2 Corinthians 11:29–33: Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
Paul climaxed this narration of his sufferings by telling of his humiliating experience at Damascus, when he—the great apostle—was smuggled out of the city in a basket let over the wall! Would any of the Judaizers ever tell a story like that? Of course not! Even when Paul did narrate his sufferings, he was careful that Christ was glorified, and not Paul. We cannot read these verses without admiring the courage and devotion of the Apostle Paul. Each trial left its mark on his life, and yet he kept moving on, serving the Lord. Paul certainly proved his love for the church. Now the church had to prove its love for Paul. May we never take for granted the sacrifices that others have made so that we might enjoy the blessings of the Gospel today. 1
Personal Application
- Read Acts 20:24. How did Paul want to finish His race? What message did he live and die proclaiming?
Godly Encouragement
- For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. –Romans 1:16
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
Always look for the blessing when you are going through the suffering. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank you for the adventure found in serving You.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
