Opposition from without and from within

1 Corinthians chp. 9 we find Paul defending himself from accusations made from within, the very group of people he led to the Lord, how hurtful that must have been. To have those whom you love assume the worst about you and without regard for the whole truth they broadcast their accusations to others so that they might win support. What’s worse were those who knew better choosing sides with the accusers, believing their half-truths and doing so after only hearing one side of the story. Neither they nor the accusers had the right to appoint themselves as judge or jury but they did and they fed off of one another’s contempt and prejudice but Paul knew who was behind all of this and was therefore able to see past the thin disguise. Paul was a true warrior of the faith filled with a righteous indignation, fleshing out what he believed and yet elsewhere we see his tender, sensitive heart for God and God’s people.