Today we are reading 2 Corinthians 11. In this chapter Paul continues to defend his ministry. “To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.”
2 Corinthians 11:21-28 ESV When we read the list of all the things he suffered as a missionary, we need to remember this is a partial list. He was not finished with his Third Missionary Journey when he wrote 2 Corinthians. I am always amazed that Paul never quit. What is the most difficult thing you have gone through for your faith? What did you learn from that experience? For me, difficulties make me more reliant on God. I also find that God’s word is more powerful when I am weak. May God give you his strength when you are weak. Pastor Tim
