The apostle Paul made several statements about keeping or finishing the faith during his ministry. Here is an in-depth look at what Paul meant when he talked about keeping or retaining the faith.
Paul’s Conversion Was the Beginning of His Journey of Faith
Paul’s story begins with his dramatic conversion in Acts 9. As Saul of Tarsus, he was a persecutor of the early church. But Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and confronted Saul about persecuting him. Saul was blinded for three days and neither ate nor drank (Acts 9:9). During this time, the Lord sent a disciple named Ananias to lay hands on Saul to regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17-18). After his sight was restored, Saul was baptized and stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days (Acts 9:19). Saul immediately began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 9:20). This marked the beginning of Saul’s faith journey as a follower of Christ.
In Acts 26, Paul (his name was changed from Saul) shared his conversion story with King Agrippa. He recounted how Jesus had appointed him to be a servant and witness to what he had seen and what Jesus would reveal to him (Acts 26:16). Paul was faithful to this calling, considering it a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). For the rest of his life, Paul pursued Christ with single-minded devotion.
Paul Endured Many Trials Yet Remained Faithful
After his conversion, Paul embarked on several missionary journeys to spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. This was not an easy task. Paul faced fierce opposition in many cities from both Jews and Gentiles. He was stoned, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and faced countless other perils (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). But none of these difficulties caused Paul to stumble or turn back. At the end of his life, in 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul says confidently that he had “fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Despite intense trials, Paul had not given up in following Jesus.
In 2 Timothy 3:10-11, Paul reminds Timothy that he had fully observed Paul’s teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance during times of persecution and suffering in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. Timothy had witnessed firsthand Paul’s resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversities. This served as an example to Timothy as he faced his own trials in ministry.
Paul Urged Others to Finish the Race of Faith
Not only did Paul remain faithful until the end, but he also exhorted others to do the same. In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul describes the Christian life as running a race to win an imperishable prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). He says he runs this race with purpose, discipline, and self-control so that after preaching to others he himself will not be disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). The prize he is running for is eternal life with Christ.
Similarly, in Acts 20:22-24, Paul does not count his life as precious to himself. His only aim is to finish the race and complete the ministry he received from Jesus. Despite hardships awaiting him in Jerusalem, Paul was determined to finish his course with joy. This determination and focus encouraged other believers to imitate his faith (Hebrews 13:7).
Paul Emphasized the Need for Sound Doctrine Until the End
In addition to enduring sufferings and trials, Paul also had to combat false teachings threatening the church. He defended true doctrine and exhorted Timothy to guard the good deposit that was entrusted to him (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Deceitful people and doctrines would increase, but Timothy had to continue in what he had learned from Paul (2 Timothy 3:13-14). Finishing the race meant being rooted in sound doctrine until the very end.
In his final letter before death, Paul charged Timothy to preach Scripture, correct errors, rebuke false teaching, and encourage sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2-5). Paul had guarded the faith against distorted gospels and lawlessness (Galatians 1:6-9, Romans 6:1-2). He had fought the good fight by sticking to sound words from Scripture. This was the duty he passed on to young ministers like Timothy who would carry on the mission after he was gone.
Encouraging Others Was Part of Paul’s Endurance in Faith
Paul knew that completing the race of faith was not something he could accomplish alone. He needed the support and encouragement of others around him. In Acts 14:21-22, Paul strengthens and encourages new disciples in the faith, urging them to continue in it despite tribulations ahead. He knew suffering would come, but exhorted them to persevere.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3, Paul says that Timothy was sent to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians in their faith so that no one would be unsettled by afflictions. Paul knew hard times could shake one’s faith, so he made it a priority to establish others in the faith through continual encouragement.
Paul also received strength and refreshment from fellow believers. In Philemon 1:7, he is comforted by Philemon’s love, because the hearts of the saints had been refreshed through him. Onesiphorus frequently refreshed Paul in his imprisonments and was not ashamed of Paul’s chains (2 Timothy 1:16-18). The support of fellow Christians was crucial for Paul maintaining his own faith.
Paul Fought Spiritual Battles Through Prayer and Watchfulness
In addition to external persecutions, Paul had to battle spiritually to keep his faith. Prayer and vigilance were key strategies he mentioned to the churches. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul urges constant prayer in the Spirit to help make a stand against devilish schemes. In Colossians 4:2, he exhorts disciples to devote themselves to prayer and be watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Paul knew he was in a spiritual battle that required faithful prayer warriors. That’s why in Romans 15:30-32 he pleads for the Romans to strive together in prayer that he may be delivered from unbelievers and blessed in his service in Jerusalem. Prayer was vital ammunition for fighting the good fight and finishing the race.
Paul Believed Wholeheartedly in the Gospel He Preached
What empowered Paul to suffer so much yet remain so faithful? According to 2 Corinthians 4:13-14, it was his spirit of faith and belief in the gospel he preached. Paul says that “we also believe, and so we also speak” the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection and the promise that believers will be raised with Christ. This unshakable belief gave Paul courage to endure hardships.
In 2 Timothy 1:8-12, Paul recalls his sufferings for the gospel but remains unashamed because he knows Christ and is convinced that Christ will guard what Paul has entrusted to him until the final day. His confidence in Christ allowed him to face death unafraid (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul could finish the race because he trusted the saving power of the gospel message.
Paul’s Letters Reveal Principles for Keeping the Faith
Paul says multiple times that he “kept” or “finished” the faith. His letters reveal key principles for protecting one’s faith and completing the journey:
- Remember your conversion and calling from Christ.
- Endure hardships and persecutions without wavering.
- Keep your eyes fixed on eternal rewards.
- Guard against false doctrines and teach sound doctrine.
- Encourage fellow believers and be encouraged by them.
- Pray vigilantly and fight spiritual battles.
- Fully believe the gospel you have received.
As Paul passed on the baton of faith to younger Christians, he hoped to see them run the race with perseverance until the end. Keeping the faith was not just an individual matter. It was a collective effort of believers strengthening one another to finish strong.
