Response:

I do not believe Paul was speaking in pride, nor can I find any commentary that indicates that. I believe he is looking back over his life, and stating the facts. He was ready to die, because he had served his Lord faithfully. Pride is referred to as something that God hates (Prov 6:17), and as the cause of shame (Prov 11:2), destruction (Prov 16:18), and strife Prov 28:25). I John 2:16 says that the pride of life is of the world. Prov 21:4 calls a high look and a proud heart "sin". Therefore, I don't think Paul was speaking from a point of pride, and I do believe that pride in the Bible is sinful. Pride shows that I think that I have done something. I need to realize that all I am and all I do is a result of the goodness of God. Remember, Paul wrote in I Cor 2:29 that "no flesh should glory in His presence". Even in II Cor 10, where Paul speaks of boasting, he concludes the passage by saying: "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord".

By Dr Mark Montgomery Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210