When Paul bowed his knee to the carpenter from Galilee, he forever turned his back on prosperity theology.
"And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:16
In his letter to the Philippians - written from a prison, not a plush office or the Rome Marriott --
For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. - Philippians 1:29
He depicts Christ as the suffering servant, whose prosperity came after his life on this earth, not during it. Had Jesus laid claim to prosperity in this life, there would have been no crucifixion, no atonement, no gospel, and no hope for any of us.
In Philippians 3, Paul discusses his credentials of success, his diplomas and awards. These were once highly valued, but now he says --
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ - Philippians 3:7-8
Actually, this translation is too delicate.
What little money and possessions might have passed through his hands he considered a loss. He describes his daily adversity, persecution for Christ and nearness to death - refers to his troubles, hardships, distressed, beatings, imprisonments, riots, sleepless nights, and hunger, as well as the experience of nearly dying and being sorrowful and poor.
Perhaps the most graphic portrayal of Paul's life comes later --
Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have travelled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger? 2 Corinthians 11:23-29
The truth is, Paul heard some of these voices in his own day. In fact, Paul had to defend himself against the 'super apostles', well off ministers who berated him because he couldn't claim their wealth and prestige.
You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you. Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honoured, but we are ridiculed. - 1 Corinthians 4:8,10
Paul faced off with these prosperity preachers, pointing out that they had jumped the gun on reigning with Christ by living now as kings rather than as servants.
After explaining that God had given him some special revelations, Paul adds this -
Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said,“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
We don't know what the disease was, but among other things it apparently caused his deteriorating eyesight.
If you have prayed for healing and not received it, take heart -- you're in good company. Not only was Paul himself not healed, but he also had to leave Trophimus in Miletus because of sickness. His beloved friend Epaphroditus was gravely ill. His son in the faith, Timothy, had frequent stomach disorders for which Paul didn't tell him to 'claim healing' but to drink a little wine for medicinal purposes. Those who claim 'anyone with enough faith can be healed' apparently have greater faith than Paul and his missionary associates.
