"SHAKING IN HIS BOOTS"

September 1, 1987 Issue
Voyd N. Ballard

Evidently some of the brethren who continue to quote and preach from these so called "modern versions" (which are nothing but perversions of the Bible) have allowed themselves to be led into the false idea that the apostle Paul was afraid to preach the gospel because of the persecution he encountered almost everywhere he preached. One brother recently wrote that when Paul first arrived in Corinth, "he was shaking in his boots and was apparently planning on leaving when God intervened telling him to literally 'keep on speaking (Acts 18:9,10). Paul was afraid no doubt because of experiences at four preceding places he and been on his second missionary journey". The apostles had been forewarned by the Lord himself that they would be persecuted for His names sake. (John 15:20,21) and Paul was included in this persecution, "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my names sake." (Acts 9:16) Paul proved his apostleship by suffering these persecutions (2 Cor. 6) He was warned in advance by the Holy Spirit that "bonds and afflictions abide me". (Acts 20:23) It is true that when Paul went to Corinth he was with them "in weakness, and in fear, and much trembling" (1 Cor 2:2) but this was not in fear of any man nor of any persecution but rather of the tremendous responsibility imposed in the preaching of the gospel. In this sense every gospel preacher should always stand in the pulpit in the same weakness, and fear and trembling, but with all boldness knowing, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me". (Heb 13:6)

To me it seems absolutely ridiculous that this grand and great apostle of the Lord would ever be "SHAKING IN HIS BOOTS" because of fear of persecution, bonds and afflictions especially in view of the fact that he himself declared, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my Life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God". (Act 20:24)

Paul said none of these persecutions "MOVE ME" and I would like for someone to tell me how he could be SHAKING IN HIS BOOTS without MOVING!