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“As unknown, and yet well known” (2 Corinthians 6:9).
The Apostle Paul was a well-educated man, and could have been very important in this world. Yet as an apostle for Christ, he was both “unknown and yet well known.” What does this mean? It means that as to this world, he was unknown. If you study the history of the Roman Empire, you will read of men like Sulla, Julius Caesar, Pompey, Caesar Augustus, and many others, but not the Apostle Paul. He was unknown among the important people in the world in that day.
And yet he was well known, for among Christians he is recognized as possibly the greatest servant the Lord ever had. Also, while leading men in the Roman Empire are often forgotten, the inspired writings of the Apostle Paul are still widely read today, as part of the Word of God.
Some years ago, while visiting in England, I went to a large cemetery, and there I saw a tombstone with the same words on it — “As unknown and well known.” The man who was buried there is not prominent in British history, but his name is well known among many Christians. Are you and I striving to be well known in this world, or well known by the Lord?
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