Paul's Faithful Ministry

God Loves Us
God's Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love

God's Love as Victory over Death

2 Corinthians 11:21-27. The Message

Many a Long and Lonely Night

21-23 Since you admire the egomaniacs of the pulpit so much (remember, this is your old friend, the fool, talking), let me try my hand at it. Do they brag of being Hebrews, Israelites, the pure race of Abraham? I’m their match. Are they servants of Christ? I can go them one better. (I can’t believe I’m saying these things. It’s crazy to talk this way! But I started, and I’m going to finish.)
23-27 I’ve worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death’s door time after time. I’ve been flogged five times with the Jews’ thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I’ve been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I’ve had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I’ve been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I’ve known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.

For Reflection

Paul recalls pain and suffering he endured as he preached the gospel. And yet, Paul has never been so alive in his calling. He has a new quality of life not marred by suffering but strengthened by it.

Pray

Pray that your suffering does not tempt you to decry God. Pray that through suffering, you grow in trust and grace.