In what was probably one of his last letters, Paul recalled his days as a persecutor and described himself as “the biggest sinner of all.” But he did so, not with self-loathing or despair,
but simply as a way of bearing witness to the amazing difference God’s mercy had made in his life. “Our Lord’s favor poured all over me along with the faithfulness and love that are in Christ Jesus” (verse 14).

• Paul never forgot who it was who had called him to his ministry: “He [Christ Jesus our Lord] appointed me to ministry even though I used to speak against him, attack his people, and I was proud.” Do only a few people, who have dramatic experiences like Paul’s on the road to Damascus, receive a divine appointment to ministry? Paul didn’t think so. He told the Philippians that they were all his “partners in the ministry of the gospel” (Philippians 1:5), and urged the Romans to render their “appropriate priestly service” to God by using the gifts God had put in each of their lives. In what ways has God appointed you to ministry? How are you responding to that appointment?