Next to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, probably no one has had a greater influence on the life, growth, and history of the Christian church than has the apostle Paul. Aside from being one of the most highly educated and brilliantly intellectual men of his day, this Jew from the city of Tarsus was also a man of great passion. Paul never did anything halfheartedly. Whether as a zealous Pharisee persecuting the followers of Jesus, or later as a persecuted but faithful and tireless follower of that same Jesus, Paul committed himself heart and soul. There was no other way for him. Someone once said that Paul did not become a fanatic when he came to Christ. Paul was always a fanatic; he merely switched sides.
Here is a man who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote half the books of the New Testament, accounting for over one-fourth of its total volume, more than any other individual. Paul established, nurtured, taught, and encouraged churches throughout the Roman Empire and, according to tradition, even carried the gospel as far as Gaul and Spain. He is credited with developing or at least articulating most of the theology of the early Church. Over the course of his life Paul endured hardship and travail that would have killed many other men. Most significant, perhaps, was the undeniably supernatural nature of Paul’s ministry. Everywhere he went, Paul’s ministry manifested the power of the Holy Spirit. “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them” (Acts 19:11-12). In my opinion, Paul’s was the greatest New Testament ministry after that of Christ Himself.
How did he do it? What set Paul apart to make him so singularly influential and effective? What was the hidden key to the power and anointing that flowed in his life? I believe the answer can be found in two statements that Paul himself made in his first letter to the Christian believers in Corinth. These statements define Paul’s “philosophy of ministry,” so to speak—the “cornerstones” of everything he did. They are closely related, the first statement being the key to the second.
Early in his letter Paul makes this declaration: “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Here in a nutshell is Paul’s purpose, his entire reason for living. The second statement occurs much later, toward the end of the letter. Because it sounds at first like a simple passing comment, the significance of this second statement has been generally overlooked by many. Paul says simply,
“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all” (1 Cor. 14:18).
I believe there is more here than meets the eye. With these simple words Paul reveals a major secret of the power and vitality of his “inner man”—his personal spiritual life— and his relationship with the Lord.
In the life of Paul we see an example of true discipleship. Paul lived all out for Jesus. He knew great joy as well as deep pain and sorrow. In many ways his life as an apostle was a lonely one. Several of his letters contain poignant passages where he expresses his deep appreciation for those—sometimes few— who love and support him, and shares the ache in his heart for the ones who have abandoned him or rejected his message. There is evidence that many first-century churches in Asia Minor (today’s Turkey)—churches that Paul worked particularly hard for and were especially dear to him—ultimately rejected his apostleship. Nevertheless, Paul found an unquenchable fountain of strength and hope in the presence of the Holy Spirit, through whom he was connected to the glory of Heaven.
Years ago, novelist Taylor Caldwell wrote a fictionalized chronicle of the life of this fearless and untiring apostle. The title of her novel, Great Lion of God, says it all. Paul was indeed one of the great “lions” of God: strong, tenacious, and fierce and unyielding when confronting the enemies of his Lord and of his beloved churches.
A man of amazing gifts, Paul received stunning and profound revelations that have shaped and enriched the Body of Christ even up to today. Thanks to Paul we can more fully comprehend the meaning of the cross. Because of Paul we can better understand redemption and sanctification, salvation by grace through faith, and the freedom we have in Christ. It was Paul who penned the greatest treatise on love ever written. It was Paul who gave us such memorable phrases as “to live is Christ and to die is gain,” “I have been crucified with Christ,” “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” and “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” The range and richness of Paul’s revelations are truly magnificent. Apart from Jesus Himself, no one else can compare. Probably the only one who comes close is Moses, who spent 80 days in the direct presence of God, who revealed the Law to him.
In the end, the secret of Paul’s success is very simple. The effectiveness of his life is due to his commitment to those two fundamental principles: “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” and “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.”
Before he came to Christ, Paul, like most other Pharisees, took great pride in his learning and in his thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. Pharisees were the top religious leaders among the Jews, experts in the Law and in all the traditions of the elders. They zealously exceeded all other Jews in their meticulous observance of every “jot and tittle” of every commandment. Consequently, they believed themselves to be more acceptable to God than anyone else. In their minds, righteousness meant strict outward observance of the law. They had no concept of a heart transformation in the inner man.
All of this changed for Paul when he found Christ. Paul discovered that without Jesus, none of his great learning mattered for anything, because it could not make him righteous before God. This insight led him later to write of his fellow Israelites, and especially his Pharisee colleagues:
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 10:1-4).
Enlightened by the Spirit of God, Paul came to understand that the Law was not an end in itself but pointed to Christ, who was the “righteousness of God,” and the fulfillment of everything the Law anticipated. In fulfilling the Law, Christ became “the end of the law.” The Lord Jesus replaced the Law as the central focus in Paul’s life. All his life Paul had believed that the Law was the foundation of righteousness. Now he learned that Christ was the foundation of the Law. The purpose of the Law was to point people to Jesus. Only in Christ could true righteousness be found. He alone is the true foundation for our faith. Paul explained it to the Corinthians this way:
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).
It was this transformation of heart and mind that led Paul to lay aside the complexity of the Law for the simplicity of the cross and the wisdom of man for the power of God.
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
The principal key to the spiritual power in Paul’s life and work was his singular focus on Jesus Christ. Paul made a great impact on his world because he depended not on his own wisdom or abilities but on the power of God through the Holy Spirit. That is where the secret lies. Christ is the source of the power. He is the one who gives the Holy Spirit, from whom the anointing comes. There is no other foundation, no other message than “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
This truth was fundamental for Paul. Paul was sold out to Jesus Christ. His life belonged no longer to him but to Christ, whose blood had purchased him and delivered him from death and condemnation. Paul lived solely for the service and glory of his Lord. His letters are full of references to his surrendered life:
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus (Galatians 6:17).
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
As far as Paul was concerned, nothing was more important or valuable than knowing Jesus. His heritage, his education, his credentials as a Pharisee, his racial purity as a Jew—all of these were meaningless without Christ. Compared to Christ, nothing else mattered.
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:7-14).
Paul realized that human wisdom by itself would never lead to spiritual wisdom or knowledge of the deep things of God. Only the Holy Spirit could impart that wisdom. This is one reason why Paul placed such a premium of value on knowing Christ and being submissive to His Spirit. Through divine revelation Paul understood that there was a whole realm of reality, wisdom, and truth that was unknown to and unknowable by human wisdom. He refers to it as a mystery.
However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Corinthians 2:6-12).
Paul is telling us how to come into the glory. He had touched it himself. He had connected with the glory of the Lord and had seen Jesus face-to-face. Now he is revealing the secret: We connect with the glory through the Holy Spirit. That is the only way. The cross of Jesus makes our connection with the glory possible; the Holy Spirit gives us access. Verse 10 makes it clear that the deep things of God are knowable to us only by the revelation of God, and the agent of that revelation is the Holy Spirit.
If we want revelation and divine insight, we must have the Holy Spirit in us and depend on Him daily. The Holy Spirit “searches all things,” and especially the “deep things of God.” He knows the heart of God. He knows the mind and thoughts of God. He knows the will of God. These things are unknowable by the mind or spirit of man. God wants us to know them, however. He has freely given them to us, and the Holy Spirit is the One who makes them known to us. If we desire to connect with the deep things of God, we must connect with the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues is a vital tool for making that connection.
As believers we have a direct connection to God, our Father, because the Holy Spirit, who is our Advocate and Helper, and Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest, both make constant intercession on our behalf.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34).
Therefore He [Jesus] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25).
The reason Paul accomplished so much for the KIngdom of God is because he kept his eyes fixed on Jesus and maintained an intimate personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. He was connected to the glory and thereby walked in wisdom, insight, revelation, and power. The more he drank of the Spirit, the thirstier he became; the more he learned of the deep things of God, the more he wanted to learn. I believe this is why Paul placed such personal value on the gift of tongues. Speaking in tongues was like a lubricant that greatly enhanced Paul’s ability to communicate with and receive from his Lord.
Paul’s personal statement regarding tongues occurs within a much broader discussion of tongues, prophecy, and order in public worship. It is important to establish some context in order to understand where Paul is coming from.
The church in Corinth was having problems with its public worship. Apparently, there was a lot of disorder in the assembly, including disagreement and even competition over the value and “prestige” of some spiritual gifts over others. People who possessed certain supposedly “higher” gifts looked down on others who did not. Confusion and division ruled the day.
Paul addresses these problems in chapter 14 of First Corinthians. Right on the heels of the great “love chapter” which extols agape—the divine love—as the greatest gift of all, Paul writes:
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification (1 Corinthians 14:1-5).
In the verses that follow, Paul stresses the importance of speaking words in the meeting place that are understandable by everyone over words spoken in an unknown tongue that no one will understand unless someone is present to interpret. Then he says,
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue (1 Corinthians 14:18-19).
Many people who try to downplay the significance or validity of speaking in tongues for today point to this passage in support of their position because Paul clearly gives precedence to prophecy over tongues. It is important to note, however, that Paul’s instructions are in the context of public worship, not private prayer. Indeed, in public worship prophesying is more important than tongues because it can be understood by everyone and therefore can edify or build up everyone. If unbelievers are present, they may be brought to repentance and faith. Speaking in tongues is valuable in public worship when interpretation is available, because the inter -pretation can then edify everyone present.
The principal value and power of speaking in tongues lie in the edification that comes to the individual in his or her per -sonal prayer and devotional life and communion with the Lord. Viewed from this perspective, it is clear that Paul valued the gift of tongues very highly. Consider these statements:
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2).
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…(1 Corinthians 14:4a).
I wish you all spoke with tongues…(1 Corinthians 14:5a).
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays…(1 Corinthians 14:14a).
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all (1 Corinthians 14:18).
If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues (1 Corinthians 14:39).
These words are part of the accepted canon of holy Scripture; part of the divinely inspired Word of God. Paul’s statement, “I thank my God I speak in tongues more than you all,” was preserved as part of the New Testament, thereby receiving God’s “stamp of approval” as true and accurate. In those words lie the greatest key, aside from “Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” to connecting with the glory of God.
Speaking in tongues is a devotional language. It is not something that we can develop in five minutes a day. We may start there, but we should grow far beyond that level. The Holy Spirit has given us a wonderful gift that invites us to reach out and touch the glory of God. Paul took the challenge. He became an expert in speaking in tongues and of praying and walking in the Spirit.
The key was hunger. Paul was insatiably hungry for Jesus. He thirsted constantly for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. What was the result? Look at the evidence of his life. Even today, nearly 2,000 years later, the world and especially the Church, still feels the effects and reaps the benefits of the life of this great lion of God.
For us, too, hunger is the key. Do you want to connect with the glory of God, with His revelation, and with the awesome signs and wonders He wants to pour out on these end-time generations? How hungry are you? Are you hungry for Jesus? Are you hungry for the Spirit? Are you hungry for the deep things of God? Are you hungry for the glory?