Paul knew that though he preached a wonderful message, it cost him dearly along the way. His present suffering in prison was because of his heavenly appointment.

Paul was so bold in his work, and the way he felt honoured by circumstances that might make others feel ashamed. He said that it was because He knew the God he trusted and served.

Paul provides two reasons to explain why he was not reluctant to suffer for Christ.

First, he could suffer for the sake of Jesus, because he knew Jesus, and Jesus' suffering gave Paul power to endure all things

Second, Paul said he was not ashamed to suffer because he trusted Christ to be his ultimate foundation, not his own efforts. This is a second reason that explains Paul’s boldness. Paul gave Jesus his life, and knew Jesus was fully able to guard it!

What was it that Paul committed to Him? Surely, he first had in mind his life. Paul knew he could not keep his own life; he knew that only God could keep it. God was able; Paul was not. Knowing this filled Paul full of boldness, yet it wasn’t boldness of his own, but boldness in God.

But it wasn’t only his life that Paul had committed to God. he had committed everything to Jesus – his life, his body, his character and reputation, his life’s work, everything that was precious.

Despite Paul's past, Christ saw his potential for faithfulness. This reflects the transformative power of grace, where God sees beyond our past and calls us to a new purpose. The term "faithful" indicates trustworthiness and reliability over a period of time.

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Application:

Consider this thought: We must know what we believe; but it is even more important to know in whom we believe. When we know how great God is; when God and His glory becomes the greatest fact in our lives, then we can have real boldness.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I know you intimately and believe in you with all my heart.  I trust in your power and love, and I know that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank you for your faithfulness and for the assurance that you will always be with me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.