In so many things, the apostle Paul was a pattern for Christians. What is recorded of his teachings and his behaviour in the New Testament are there for our learning. He was a pattern of life and behaviour. "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting," 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Cor 4:16, 10:32-33, 11:1; Php 3:17, 4:9; 1 Thess 210-14; 2 Thess 3:7-9, 14. He was a pattern for all pastors and preachers. In his shepherding and soldiering his example is the norm. The record of his tenderness toward the flock and his tenacity regarding adherence to the truth and his impartiality in dealing with men, dominate the New Testament scriptures. He was a man who tolerated much from fellow believers for the cause of Christ, Rom 14:1; 1 Cor 9:19-22. However, there were matters he would not tolerate, Acts 17:16, 22; 1 Cor 3:16-17. Our text reflects that same intolerance of error.