He committed the men and women of the church to prison.

Acts 9

Saul received a letter from the high priest that if he found any Christians on the way to Damascus he could bring them bound to Jerusalem.

As he journeyed near Damascus a light from heaven shined about him. Saul fell to the ground. The Lord spoke to him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”

And Saul said, “Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecuted: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

Farmers used oxen for plowing. They kept the oxen in the furrow by pricking them with a pole that had a nail fixed at the end. The pole is also called a goad. The ox is not pricked as long as he walks straight down the furrow. He is pricked, however, if he strays. Furthermore, an ox is pricked if he kicks back at the farmer. Saul thought that he was doing the will of God by persecuting the Church. In reality, he was “kicking against the pricks” of God’s will.

Saul was trembling and astonished. He asked the Lord, “What will thou have me do?” The Lord replied, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”

Saul arose from the ground, but he was blind. The men traveling with Saul led him by hand to Damascus, where he stayed in the house of Judas. Saul did not eat or drink for three days.

Ananias was a disciple who lived in Damascus. The Lord told Ananias in a dream that he should visit Saul and lay his hands upon him to restore his sight. Ananias replied that Saul had done evil by arresting the saints. But the Lord told Ananias, “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.”

Ananias they visited Saul. He placed his hands upon Saul to restore his sight. Saul’s vision returned. Saul was baptized, and he was filled with the Holy Ghost.

Saul stayed with disciples in Damascus for a number of days. He than began preaching that Jesus Christ was the Son of God in the synagogues. Some of the Jews sought to kill Saul, but Saul escaped and traveled to Jerusalem.

The disciples at Jerusalem were afraid of Saul.

Barnabas was a Levite of Cyprus (Acts 4:36). He was regarded as an apostle, although he was not one of the Twelve Apostles. Barnabas told the disciples at Jerusalem that Saul had received a vision of the Lord. So the disciples accepted Saul. Saul boldly testified of Jesus Christ to the people of Jerusalem. Some of them sought to kill Saul. So Saul left for Caesarea and then traveled to Tarsus.
John Mark accompanied Barnabas and Saul to Tarsus. John Mark was either a cousin or nephew of Barnabas.

Acts 12-13, Paul’s First Missionary Journey

Saul name was changed to Paul.

Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark left Jerusalem on a missionary journey. They traveled to Paphos, which was the capital of the Island of Cyprus. They met Bar-jesus who was a false prophet and a sorcerer. The sorcerer was also known as Elymas. Paul cursed him so that he became blind.

Paul and Barnabas traveled to Antioch, while John Mark returned to Jerusalem. Paul was aggravated that John Mark would not continue with them. Some Bible scholars have concluded the John Mark returned to Jerusalem because he was not prepared to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

Paul preached in the synagogue that Jesus was a descendant of King David. Paul testified of Christ’ resurrection. Many of the Gentiles believed in Jesus Christ. The Jews of the city, however, persecuted Paul and Barnabas.

Acts 14

Paul and Barnabas traveled to Iconium where they testified boldly of Jesus Christ in a synagogue. Some of the people believed their teachings, but the unbelieving Jews sought to stone Paul and Barnabas.

The two apostles fled to Lystra and Derbe. Paul healed a crippled man in Lystra. The people were amazed and thought that Barnabas was the Greek god Jupiter and that Paul was Mercury.

Paul declared in response:

Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.
The unbelieving Jews then came from Antioch and Iconium and stoned Paul until he was apparently dead. Paul recovered, however. Paul and Barnabas continued preaching in Lystra, Iconium, Antioch, and other cities in the region.

Acts 15, Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

There was a controversy in the Church at Antioch regarding whether Gentiles should be circumcised. Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem to discuss this with the apostles and to give a report of their missionary work.

Peter and the other apostles in Jerusalem determined that circumcision was not required for the Gentiles. Silas accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their return from Jerusalem to Antioch to deliver this message to the Church.

Barnabas desired that John Mark should accompany them on their future missionary journeys. Paul disagreed, however. Paul felt that John Mark was unreliable because he had returned to Jerusalem when Paul and Barnabas had traveled to Antioch (Acts 13:13).

As a result, Paul and Barnabas split up. Barnabas and Mark traveled to Cyprus. Paul took Silas to the churches throughout Cilicia and Syria.

Acts 16

Paul and Silas traveled to Derbe, Lystra, and other cities. They met Timothy in Lystra.

Timothy was the son of a Greek father and Eunice, a converted Jewess.
Timothy joined Paul and Silas on their missionary journey. Luke, the author of Acts, also joined with Paul.

Paul had a vision in which a man of Macedonia plead with Paul to come help him. Paul and his companions thus traveled to the city of Philippi in Macedonia.
Paul baptized a woman named Lydia and her household in Philippi. Lydia was a seller of purple cloth, which was expensive. The dye for the cloth came from mollusk, a type of shellfish.

Lydia’s conversion was the start of the establishment of the Church in Philippi.
Paul cast an evil spirit out of a woman who was a soothsayer. The woman had been earning money for her masters but could no longer do so after the evil spirit was cast out. The woman’s masters then had Paul and Silas beaten and cast into prison.

Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns in prison. At midnight, an earthquake shook the prison. The prison doors opened. The prison keeper was scared that Paul and Silas had escape, but they had not. As a result, Paul preached to the keeper, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
The keeper and his household were baptized.

The magistrates told the keeper to free Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas returned to Lydia’s house.

Acts 17

Paul and Silas preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in Thessalonica. The unbelieving Jews persecuted Paul and Silas.

Pauls, Silas and Timothy traveled to Athens. The people of Athens worshipped idols.

Paul declared:

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found than altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.

Paul further taught that man is the offspring of God. He also testifed of the resurrection.

Some of people mocked Paul, but Dionysius, Damaris, and a few others believed.

Acts 18

Paul went to Corinth. He stayed with Aquila and his wife Priscilla. Aquila was a tentmaker like Paul. Silas and Timothy later joined Paul.

Paul testified that Jesus was the Christ. Paul visited Justus how was a believer. Crispus and others believed and were baptized. Paul stayed in Corinth for 18 months after the Lord told him in a vision that he had “much people in this city.”

Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla then sailed to Syria. Paul then sailed from Ephesus to Caesarea, and then to Galatia, visiting churches along the way.

A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos knew of the “baptism of John.”
Aquila and Priscilla taught Apollos “the way of God more perfectly.” Apollos boldly declared using the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Acts 19

Paul traveled to Ephesus.

Paul conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost on certain disciples who had been baptized “unto John’s baptism. ” The disciples then spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Paul performed miracles such as healing the sick.

Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia.

The Ephesians worshipped the goddess Diana. A silversmith named Demetrius made shrines for Diana. He worried that his craft was being threatened by Paul’s preaching. He stirred the people against Paul, but the townclerk calmed them down.

Acts 20

Paul went to Macedonia and Troas.

A young man named Eutychus fell from a loft and was taken up dead. Paul then raised him from the dead.

Paul desired to return to Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost.

He went to Ephesus and gave a farewell speech to the elders of the Church:
And now, behold I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Save the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 21

Paul traveled by ship to Tyre, where he met some disciples. He then journey to Caesarea where he stayed with Philip the evangelist. A prophet named Agabus told Paul that the Jews at Jerusalem would bind him and deliver him to the Gentiles.

Paul answered:

What men ye to weep and break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Paul and his companions then traveled to Jerusalem. Paul gave a report of his missionary labors to James and the elders.

Paul went to the Temple after he purified himself. The Jews stirred up the people against Paul. The Jews sought to kill Paul because they thought that Paul was preaching against the Law of Moses.

The chief captain sent soldiers to stop the mob from killing Paul.
The soldiers imprisoned Paul. Paul asked the chief captain for permission to speak to the mob. The captain agreed to Paul’s request.

Acts 22

Paul tells the Jews of his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. He recounted his vision of the Lord:

And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecuteth thou me? And I answered, Who art thou Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecuteth.

The Jews were still angry at Paul. The chief captain had Paul bound and imprisoned. Paul received some consideration given that he was a Roman citizen.

Acts 23

Ananias the high priest commanded that Paul be smitten.

Some Pharisees and Sadduces were gathered together. Paul declared that he was a Pharisee, who believed in the resurrection. This caused a contention between the Pharisees and the Sadduces, because the Sadduces did not believe in the resurrection.

The chief captain imprisoned Paul.

The Lord visited Paul and said:

Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou has testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

Forty Jews took an oath to kill Paul. Paul’s nephew discovered their plan and told the chief captain.

The chief captain sent Paul escorted by soldiers to Felix, the governor in Caesarea.

Acts 24

Ananias the high priest accused Paul of sedition before Felix. Paul told Felix that he had a hope in God and in the resurrection.

Ananias the high priest and Ananias the disciple at Damascus were two different men with the same name.

Felix left Paul in jail for two years. Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as governor.

Acts 25

The Jews again sought to kill Paul.

Paul had a trial before Festus and then again before King Agrippa. Festus found that Paul had committed “nothing worthy of death.”

Paul appealed to have a trial before Augustus Caesar.

Acts 26

Paul testified of the appearance of Jesus to him on the Road to Damascus. He spoke of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Festus said that Paul was mad. Agrippa said unto Paul, “Almost thou persuaded me to be a Christian.”

Agrippa told Festus that Paul would have been freed if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

Recall that the Lord said that Paul would bear His name before “the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15

Acts 27

Paul was sent by ship on a journey from Caesarea to Rome.

They stopped at Sidon, which is on the coast north of Caesarea. Next, they sailed to Cyprus.

Then they sailed to Myra, a city of Lycia. They boarded another ship and sailed to the city of Fair Havens on the Island of Crete.

Paul warned:

Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

Nevertheless, the centurion set sail for Phenice, on the southwest of Crete. A severe storm arose. The ship was tossed by the tempest. The men through supplies overboard to lighten the ship. The men began losing hope after the storm persisted for many days.

Then Paul told the men to be of good cheer since everyone would survive even though the ship would be lost. Paul explained that he receive this message from an angel. The angel also told Paul that he must appear before Caesar.

On the fourteenth day, they came near an island, called Melita or Malta. The shipmen drove the ship aground. The aft end of the ship was broken by the waves. Everyone on ship swam safely to the shore, some using boards.

Acts 28

The people of the island made a fire. Paul was bitten by a viper as he gathered a bundle of sticks for the fire. The viper hung onto Paul’s arm. Paul shook the viper into the fire and suffered no harm.

Publius was the head of the island. Paul healed Publius’ father who had been suffering from a fever and blood problem. Paul then healed others from the island from their illnesses.

After three months, Paul and the others sailed to Syracuse, on the island of Sicily.

Paul was then taken as a prisoner to Rome. Paul preached the Lord Jesus Christ to Gentiles and Jews for two years, as a prisoner.

According to tradition, Paul was acquited. He then traveled briefly to Spain, and then returned to the East. He was arrested again and taken to Rome where he was beheaded.

(Paul’s planned trip to Spain is mentioned briefly in Romans 15:24 & 28).

Paul describes his trials.

2 Corinthians 11

[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
[26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
[27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
[28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

– Tom Irvine

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For We are Also His Offspring

Paul’s Speech to the Athenians at the hill Areopagus, Acts 17:28:

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

_________

Paul quoted the first phase from Epimenides’ Cretica, “For in him we live and move and have our being.”

Epimenides was a 6^th Century BC philosopher and religious prophet and a contemporary of more famous philosophers like Aristotle and Plato, who also refer to him in their writings.
_________

Paul quoting the second phrase from Aratus’ poem Phaenomena, and also Cleanthes’ Hymn to Zeus which has the same words.

Aratus was a Cilician, one of Paul’s own countrymen, and with his writings St. Paul was undoubtedly well acquainted, though he had flourished about 300 years before that time.
__________

“From Zeus begin; never let us leave

His name unloved. With Him, with Zeus, are filled

All paths we tread, and all the marts of men;

Filled, too, the sea, and every creek and bay;

And all in all things need we help of Zeus,

For we too are his offspring.”

—Aratus, Phænom. 1–5.

__________

“Most glorious of immortals, many-named,

Almighty and for ever, thee, O Zeus,

Sovran o’er Nature, guiding with thy hand

All things that are, we greet with praises. Thee

’Tis meet that mortals call with one accord,

For we thine offspring are, and we alone

Of all that live and move upon this earth,

Receive the gift of imitative speech.”

—Cleanthes, Hymn to Zeus

______

Isaiah 1:2

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

______

– Tom Irvine

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This Too Shall Pass

Professor Shnayer Z. Leiman wrote:

“This too shall pass” is an adage that has provided succor for many a person in distress. It is a powerful reminder that life does not stand still, and that one must always anticipate change, hopefully for the better.

Much mystery surrounds this adage. We know almost nothing about its origin, whether in its Hebrew or non-Hebrew versions. Surprisingly, the phrase “this too shall pass” occurs nowhere in Scripture, Talmud, or Midrash.

Indeed, it seems to appear nowhere in all of Jewish literature prior to the nineteenth century. In that century, the phrase was attributed—apparently in non-Jewish sources—to King Solomon.

In the twentieth century, the connection to King Solomon became part of an elaborate legend that was often told, but rarely recorded.

* * *

“This too shall pass” also appears in the works of Persian Sufi poets, such as Sanai and Attar of Nishapur.

Attar records the fable of a powerful king who asks assembled wise men to create a ring that will make him happy when he is sad, and vice versa. After deliberation the sages hand him a simple ring with the words “This too will pass” etched on it, which had the desired effect.

* * *

Psalm 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

* * *

Paul taught in 2 Corinthians 4:

17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

* * *

Romans 5

3  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

* * *

Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

 

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We Walk by Faith, not by Sight

The Apostle Paul taught:

[7] For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5

* * *

We walk by faith, and not by sight;
no gracious words we hear from him
who spoke as none e’er spoke;
but we believe him near.

We may not touch his hands and side,
nor follow where he trod;
but in his promise we rejoice;
and cry, “My Lord and God!”

Help then, O Lord, our unbelief;
and may our faith abound,
to call on you when you are near,
and seek where you are found:

that, when our life of faith is done,
in realms of clearer light
we may behold you as you are,
with full and endless sight.

Henry Alford (1810-1871)

* * *

Emily Dickinson reminds us that faith can be stronger than experience.

I never saw a Moor,
I never saw the sea;
Yet know I how the heather looks,
And what a wave must be.

I never spoke with God,
Nor visited in heaven;
Yet certain am I of the spot
As if the chart were given.

* * *
Long ago I worked for one of our railroads whose tracks threaded the passes through these western mountains. I frequently rode the trains. It was in the days when there were steam locomotives. Those great monsters of the rails were huge and fast and dangerous. I often wondered how the engineer dared the long journey through the night. Then I came to realize that it was not one long journey, but rather a constant continuation of a short journey. The engine had a powerful headlight that made bright the way for a distance of 400 or 500 yards. The engineer saw only that distance, and that was enough, because it was constantly before him all through the night into the dawn of the new day.

The Lord has spoken of this process. He said: “That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.

“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (D&C 50:23–24).

And so it is with our eternal journey. We take one step at a time. In doing so we reach toward the unknown, but faith lights the way. If we will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness.

– President Gordon B. Hinckley, We Walk by Faith, April 2002

* * *

– Tom Irvine

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Endure to the End

“There is nothing that we are enduring that Jesus does not understand, and He waits for us to go to our Heavenly Father in prayer. If we will be obedient and if we are diligent, our prayers will be answered, our problems will diminish, our fears will dissipate, light will come upon us, the darkness of despair will be dispersed, and we will be close to the Lord.”

–Robert D. Hales, “Behold, We Count Them Happy Which Endure”, Ensign, May 1998

* * *

In 1968 a marathon runner by the name of John Stephen Akhwari represented Tanzania in an international competition. “A little over an hour after [the winner] had crossed the finish line, John Stephen Akhwari … approached the stadium, the last man to complete the journey. [Though suffering from fatigue, leg cramps, dehydration, and disorientation,] a voice called from within to go on, and so he went on. Afterwards, it was written, ‘Today we have seen a young African runner who symbolizes the finest in human spirit, a performance that gives meaning to the word courage.’

For some, the only reward is a personal one. [There are no medals, only] the knowledge that they finished what they set out to do” (The Last African Runner, Olympiad Series, written, directed, and produced by Bud Greenspan, Cappy Productions, 1976, videocassette).

When asked why he would complete a race he could never win, Akhwari replied, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; my country sent me to finish the race.”

He knew who he was—an athlete representing the country of Tanzania. He knew his purpose—to finish the race. He knew that he had to endure to the finish, so that he could honorably return home to Tanzania. Our mission in life is much the same. We were not sent by Father in Heaven just to be born. We were sent to endure and return to Him with honor.

Jesus chose not to be released from this world until He had endured to the end and completed the mission He had been sent to accomplish for mankind. Upon the cross of Calvary, Jesus commended His spirit to His Father with a simple statement, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Having endured to the end, He was released from mortality.

We, too, must endure to the end. The Book of Mormon teaches, “Unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved” (2 Ne. 31:16).

May we be able to say as Paul said to Timothy, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept [my] faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

– Elder Robert D. Hales,

Behold, We Count Them Happy Which Endure, April 1998

The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom, October 2000

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Holy Ghost

[9] And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

[10] And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

[11] And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

[12] And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

1 Kings 19

* * *

[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
[17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

[26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14

* * *

The resurrected Jesus appears to the disciples:

[21] Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
[22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

John 20

* * *

Paul taught that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Ghost. See 1 Corinthians 12.

These gifts are:

1. Word of wisdom
2. Word of knowledge
3. Faith
4. Gifts of healing
5. Working of miracles
6. Prophesy
7. Discerning of spirits
8. Diverse kinds of tongues
9. Interpretation of tongues.

Paul taught that “no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)

* * *

“The gifts of the Holy Spirit are testimony, faith, knowledge, wisdom, revelations, miracles, healing, and charity, to name but a few (see D&C 46:13-26).”

— D. Todd Christofferson

* * *

[3] Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down unto the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

[4] And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

[5] And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Moroni 10

* * *

President Joseph Fielding Smith said:

“When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase.”(Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:151).

President Smith also said, “Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:48).

* * *

Do You Know? By Elder Glenn L. Pace, April 2007 General Conference

How does this spiritual witness feel? It is as difficult to describe as the scent of a rose or the song of a bird or the beauty of a landscape. Nevertheless, you know it when you feel it.

The scriptures give us some insights into these feelings:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; and then shall ye know” (D&C 11:13–14).

Sometimes the feeling is like a memory. We first learned the gospel in our heavenly home. We have come to this Earth with a veil of forgetfulness. And yet lingering in each of our spirits are those dormant memories. The Holy Ghost can part the veil and bring those things out of their dormancy. Often my reaction to a supposedly newfound truth is, “Oh, I remember that!”
“The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost . . . [will] bring all things to your remembrance” (John 14:26).

* * *

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Strengthening One Another

The Apostle Paul taught:

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1)

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

* * *

When one woman visited California’s Sequoia National Park, she was astonished to learn that the giant sequoia trees have no major taproots to hold them deep in the ground. She asked the guide how those top-heavy trees keep from falling when severe winds come. The guide responded that the trees grow close together. Their roots, although near the surface, intertwine with those of other trees nearby. If a tree were standing alone in a strong wind, it might fall. But the interconnected trees in a grove support each other well.

Ensign, Growing Strong Together, December 1991.

* * *

God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom…. So often, our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving mundane help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow from mundane acts and small but deliberate deeds! – President Spencer W. Kimball

* * *

– Tom Irvine

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Words of Encouragement

I have been thinking lately about the power of words. Too often, people use harsh criticism against others. There may be instances where criticism is justified, but these should be very rare.

Critics may act out of pride, envy or fear. This is especially noticeable on Internet blogs and message boards where people often make personal attacks against others anonymously.

On the other hand, we have daily opportunities to give one another words of kindness and encouragement. When I walk around my neighborhood, people are very friendly. They wish me a good morning or good day.

I have assembled some scriptures and quotes on this topic which I hope you will enjoy.

* * *

Just as healthy food and exercise gives physical strength to one’s body, hearing words of encouragement gives a boost of emotional and spiritual strength to one’s soul. This week’s Torah portion is the last one of the book of Genesis. There is an ancient custom to exclaim at the completion of one of the five books of Moses the following encouraging words, “Be strong, and may we be strengthened!” We can light up people’s lives and do a great act of kindness when we use our words to give them a boost of strength. (Genesis 47:28-50:26)

– Nesanel Yoel Safran

* * *

The Apostle Paul taught:

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

* * *

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
– Mother Teresa

* * *

Kind words don’t cost anything but they go far for the people receiving them. And, it feels good to say nice things.

– Daylle Deanna Schwartz

* * *

Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years…..Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes….Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes.

– Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
(April 2005 general conference, Ensign, May 2005, p. 26)

* * *

We sometimes sing a hymn in my church which has the following chorus:

Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live
And sunshine forever impart.
Let us oft speak kind words to each other;
Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.

May the Lord bless you,
Tom Irvine

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Ten Commandments

To my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ . . .

The Ten Commandments were given by Jehovah to the Children of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament, Exodus 20.

* * *

Exodus 20

[1] And God spake all these words, saying,
[2] I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
[3] Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
[4] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
[5] Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
[6] And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
[7] Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
[8] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
[9] Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
[10] But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
[11] For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
[12] Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[13] Thou shalt not kill.
[14] Thou shalt not commit adultery.
[15] Thou shalt not steal.
[16] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
[17] Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

* * *

A friend asked me “Are these laws and commandments still relevant to us after the death of our Lord Jesus Christ?”

The answer is Yes!

Jesus taught “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

Jesus of the New Testament is the same being as Jehovah of the Old Testament.

* * *

Our Lord reaffirmed the Ten Commandments in the following New Testament scriptures. He also gave higher laws built upon the foundation of the Ten Commandments.

Matthew 5

[21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
[22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

[27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
[28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Mark 12

[28] And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
[29] And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
[30] And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
[31] And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Mark 10

[17] And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
[18] And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
[19] Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
[20] And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
[21] Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
[22] And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

* * *

The Apostle Paul warned:

Romans 6

[1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
[2] God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
[12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

* * *

The Apostle Paul reaffirmed the Ten Commandments after Christ’s death and resurrection.

Romans 13

[9] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

* * *

Please remember that obedience to the voice of the Lord is greater than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22)

And to revere God and obey him are the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

* * *

We are unworthy creatures. We can only be saved through the Grace of Jesus Christ.

But we must still obey the Lord’s commandments in order to become his disciples and to have the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

May the Lord bless you,
Tom

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When friends turn against you

There have been several times in my life when I needed to make major changes, such as moving to a new neighborhood, starting a new job, etc.

On several occasions, the Lord even forewarned me about upcoming changes in my life using some of the following Biblical principles, although he did not inform me of the specific details.

The warnings came through sermons that I heard on Christian radio stations.

The following example can apply to friendships, neighborhoods, churches, or employment settings.

* * *

People come into our lives for a reason. Maybe we need some sort of help from that person, or perhaps that individual needs some support from us, or the friendship may be mutual and reciprocal.

Then one day, this friend, or maybe a group of friends, turns bitterly against us through no fault of our own.

What does the Bible advise in these situations?

Jesus taught that we must forgive our brother “seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22)

The Lord also gave a procedure for resolving conflicts when a brother has sinned against us in Matthew 18:15-18.

We should be peacemakers as Jesus taught. (Matthew 5:9)

But there may be times when we simply need to “move on.” We may need to find new friendships, change jobs, move to a new neighborhood, or join another church.

The Lord may even use these upsetting circumstances to prod us to a new situation where we can have new opportunities for personal growth and for giving service.

* * *

David experienced this when he lived in King Saul’s household. David played his harp to comfort Saul. He also became Saul’s armor-bearer.

But Saul eventually became very jealous of David, and Saul even tried to kill David several times. As a result, David had to escape from Saul.

The following is taken from 1 Samuel 18:

[6] And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music.

[7] And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.

[8] And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?

[9] And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

[10] And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand.

[11] And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.

[12] And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

Saul offered to let David marry one of his daughters if David would fight the Philistines. He hoped David would be killed by the Philistines. (1 Samuel 18:20–25)

But David survived and was victorious in battle.

Saul continued to seek David’s life. (1 Samuel 19:9–10)

David fled into the wilderness. At one point, he took refuge in a cave in Adullam. (1 Samuel 22:1-3)

David had an opportunity to kill Saul, but did not do so. He exclaimed to Saul:

The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. (1 Samuel 24:12)

The author of this Biblical book then adds commentary: As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. (1 Samuel 24:13)

David had been devestated by the adversity. But the Lord protected David. And the Lord used these circumstances to prepare David himself to become king over Israel and Judah.

Eventually, Saul died in battle.

After Saul’s death, David was anointed king. (2 Samuel 5)

* * *

Some of the verses in Psalms are based on David’s experiences facing adversity.

An example is Psalm 59 where David praises the Lord for delivering him from the hands of his enemies.

[16] But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

[17] Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

* * *

Jesus himself was wounded in the house of his friends. (Zechariah 13:6, Psalm 22:16)

Jesus sought the moral support of his disciples as he gave his great intercessory prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Yet his disciples slept. (Matthew 26:36-45)

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. (Matthew 26:46-50)

Peter thrice denied even knowing Jesus, even as Jesus was being tried and beaten. (Luke 22:34,54-57)

Yet Jesus forgave them. (Luke 23:34)

Perhaps we can gain a greater appreciation for Christ’s great atoning sacrifice on our behalf when we too are wounded in the house of our friends.

* * *

We have a natural tendency to try to make sense of the wounds that our friends inflict upon us. We are driven to rumination… But we should humbly acknowledge our limited capacity to understand the “big picture.”

As Paul taught:

We see through a glass darkly…

(1 Corinthians 13:12)

* * *

See also:

Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. (Isaiah 49:16, 1 Nephi 21:16)

* * *

Doctrine & Covenants 45

51 And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?

52 Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God.

* * *

– Tom Irvine

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