The fact that Paul was led of the Holy Ghost in the pages of inspiration to put his own example before the saints of Corinth, Philippi, and Thessalonica respectively, for their observance, gives a divine value to the exercises of his soul which has no parallel in the Word of God. His conversion, we read, was a delineation of the ways of Christ to others (1 Tim. 1:1616Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:16)); his service for Christ was for imitation of the Lord's laborers (1 Cor. 4:1616Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. (1 Corinthians 4:16)); in his giving offense to none, but seeking to please all for their profit that they might be saved, he imitated Christ, and was a pattern for all saints in their intercourse with those around (1 Cor. 10:32, 33; 11:132Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:32‑33)
1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)); in his own personal walk he was their model (Phil. 3:1717Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (Philippians 3:17)); and his sufferings put him into blessed companionship with his Lord and Master, as yet another example to any who were enduring fierce persecution for His name's sake (1 Thess. 1:66And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: (1 Thessalonians 1:6)).
This being seen, it will at once be admitted that we have not only to accept Paul's teaching, but we have sedulously to observe Paul himself. Nor will any who are spiritually minded either repudiate the obligation or weaken its force because God has been pleased to put upon record what indicates that Paul was not always in the direct current of the Holy Ghost; for none can deny that in the same Scriptures He has furnished a sufficient safeguard for every exercised heart against the danger of following blindly in the path of His servant.
We thankfully reflect too that the defects seen in so wonderfully distinguished a witness for God, only bring into more striking relief and beauty, by the enforced comparison we make, the precious and divine perfections of the peerless One whose steps he followed - "the faithful witness."
Nor must we omit to recognize that what we term Paul's failures, far from being lapses from rectitude in doctrine or practice, consisted in the pursuit of some divine but subsidiary object, or the pursuing a normal object in another way, rather than that which the Spirit of God had in view at the time in accordance with the call of Christ; in a word, a lower line of action and of testimony
than he was entitled to pursue, but which nevertheless, was so far sanctioned of God as to be overruled for the accomplishment of blessed issues for His glory.