Paul and Philip both exhibited one or more of these attributes.
Patience to wait on the Lord’s timing. After meeting Jesus on the Road to Damascus Paul had to wait for some time before the Lord took him into service. Acts 19. We also see the same thing with David and also Joseph. They both had long periods in which they had to wait until the time was right.
In Acts 8:26-40 Philip demonstrated perception when In the middle of a tremendous move of the Spirit, The Lord had him leave the town and go to a deserted cross roads. Philip then used perception to see whom God wanted Him to talk to. So did Paul when he correctly interpreted a dream and went to Macedonia instead of his original destination. Acts 15-18
Paul on many occasions demonstrated perseverance, when he faced so many difficulties and persecutions he continued to do the Lord’s work even when wrongly imprisoned Paul still had his sights set on the task and goal the Lord had given him. Acts 21 Paul and Silas imprisoned Acts 16:16
We too are called to exercise these same three characteristics, patience, perception and perseverance. although today the way of the world is instant meals, instant gratification, instant loans, instant relationships, instant reward and even instant answers to prayer. Even television adverts cater to this, “Get what everything you want now.”
But this is not God’s way and He calls on those who believe in Him and who love His Son Jesus to follow the better path. To run the race to the end. to run the long race, to be patient emotionally, mentally and spiritually. To perceive the moment when the Lord is asking us to pray, to study His word, or to act. Also to persevere even when we do not see the results for a long time, even never in this life but being content in knowing the Lord sees everything.
It is through the exercising of Patience, perception and perseverance that we place ourselves on and keep on travelling the road to perfection. Perfection in Jesus Christ, through His death on the cross, His resurrection and which He will bring on return to the New Earth.
Amen