732. 2CO 11:23-29. THE TRIALS AND SUFFERINGS OF THE APOSTLE PAUL. [NO. IV.]

2Co_11:23-29. The Trials and Sufferings of the Apostle Paul. [No. IV.]

"Are ye ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one," &c.’972Co_11:23-29.

Paul, though so remarkably converted, and fully devoted to the apostolic work, yet suffered through the jealousy of true, and the opposition of false teachers. In Corinth, a state of great confusion had risen, through the effects of the false principles they had received. Church discipline was neglected, party spirit was cherished; and even some of the converts of the apostle had begun to undervalue his character, and think lightly of his labors. He therefore had to vindicate himself; and in doing so, he was constrained to refer to his trials and sufferings, in the cause of the blessed Saviour. Some of these particular instances are only mentioned in this passage, and, therefore, we cannot state either the places or times where they occurred. Observe the particular things which are included in the apostle’s affecting enumeration. He adverts, however,

I. To his eminency as a minister of Christ.

As if he had said, Are those who object to me, ministers of Christ? yet, "I am more." Doubtless he is alluding here to the very remarkable manner he was called and installed into the great work.

Apostles or churches might call other Christians to the ministry, seeing their piety and fitness; but he was called by the Lord Jesus himself. Distinctly, &c. The Lord had stated this to Ananias. Act_9:13-16. Paul often referred to the fact of his being called of the Lord, directly and immediately. See Gal_1:1; also Gal_1:11 and Gal_1:12. And then as to devotedness to the work,’97no man ever excelled him, as to his fields of labor: See Gal_1:15, &c. Rom_15:19. This included a very large circuit, in which were comprised’97Syria, Phenicia, Arabia, Cilicia, Pamphylia, Galatia, Asia, Thracia, Macedonia, Thessaly, Achaia, and many other provinces and countries. He also refers, not only to his labors, but also,

II. To his numerous personal sufferings.

He does this first, generally: Rom_15:23.

(1.) In stripes above measure. Exceeding the usual inflictions, &c. And also much more than the other brethren had endured.

(2.) In prisons more frequent. Often deprived of his personal liberty, and dragged to the dungeon, for Christ’s sake.

(3.) In deaths oft. That is, often exposed to death. In very imminent peril of death’97and that oft. 2Co_1:8, 2Co_1:9. He then enumerates, more particularly, his sufferings and trials in, and for the gospel of Christ.

(1.) Scourged five times. It was a Jewish punishment, and was not allowed to exceed thirty-nine strokes. Generally with a whip with three thongs; so that thirteen blows would inflict the number of stripes.

(2.) Thrice he was punished with rods; 2Co_11:25. We have an account of one of these instances of cruel persecution. Act_16:22, &c.

(3.) He was once stoned. This account is given to us, as it occurred at Lystra. Act_14:19.

(4.) Thrice be endured the privations and perils of shipwreck, &c. In his constant and extended labors, he often had to go by sea; and thus the dangers to which he was exposed. He mentions, that on one occasion, for a whole day and night, he had been in the deep. Probably resting on some plank, or clinging to the vessel, when submerged in the sea. Observe,

(5.) He refers to the variety of his labors. Perils from without. Repeated journeys in preaching the gospel. Perils by water’97robbers, &c. Some of those parts in which he travelled, are still dangerous to travellers. Perils from his own countrymen’97they often labored to destroy him. Hence the horrid covenant mentioned, Act_23:12. By the heathen’97who were incensed at his preaching the one living and true God, &c. In the city, at Derbe, Lystra, Philippi, Jerusalem, Ephesus, &c. In the wilderness’97from wild beasts. In the sea’97as he had stated. Also from false brethren. Those who professed the same faith’97labored in the same work, &c.; yet treacherously tried to undermine his reputation’97injure his usefulness. See Gal_4:13, &c.; Gal_4:9, &c. He adverts,

(6.) To his physical sufferings; Gal_4:27. What a train of sad and painful experiences. How he was the subject of outward wretchedness! How distressing and painful to flesh and blood! But he adds to the list,

(7.) By referring to his spiritual anxieties and responsibilities; Gal_4:28. "The care of all the churches;" that is, of the churches he had planted. His solicitude for their growth and prosperity. His distress at their schisms and apostasies. His often being required to advise, and counsel, and direct them. His heart was thus oppressed with the solemn weight, &c., respecting them. He concludes the sum of the whole,

(8.) By declaring his sympathy with all the. suffering disciples of Jesus; Gal_4:29. "Who is weak?" &c. He felt no one could suffer, without his heart’s sympathy, &c. No one could be offended, but his soul burned with holy indignation against the offenders; and with fervent emotion for the sufferer. How disinterested’97unselfish’97devoted, and Christlike, the spirit and experience of the apostle Paul.

Learn,

1. The greatness of the ministerial work. Great in its theme’97object’97ends’97and responsibilities.

2. The need such have of the sympathy of the people.

Hence the apostle urges’97"Brethren, pray for us," &c. After all, they are but men; and need courtesy, kindness, and affection, &c. Their hands should be held up, &c.

3. How we should rejoice in the privileges of our times, &c.

And yet, the offence of the Cross has not entirely ceased, &c. Surely, after the apostle’s history, we shall never complain of our persecutions and trials.

4. The grace of God is sufficient for all our states and circumstances.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS