The Apostle Paul is one of the most remarkable figures in the Bible. His life, his teachings, and his accomplishments are truly inspiring. Yet, what stands out most about Paul is not just what he did, but what he refused to take pride in. Let’s explore what Paul didn’t glory in and why it matters.
Paul Never Gloried in His Abilities
Paul was a man full of grace and love. He cared deeply for others, often writing with a tenderness that reflected his heart for those he served. He felt for people in the same way a mother or nurse cares for a child. He was bold when it came to standing up for the truth, even if it meant facing opposition. He shared the message of Jesus tirelessly, going wherever he could to win souls. His self-denial is evident in the hardships he endured—hunger, thirst, sleepless nights, cold, and even nakedness (2 Corinthians 11:27). Despite all these admirable traits, Paul never boasted about them. He didn’t see his strengths or sacrifices as the foundation for his relationship with God. Not for a single moment did he rely on his abilities or achievements for his sense of worth or hope.
Paul Never Gloried in His Church Role
If anyone could have taken pride in their role in the church, it was Paul. He was a chosen apostle, a leader who founded churches, trained ministers like Timothy and Titus, and helped guide young congregations. He led services, observed the Lord’s Supper, and organized countless prayer and worship gatherings. Paul even outlined how churches should be run, explaining the qualifications for bishops, deacons, and how to care for widows and elders (1 Timothy 3:1-5:25). Yet, with all this, Paul never gloried in his position. He didn’t claim that his church work made him righteous or saved him. He knew that his standing before God wasn’t based on his role or accomplishments in the church.
Paul’s True Source of Glory
Paul consistently said that he would only glory in one thing: Jesus Christ. In his own words, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). Paul understood that no matter how good, gracious, or accomplished he was, his salvation and hope rested entirely in Christ. For Paul, the cross was everything—it was the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and the only source of true righteousness.
What This Means for Us
If Paul, with all his extraordinary qualities, refused to glory in himself, what does that mean for us? It’s a humbling reminder that none of us can claim our worth or salvation based on our abilities, good deeds, or church involvement. We can’t say, “I’m better than Paul,” or rely on our efforts to make us right with God. Like Paul, we are invited to place our trust and glory in Jesus Christ alone. Everything else, no matter how impressive, falls short next to the grace of God.
In the end, Paul’s humility challenges us to shift our focus away from ourselves and toward the one who truly deserves all glory—Jesus Christ. May we learn from Paul’s example and find our hope, not in what we do, but in what Christ has done for us.
God bless!
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 