Paul Revisits Corinth
131
who had first borne to them the precious light of the gospel. As he
once more greeted these disciples, and saw the proof of their fidelity
and zeal, he felt that his labor had not been in vain. In the society
of his beloved companions and these faithful converts, his worn and
troubled spirit found rest and encouragement.
For three months Paul stayed at Corinth. During this period he not
[187]
only labored unweariedly for the church in that city, but he found time
to look forward to wider missions, and to prepare for new conquests.
His thoughts were still occupied with his contemplated journey from
Jerusalem to Rome. To see the Christian faith firmly established at the
great center of the known world, was one of his dearest hopes and most
cherished plans. A church had already been raised up at Rome, and
the apostle desired to secure their co-operation in the work which he
hoped to accomplish. To prepare the way for his labors among these
brethren, as yet strangers, he addressed them by letter, announcing his
purpose to visit Rome, and also by their aid to plant the standard of
the cross in Spain.
In his Epistle to the Romans, Paul set forth the great principles
of the gospel which he hoped to present in person. He stated his po-
sition on the questions which were agitating the Jewish and Gentile
churches, and showed that the hopes and promises which once be-
longed especially to the Jews were now offered to the Gentiles. With
great clearness and power he presented the doctrine of justification by
faith in Christ. While addressing the Roman Christians, Paul designed
to instruct other churches also; but how little could he foresee the
far-reaching influence of his words! The great truth of justification
by faith, as set forth in this epistle, has stood through all the ages as
a mighty beacon to guide the repentant sinner into the way of life.
This light scattered the darkness which enveloped Luther’s mind, and
revealed to him the power of the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin.
It has guided thousands of sin-burdened souls to the same source of
[188]
pardon and peace. Every Christian has reason to thank God for that
epistle to the church at Rome.
While Paul looked with interest and hope to new fields of labor in
the west, he had cause for serious apprehension concerning the fields
of his former labor in the east. Tidings had been received at Corinth
from the churches in Galatia, revealing a state of great confusion, and