Hard to disentangle persecutions and sufferings
In Paul’s account: in labours exceedingly
Abundant, in stripes to excess, in prisons
Exceedingly abundant, in deaths oft. From the Jews
Five times he received forty stripes, save one.
Thrice he was scourged, once stoned, three times
Have suffered shipwreck; a night and day
He passed in the deep: in journeyings often,
In perils of rivers, in perils of robbers,
In perils from the Jews, in perils from the nations,
In perils in the city, in perils in the desert,
In perils on the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In labour and toil, in watchings often,
In hunger and thirst, in fastings often,
In cold and nakedness. Thus he conquered
And more than conquer through Him that had
Loved him – who had first showed him
How much he must suffer for His name.
And yet Paul still rejoiced through it all!
ReplyDeleteWhat a man, and what an example - you certainly couldn't question his motives!
Paul is truly the example for all of us to look back on when we complain that our trials and suffering are too much for us to bare.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs ~ Kat
I often read this and mavel.
ReplyDeleteseems to me Paul was boasting about his suffering for the sake of the gospel.
Sad, we can't say the same for today's bunch of Christians.
Thanks for sharing. it is a nice reminder that sometimes in serving him we may have to endure hardship.