The Pastoral Paul

I didn't take this photo but it is not far from the scene that we witnessed as we crossed the Pindos Mountains on the way hear to Meteora, and we may see something like it again as we head down today to Athens via Delphi.  A shepherd caring for his flock in what could be pretty inhospitable and dangerous terrain.

It reminded me of a few conversations I have had with fellow pilgrims on this journey when we have shared how this pilgrimage has changed our perspective on the apostle Paul.  A number of people have said to me that as they have followed more closely what Paul underwent to share the gospel in Europe for the first time, their view of Paul had softened; instead of seeming just a harsh figure who could be difficult and divisive, Paul was appearing more as a brave and faithful man who had to endure a lot for the sake of the good news of Jesus Christ, a man, if you like, with a softer side.

Paul spoke freely for the standards of the day about his deep affection and care for the new believers who had responded to the gospel; in his first letter to the Thessalonians, written only a very short time after his visit that ended with his night-time departure, he writes of his love for those new believers in moving terms:

'We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children,  We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us...You know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory' (1 Thess 2:7-8, 11-12)

For all Paul's pioneering spirit and awesome intellect, he was also a man who was profoundly emotionally connected to the fledging churches he had planted.  This was not a professional church planter but a man with a tender pastoral heart who cared in the manner of the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep.