"No Longer I, But Christ" (Gal. 2:20)

by R. Hyland, Rhyl, UK | Category: General | Jul 1986

The education that Saul of Tarsus received at the feet of Gamaliel was second to none, and the diligence with which he applied himself to his studies did not go unnoticed by the religious leaders in Jerusalem. He further proved himself at Stephen's death and by his hatred of the followers of the Way. There was no doubt that his zeal and vigour were necessary qualities for the work they willingly entrusted to him (see Acts 26:9,11).

A new movement was afoot in the city which was drawing many people away from the traditions of the fathers. Many priests too had been converted (Acts 6:7) and there was a general feeling of uneasiness and deep-seated concern. Something must be done, and done quickly. The movement was centred on a Man - "Jesus of Nazareth", and in particular upon His death and resurrection. Frequently during His lifetime He had spoken about His death, saying that He would rise again.

The unusual manner of His death was witnessed by the Roman centurion who said, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Mat. 27:54). Pilate too "marvelled" and had His death confirmed by the centurion (Mark 16:44,45). The message however that the Lord Jesus brought to the world could not be silenced by death. There were many more who could witness to His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:5,8). Afterwards the apostles were charged with the task of preaching, beginning at Jerusalem, but spreading "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The preaching began at Pentecost. Peter preached that day in the power of the Holy Spirit, and the response was amazing. Many believed and were baptized, and added to the small community of disciples already owning allegiance to Jesus Christ.

These developments in Jerusalem clearly disturbed the authorities, but nothing could hinder the mighty work of the Holy Spirit - "And the multitude of them that believed were of ONE heart and soul" (Acts 4:32). Hoping to stem the tide the high priest, "moved by jealousy", put Peter and John in prison, but the respite the authorities were hoping for eluded them. That night the apostles were freed by the angel of the Lord, and were told, "Go stand and speak ... all the words of this life" (Acts 5:20). It was an echo of the commission first given to them by the Lord in Galilee, only now they were experiencing the Lord's promise, "Lo, I am with you..." (Mat. 28:20). Further censure by the high priest brought this response from Peter, "we must obey God rather than man" (Acts 5:29). Peter's days of promise but failure to deliver were past now, as he spoke fearlessly in the Holy Spirit's power. The reaction was extreme. "They were minded to slay them BUT..." (Acts 5:33,34). Speaking to His apostles in the Upper Room the Lord had warned, "whosoever killeth you shall think he offereth service to God" (John 16:2). It was not however in the will of God for His servants to give their lives - yet! That privilege was to be Stephen's first.

Following Saul's approach to the high priest he was given every encouragement in his drive against these openly rejoicing new converts to Christ. He made his epic journey to Damascus, hotfoot and straining every sinew' in his body, inwardly "being exceedingly mad", until he was stopped in his tracks. The light was brighter than the midday sun, the VOICE full of authority! "Who art thou Lord?" The years of learning, of advancing beyond his own countrymen, seemed to be no longer important. As he lay there in the dust he knew at once that he had been conquered. His question - "What shall I do Lord?" marked the beginning of his future commitment. Many years previously one of his forbears had written - "I was brought low and He saved me..." (Ps. 116:6). The apostle knew that humiliation too. Nothing mattered now except the knowledge of Christ Jesus as Lord of his life. All his previous aspirations - "what things were gain to me", his self-esteem, "a Hebrew of Hebrews", were swept away as if by an avalanche. He not only saw himself as nothing, but also as "crucified with Christ". Although the words "no longer I, but Christ" were written much later, so great was his commitment from that moment, it was as if he had inscribed them on the Damascus road.

It was not just that he came to know Christ then, but that Christ began to live in him. The measure of his devoted self-sacrifice for his Lord is seen in his moving message to the elders of the church at Ephesus whom he met at Miletus. Speaking there he says, "I hold not my life of any account... so that I may accomplish my course ..." (Acts 20:24). He genuinely regarded his beloved Lord as being richly deserving of his all. He sought every day to "gain Christ". This means "of so practically appropriating Christ to oneself that He becomes the dominating power in, and over one's life" (W.E. Vine).

And what of ourselves? There may not be much time left for us to serve the Lord, but however long or short our waiting and serving time may be shall we not ask, perhaps belatedly for some of us, "What shall I do Lord?"

R. Hyland, Rhyl, UK | Jul 1986
General