Rocky I found this true, the travail and and anguish here in relation to Paul can be seen comparible to John 16:21. Even the anguish he expresses of himself found in 2 Corinthians. Also found in the travial was the Joy of being delivered of the child. The same thing expressed differently concerning John in "hearing the bridegrooms voice". His joy made full when "in type" they were hearing Christ in them and following Him. Paul too spoke of his children in the faith being His joy and His crown.
Pauls travail much the same
John 16:21
A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, "because her hour is come":" but as soon as she is delivered of the child", she "remembereth no more the anguish", for joy that a man is born into the world. John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and
your heart shall rejoice, and
your joy no man taketh from you.
1Thes 2:19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye "in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ" at his coming?[/u]
Phil 4:1
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 1Cr 4:15
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for "in Christ Jesus" I have begotten you "through the gospel". Prov 17:6
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.[/u]
John 17:3 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world,
that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.[/u]
Gal 4:19
My little children, of whom "I travail in birth again" UNTIL Christ be formed in you[/u],
John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him,
rejoiceth greatly "because of" the bridegroom's voice: "this my joy therefore is fulfilled.[/u]
Definately sounds like childrearing or bearing don't it?
1Thes 2:7
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children[/u]
Examples of mothers, fathers in a family raising their young up in the grace of God that Christ be effectual in them.
Great post Rocky, I can see what you pointed out. God revealed His Son in Paul so he MIGHT PREACH HIM. Paul had "in him" the dispensation of His grace. They were made partakers with him, believing in their message whom He sent. The grace given Paul was given Him was for them to grow. It came not only in word but power and that worked in them who believed.
I see what you have pointed out, great observation
I suppose sometimes there are dragons waiting to devour the child before it be born too, that seems true as well don't it? :lol:
Daniel