It's human nature to boast about one's achievements, if only so slightly.."It was a team effort".   "I couldn't have done it with out you", etc., you know whereof I speak.

But Paul counsels us not to boast about the fact that we know the true gospel. He is our mentor, and he doesn't boast of the fact that he is possessed of this knowledge. He knows that he is only the messenger of good tidings, and that the truth was revealed to him through the Holy Spirit.

When it comes to professing his role in bringing the gospel to us, he is truly humble.

It doesn't mean that he doesn't boast from time to time, but only to make a point.  

When he finds that some of his followers are straying, spellbound by others who profess to know the "true" path, because they appear to possess special gifts,  Paul boasts.

He says that he's  a prophet, a miracle worker, a healer..but then he counters by saying, that's nothing..a "side-show", but what's more important is what he has taught them, and in that he is not boasting.

So, there will be times that we may feel special, because God chose us to understand what so few others do.

When that happens, we must "step back" and emulate Paul and realize that we have this understanding, because GOD has given us the grace to understand, and that is the sole reason.

WE didn't have anything to do with it, so there is nothing to boast about, but to simply accept the fact and thank God..paulnbob

NOTE: I apologize for entitling the previous blog  EPHESIANS 1, as there already is a blog with that title.  I tried to change it to EPHESIANS REVISITED, but it didn't take.