42
Welfare Ministry
associated in this way. In our own time evangelistic work would be
far more successful if this example were more closely followed.—
The
Desire of Ages, 350
.
Paul Went From House to House—Paul, as well as laboring
publicly, went from house to house preaching repentance toward God
[62]
and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. He met with men at their
homes and besought them with tears, declaring unto them the whole
counsel of God.—
The Review and Herald, April 24, 1888
.
The Secret of Paul’s Power and Success—On one occasion Paul
said: “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what
manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all
humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell
me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that
was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you
publickly, and from house to house.” ...
These words explain the secret of Paul’s power and success. He
kept back nothing that was profitable for the people. He preached
Christ publicly, in the market places and the synagogues. He taught
from house to house, availing himself of the familiar intercourse of
the home circle. He visited the sick and sorrowing, comforting the
afflicted, and lifting up the oppressed. And in all that he said and did
he preached a crucified and risen Saviour.—
The Youth’s Instructor,
November 22, 1900
.
Paul Also Found Access to Others Through His Trade—
During the long period of his ministry in Ephesus, where for three
years he carried forward an aggressive evangelistic effort throughout
that region, Paul again worked at his trade....
There were some who objected to Paul’s toiling with his hands,
declaring that it was inconsistent with the work of a gospel minister.
Why should Paul, a minister of the highest rank, thus connect me-
chanical work with the preaching of the Word? Was not the laborer
worthy of his hire? Why should he spend in making tents time that to
[63]
all appearance could be put to better account?
But Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent. As he worked
with Aquila he kept in touch with the Great Teacher, losing no oppor-
tunity of witnessing for the Saviour and of helping those who needed
help. His mind was ever reaching out for spiritual knowledge. He
gave his fellow workers instruction in spiritual things, and he also set