The difficulties Paul faced during his missionary journeys are well known. In fact, he chronicled these hardships in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28.
It is truly amazing that Paul did not quit in the face of so much adversity. Rather than giving up, he continued to proclaim the name of Jesus.
But how did he do it? How did he find the necessary strength to carry on? In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Paul provides an answer.
The Context.
He wrote:
“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).
With those words, Paul referred to the bleak situation that he faced while in Ephesus (see Acts 19:21-41). On that occasion, the craftsmen, incited by Demetrius, accused Paul of causing the “great goddess Diana” to be despised. A riot ensued, and the “whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theatre with one accord” (Acts 19:29).
No wonder Paul reported that he “despaired even of life”! Nevertheless, Paul went on to cite two sources that helped him to face this difficult time.
God’s Deliverance.
First, he credited God with delivering him.
He described how God “delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:10).
Such trust and recognition are exactly what ought to characterize those who claim to be followers of God.
The Corinthian’s Prayers.
Second, he credited the prayers of the Corinthians.
He wrote: “you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many” (2 Corinthians 1:11).
Though the Corinthians were separated from Paul by many miles, they had kept him in their prayers. According to Paul, these prayers played a role in his deliverance. If this teaches anything, it teaches that prayer is powerful.
Let’s pray for others, and let’s place our trust in God.
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.