When Paul was testifying before King Agrippa he admitted that he caused many believers to be sent to prison. "I was so violently opposed to them that I chased them down in foreign cities." (Acts 26:11)
He wrote to the Corinthians that "Whatever they dare to boast about-I'm talking like a fool again-I dare to boast about it too."(2Cor.11:21) He worked harder, he faced more dangers, he spent sleepless nights and days of hunger. But to Paul, all this enthusiasm, perseverance and courage were re-directed to a new kind of boasting, a new service and a new goal. He now boasted about his weakness before God. He found when he became physically weak, he became more spiritually strong.
Many of us are victims or have been victims of those bent on doing criminal acts. People spend a great deal of time, talent and energy devising ways of committing fraud, theft or murder without being caught. How much time, talent and energy do some of us spend finding ways to help others or improve social conditions? Being a good citizen can never mean being indifferent or lethargic towards the challenges and problems around us. Paul tells the Ephesians to "put on all of God's armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11) To Paul, living in faith and love is a battle, a race, or a struggle. If Jesus were lukewarm or mild towards the earthly powers and authorities he certainly would not have faced crucifixion.
He looked at opponents with anger, rebuked his disciples for their lack of faith and even overthrew the tables of money-changers in the temple. He called his followers to a life of courage and self-denial as they faced persecution and misunderstanding. He promised the comforting presence of the holy spirit, not to make them comfortable with their status quo, but comfort, in the sense of being strengthened with new power. In writing to the Romans Paul admonished them, "Do not let evil conquer you but conquer evil by doing good."(Romans 12:21) People like Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Martin Luther King Jr have taught us how to be victorious over evil. It is by being bold, fearless and enthusiastic when we face those who are fearless in doing evil. When we are serving God we are under a new power. We are free from slavery to sin and are now slaves of righteousness. (Romans6:18)