1 Corinthians 1

 Because of disputations and contention, Paul writes the Corinthians - 

"Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas..."  (1 Corinthians 1:12)

Some may do that today...I am of Joseph Smith or Brigham Young.  

The truth is - 

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."  (1 Corinthians 1:30–31)

Romans 3

 Paul writes of righteousness in conjunction with grace and faith - 

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God..."  (Romans 3:20–25)

Faith and grace is demonstrated upon the condition of righteousness.

Romans 2

 Paul states - 

"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."  (Romans 2:13)

It is through the atonement of Jesus Christ that we are justified.  In other words, we become just, clean, purified, qualified to live with God.

Romans 1

 Paul makes it perfectly clear of many sins that people seem to find acceptable today, namely - 

"Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."  (Romans 1:24–32)

Acts 24

 Paul must have been a skilled and gifted speaker explaining to Felix - 

"...Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee."  (Acts 24:21–25)

It is interesting that this went on for two years until Felix was replaced by Festus.

Acts 23

 We learn that as - 

"...there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."  (Acts 23:10–11)

Paul is one of the few that had to endure such great persecution and torture in the name of Christ.  In my mind, the Lord was greatly involved with his mission.   One may ask why most saints may not receive the miraculous visits of the Savior?  Probably because no one would want to experience the persecution of Paul. 

Acts 20

 As Paul is trying to return to Jerusalem in time for Pentecost, he met witj the leaders of Ephesus in Miletus.  After again giving them instructions, he warns - 

"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them"  Acts 20:29–30)

"And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,

38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship."  (Acts 20:36–38)

It seems apparent to me how difficult it would be all the converts to stay active when there was such distance between them with so little technology.