I noticed something obvious in Paul\u2019s testimony as recorded in Philippians 3. When we teach people to write their \u201ctestimony,\u201d the story of how they met Jesus, we often use Paul\u2019s example from Acts 26 where he has a \u201cbefore,\u201d a \u201chow,\u201d and an \u201cafter.\u201d Here in Philippians 3, he omits the \u201chow\u201d story of the road to Damascus experience (Acts 9) and just has \u201cbefore\u201d (verses 5 and 6) and \u201cafter\u201d (verse 7…)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5 I was born a true Hebrew of the heritage of Israel as the son of a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin. I was circumcised eight days after my birth and was raised in the strict tradition of Orthodox Judaism, living a separated and devout life as a Pharisee. 6 And concerning the righteousness of the Torah, no one surpassed me; I was without a peer. Furthermore, as a fiery defender of the truth, I persecuted the messianic believers with religious zeal.\u00a07 Yet all of the accomplishments that I once took credit for, I\u2019ve now forsaken them and I regard it all as nothing compared to the delight of experiencing Jesus Christ as my Lord! (Philippians 3:5-7, Passion Translation)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what I noticed: when I am tempted to be \u201ca fiery defender of the truth,\u201d someone who puts others down for their theology or their practice or whatever, I need to remember that persecuting people \u201cwith religious zeal\u201d is part of Paul\u2019s \u201cbefore\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the law was given through Moses; grace AND truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1.17, ESV, emphasis mine)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. (Ephesians 4.15, ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I noticed something obvious in Paul\u2019s testimony as recorded in Philippians 3. When we teach people to write their \u201ctestimony,\u201d the story of how they met Jesus, we often use Paul\u2019s example from Acts 26 where he has a \u201cbefore,\u201d a \u201chow,\u201d and an \u201cafter.\u201d Here in Philippians 3, he omits the \u201chow\u201d story of … Continue reading Before vs After (Truth AND Love)<\/span>