Branded | SermonIndex

pilotscove Dec 15, 2006

In Leonard Ravenhill's sermon, Branded For Christ, he states that, "If, as tradition says, Paul was only four feet six inches in height, then he was the greatest dwarf that ever lived." I DO NOT dispute this, but I want to know what Ravenhill's source was for this information. I would like to know if there was a work cited on Paul's specific height. A biography or concordance perhaps? Any help would be greatly appreciated. God Bless.

KingJimmy Dec 15, 2006

If memory serves correct, I believe it comes from the so-called "Acts of Paul," an apocryphal second/third century writing.

sermonindex Dec 15, 2006

First he had a 'bodily ailment' which he recognized as a trial to his converts and prayed for deliverance. Galatians 4:13-15; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Secondly there was the 'marks of Jesus' left on his body which were probably the marks of physical abuse suffered as a minister of the Gospel. 'Sacred Brands' Galatians 6:17

He also recognized that he wasn't the greatest preacher. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:6 However this does not mean that Paul was not an wise and intelligent servant of God. He displayed a strong character and infectious spirit in the ministry.

A Bishop in the province of Asia during the second century described him as 'a man small of stature, with a bald head and crooked legs, in a good state of body, with eyebrows meeting and nose somewhat hooked, full of friendliness: for now he appears like man and now he had the face of an angel '(Acts of Paul and Thessal 3).

from:
http://www.abu.nb.ca/ecm/topics/people15.htm