The Paul Factor: Impacting the Marketplace - Week 8 Paul's Love for the Marketplace

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. - Acts 20:4 (ESV)

It was about 66-67 AD. Paul had been imprisoned, again. Yet this time it was different. He had been imprisoned by Nero. His accommodations were not all that great as before. Prior imprisonment included house arrest. This time, he was in the inner bowls of a dungeon. Cold. Wet. Probably rat infested and dirty. I think he new that his time was coming to an end. We read it in 2 Timothy 4:6-8:

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

2 Timothy was Paul's last written letter. Shortly after, tradition sheds some light into his death.

But with all these things this particular in the catalogue of his crimes was still wanting, that he was the first of the emperors who showed himself an enemy of the divine religion. The Roman Tertullian is likewise a witness of this. He writes as follows: "Examine your records. There you will find that Nero was the first that persecuted this doctrine, particularly then when after subduing all the east, he exercised his cruelty against all at Rome. We glory in having such a man the leader in our punishment. For whoever knows him can understand that nothing was condemned by Nero unless it was something of great excellence."

Thus publicly announcing himself as the first among God's chief enemies, he was led on to the slaughter of the apostles.

It is, therefore, recorded that Paul was beheaded in Rome itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified under Nero. This account of Peter and Paul is substantiated by the fact that their names are preserved in the cemeteries of that place even to the present day. (Book II, Chapter 25 of "Church History" written by Eusebius of Caesaria; A.D. 265-340)

The letter to Timothy was his last testament. A letter written like that of a father to a son.

Timothy, you know what I teach and how I live. You know what I want to do and what I believe. You have seen how patient and loving I am, and how in the past I put up with trouble and suffering in the cities of Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. Yet the Lord rescued me from all those terrible troubles. Anyone who belongs to Christ Jesus and wants to live right will have trouble from others. But evil people who pretend to be what they are not will become worse than ever, as they fool others and are fooled themselves.
Keep on being faithful to what you were taught and to what you believed. After all, you know who taught you these things. Since childhood, you have known the Holy Scriptures that are able to make you wise enough to have faith in Christ Jesus and be saved. Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 2 Timothy 3:10-16 (CEV)

Yet Paul knew that the marketplace would be filled with people looking for truth. The gods and rituals of the time would end up making people fill empty and want something to fill the spiritual void. Whatever it may be, people where looking for something to believe in. Paul knew that a time was coming when people would be challenging Timothy's views. In the dark cold place of the dungeon, Paul writes a charge to Timothy that still rings loud to us today...

When Christ Jesus comes as king, he will be the judge of everyone, whether they are living or dead. So with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you to preach God's message. Do it willingly, even if it isn't the popular thing to do. You must correct people and point out their sins. But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (CEV)

The marketplace was ready to hear the hope of Christ, and it was Timothy who was going to carry on the torch. It was Timothy who was going to carry the baton and finish the race! All of Paul's instruction. All of his mentoring was going to come into play. I could see Timothy reading this powerful letter from Paul and reminiscing to the times he had spent with him. Timothy may have closed his eyes, and could hear Paul's voice echo in the protocols of the academies. Paul's compassion towards those who where in the marketplace. The voice of Paul echos throughout history. Calling us to be an example of the God of second chances. I can hear Paul through his written words...

"Ed, you are a teacher of God's word. Speak truth...Do it willingly, even if it isn't the popular thing to do. When working with your students correct them and point out their sins. Encourage them while you instruct them. And most of all, be patient with them as God was patient with me."

Your profession is your ministry. You have been placed in your profession for such a time as this. Will you be willing to be a light to those in search of hope? Will you be willing to stand up and do what is right in a world where anything goes? Will you be ready to encourage and have patience with those who are searching for the God of second chances. Paul loved the marketplace because it was there where he found the greatest need. He loved being around people who would never walk into a church. People who wanted to discuss the possibilities of a "higher power". It is that love that we must carry into our work place. If we think that people are going to just walk off the streets into the church. Think again. If you think that people are just going to open a Bible and understand the grace of God. Think again. It will be believers as yourself, carrying the hope of Christ to people wherever they are and whatever they do.

Hear the voice of Paul as he says to you...

...But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing...May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you. (2 Timothy 4:5-8; 22)

His call. His gift to you. Your purpose. Irrevocable.