Today we are reading 2 Corinthians 11. In this chapter Paul continues his defense of his ministry. “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 11:22-28 ESV Paul’s dedication to serving Jesus is unparalleled! Just look at all the things he has suffered for Jesus? How have you suffered? I’m embarrassed to even call what I have been through suffering! The most amazing part is that all of these things did not discourage Paul from preaching the Gospel. He never stopped. What about you? Are you steadfast in your faith? Are you tenacious in sharing the Gospel? Are you ready to suffer like Paul? May God use you as a great missionary! Pastor Tim
