2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

I’ve had many conversations over the years about this person Paul knew over fourteen years ago. Nowhere in scripture was this account given. Or was it? Paul was stoned to death in Acts 14:19 and rose up in Acts 14:20. Is it possible Paul was talking about himself? He started off this chapter with a desire not to boast.

I’ve always suspected that Paul knew and saw things which he could not share. It feels like Paul is trying to relate the hope of glory unseen, but in a way that does not undermine his credability. Paul’s witness is his first responsibility. It is one of those things, that when we get caught up in moment we should not forget how we sound to unbelievers.

I believe that God will receive His own. I also believe that if I allow my witness to be placed in doubt, then someone might suffer for a number of years before coming to the Lord. That would be on me. That I would not want.

What I know is not nearly as important as who I know. My responsibility is not to show my knowledge, it is to show Christ. A credible witness keeps that in mind.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

“That looks like fun. I want to try that.” If you haven’t said it, you have probably heard it. It might be snowboarding, parasailing, surfing, or a number of different activities that look like fun. Just because it looks like it is easy, doesn’t mean you will be good at it.

Paul is speaking of something much more serious than sports. There is a segment of society that look up to the notoriety of some preachers and evangelists. Respected and popular are not unpleasant words. In the past there have been a few that have gained a following who are not in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not for me to judge but I suspect the same thing exists today.

What intrigued me about today’s verse are the words, “by any means”. While I might personally prefer to have a pastor or teacher that has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I cannot deny the preaching of the gospel “by any means”. It is why bibles left in a motel room that is picked up by one hurting soul can lead them to salvation. Man saves no one. Only God save, “by any means”.

Philippians 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.