Manny Pacquiao Conducts Bible Study Referencing Jeremy Lin, Tim Tebow

(Photo: Reuters/Danny Moloshok)
Boxer Manny Pacquiao smiles during a media workout at Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, Calif., Oct. 26, 2011.

By Christine Thomasos , Christian Post Reporter

March 27, 2012|2:34 pm

Manny Pacquiao, Filipino world-renowned boxer and congressman, held a Bible study on Tuesday where he spoke about himself, New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin and New York Jets' quarterback Tim Tebow being chosen by God to spread his word.

Pacquiao, 33, conducted the Bible study at GMA's Studio 7 in the Philippines on Tuesday, where he explained the job of himself, Lin and Tebow outside of the sports world.

"Why Jeremy Lin? Why Tim Tebow? Why Manny Pacquiao," the boxer questioned the audience about the athletes' prominent statuses. "Because of the Lord, he wants us in his word. He uses famous people to bring in more."

Tebow and Lin are both young athletes who have been vocal about praising their Lord and savior Jesus Christ and have become recognized for thanking God publicly. Pacquiao, a Catholic, has been vocal most recently about changing his life for the Lord.

Before speaking about Tebow and Lin, Pacquiao referenced the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 13 Verse 8 which states, "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles."

The pugilist then spoke about the star athletes' mission to spread the word of God.

"I want to follow the right path," Pacquiao told his audience.

After speaking for one hour about reasons to read the Bible, Pacquiao reportedly joined GMA staff members to sing songs of praise, according to GMA news. However, this is not the first time that the boxer nicknamed "Pacman" has made his faith a priority.

Last February, the boxer told ABS-CBN News that his next fight may be his last. Last week he spoke with Filipino radio station DZMM about God telling him to stop boxing in a dream.

"I will not stay long in boxing because he said, 'You have done enough. You have made yourself famous but this is harmful," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao, who has a 54-3 record, will go up against Timothy Bradley Jr. at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 9, in what may be the final fight of his career.