JETS 50:3 (September 2007) p. 465 him from the path of obedience as well. However, rather than bringing about his downfall, his afflictions became a means of overcoming pride and experiencing God’s sustaining grace. Satan intended to harm Paul, but he unintentionally became an instrument through which the apostle experienced personal growth. The Bible portrays Satan as an implacable enemy of God, whose designs on humanity are malicious; however, it does not represent Satan as God’s