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We found the all-embracive term "all pleasing" expressed in tangible form by "all
good works". We now have some of these good works particularized, viz., "all patience
and longsuffering". Neither of these would come in the forefront of any list of good
works framed by ourselves. Neither patience nor longsuffering "make a fair show in the
flesh", but they are chosen here and shown in their heavenly beauty.
The first reference to patience in the N.T. associates it with fruit-bearing:--
"Having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8: 15).
Patience has a place in one of the many titles of God:--
"The God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded" (Rom. 15: 5).
Patience was the first in a series of proofs of Paul's ministry:--
"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience . . ."
(II Cor. 6: 4).
Patience is mentioned as the great qualifying term in a list of signs of apostleship:--
"Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience" (II Cor. 12: 12).
And in his last epistle Paul draws attention to his "patience" in connection with
doctrine and manner of life (II Tim. 3: 10). Here also the apostle speaks of
"longsuffering".
This modest and retiring grace is honoured in the Word by being mentioned fourteen
times. Longsuffering comes first in the account of Christian love in I Cor. 13::--
"Love suffereth long, and is kind" (I Cor. 13: 14).
Longsuffering enters into the walk that is worthy of the calling (Eph. 4: 2), as it does
into the walk that is worthy of the Lord (Col. 1: 11). It meets us in the passage quoted
above (II Cor. 6: 6); it is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5: 22); and it is to be put on
by the elect of God as part of the new man (Col. 3: 10-12). The true teacher ever blends
with his doctrine "longsuffering" (II Tim. 4: 2).
At first sight "patience" and "longsuffering" seem a very lowly end of so mighty a
means, yet patience and longsuffering may stand firm under pressure and persecution
where more prominent gifts give way. Patience and longsuffering may be more effective
in ministry than the tongue of angels or the knowledge of all mysteries, and as the apostle
had the "perfecting" of these saints in mind (Col. 1: 28), patience was essential. As James
has said:--
"Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing" (James 1: 4).