If Paul longed for the praise of people, he would not have become a follower of Christ.1 Paul was honoured and well respected in Jerusalem before he became a Christian. Now, having been arrested by Christ, his aim is to please him only (1 Timothy 1:12–17). Where there is a choice between maintaining peace among/with men and obeying Christ his loyalties are non- negotiable (Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22; Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29).2
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.