Throughout the new testament I see the same opposition from the religious leaders of the day anytime the disciples would begin to draw others closer to their Christian teachings. I believe this strong opposition is born of very humanistic traits found on most of us - pride, arrogance, jealousy and perhaps, in it's own way, greed.
Paul is someone I admire and it is through him I am able to see the awesomeness of The Triune God. Paul has such a love for Christ and for his brethren that he is vigilant, even to the point of persecution, to get the Gospel out to them. I fear I haven't the same level of courage and, in many ways, pray that is thru studies like this one that my relationship with Christ will arrive at such a level of dedication, committment and courage.
And even tho I know in my heart a violent reaction to my ministry doesn't necessitate stopping it, as stated above, I fear it would. Hopefully I shall never find out.
