Paul once enumerated the trials he had faced as a Christian.

At least until the mid-point of his ministry.

And first on that list was the Apostle’s being beaten “by the Jews!”

His own people, by nationality anyway, his blood kin.

Our Text is 2nd Corinthians 11:24-31. With today’s emphasis being verse 24 itself: “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.”

There are some in the “Bible Study World” who feel that Paul’s statement is anti-Semitic. As if … those HATEFUL JEWS have attacked me again. But that is certainly NOT the case!

Paul loved his own people, the Israelites. In fact, though God commissioned him to be (specifically) “the Apostle to the Gentiles,” (as in 2nd Timothy 1:11 … “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles,”) Paul never could completely turn his heart toward the Gentile “mission field!” Because … he could not get his heart away from the Jews!

Let me add here Romans 11:13. “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles,” Paul’s own words.

Even 1st Timothy 2:7. “Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not; a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”

But … a remnant of the Jews indeed hated Paul, those who reacted to the Gospel of the Grace of God (Those who still felt that the Law of Moses should be elevated about the Cross and Blood of Jesus.)

And these legalists are the ones who brought about Paul’s “lashes!”

“Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.”

Five times, beaten with 39 stripes!

The Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 25:2, allowed 40 stripes, when punishing a criminal. But no more than that. So, the supercilious Pharisees in Jesus’ day would only inflict 39 stripes, lest they violate one of Moses. statutes!

And this happened to Paul 5 different times!

The Book of Acts does not record them all either.

Think of the pain!

Think of the embarrassment!

The shame!

The scars! No wonder Paul could later write: “I bear in my body the marks (scars) of the Lord Jesus.” Galatians 6:16, because Paul preached Jesus, and was beaten!

And we complain if the weather is bad … on our way to Church?

We moan if someone talks about us?

I deeply admire Paul.

And we have just begun the list!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell