Paul at Corinth
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himself by manual labor, and frequently declared that his own hands
had ministered to his necessities. While in a city of strangers, he would
not be chargeable to any one. When his means had been expended to
advance the cause of Christ, he resorted to his trade in order to gain a
livelihood.
No man ever lived who was a more earnest, energetic, and self-
sacrificing disciple of Christ than was Paul. He was one of the world’s
greatest teachers. He crossed the seas, and traveled far and near, until
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a large portion of the world had learned from his lips the story of
the cross of Christ. He possessed a burning desire to bring perishing
men to a knowledge of the truth through a Saviour’s love. His whole
soul was engaged in the work of the ministry; but he seated himself
to the labor of his humble trade that he might not be burdensome
to the churches that were pressed with poverty. Although he had
planted many churches, he refused to be supported by them, fearing
that his usefulness and success as a minister of Christ might be injured
by suspicions that he was preaching the gospel for gain. He would
remove from his enemies all occasion to misrepresent him, and thus to
detract from the force of his message.
As a laborer in the gospel, Paul might have claimed support, instead
of sustaining himself; but this right he was willing to forego. Although
feeble in health, he labored during the day in serving the cause of
Christ, and then toiled a large share of the night, and frequently all
night, that he might make provision for his own and others’ necessities.
The apostle would also give an example to the Christian ministry,
dignifying and honoring industry. While thus preaching and working,
he presented the highest type of Christianity. He combined teaching
with his labor; and while toiling with those of his trade, he instructed
them concerning the way of salvation. In pursuing this course, he had
access to many whom he could not otherwise have reached.
When ministers feel that they are suffering great hardships and
privations in the cause of Christ, let them in imagination visit the
workshop of the apostle Paul, bearing in mind that while this chosen
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man of God is fashioning the canvas, he is working for bread which
he has justly earned by his labors as an apostle of Christ. At the call
of duty, he would meet the most violent opponents, and silence their
proud boasting, and then he would resume his humble employment.
His zeal and industry should be a rebuke to indolence or selfish ease in