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PAUL’S HARDSHIPS, ROBBED!

July 13, 2016 by Dr. Mike Bagwell

Paul the Apostle faced “robbers?”

Apparently so, but no such episode is recorded of him in the whole Book of Acts. Neither in any of his Epistles, not specifically so. Just a passing line in Paul’s “list of hardships,” 2nd Corinthians 11:22-31.

Let me show you, with the pertinent words capitalized. “In journeyings often, in perils of waters, IN PERILS OF ROBBERS, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.” 2nd Corinthians 11:26

The noun “perils” simply means “dangers.”

And the word “robbers” translates the Greek noun “lestes.” And it is translated “thief” 11 times in the New Testament. It derives from “leizomai,” a verb meaning “to plunder.”

So, somewhere along the trail (or while sailing the seas … “pirates” are plunderers too) … somewhere in those thousands and thousands of miles traveled (preaching the Word of God) … Paul faced “robbers!”

Maybe more than once.

But when?

Where?

Neither Luke (Paul’s biographer) nor Paul himself (autobiographically) has chosen to tell us, to answer those specific questions.

It might have been during the first “Missionary Journey” when Paul and Barnabas left Cyprus and sailed up to Asia Minor. They disembarked at Perga and trekked (walked) right at a hundred miles to Antioch, their first preaching station! Yes, 100 miles … through some of the most dangerous territory in the Roman Empire, particularly “robber” infested, say the historians.

It was at Perga (just prior to entering “robber country”) that young John Mark “quit” the mission, returning “home” to Jerusalem! I’ve often wondered if the ruggedness of the area (and the dangers involved) played a part in his erroneous decision.

“IN PERILS OF ROBBERS”

Actually New Testament culture was rife with thievery. Jesus even told a parable about such men. “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among THEIVES, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” Luke 10:30 the “Good Samaritan” Story!

And our Lord’s teaching on money, investment: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where THIEVES break through and STEAL: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where THEIVES do not break through nor STEAL.” Matthew 6:19-20, everyone understood the prevalence of “stealing,” of thieves!

Even Judas, one of the Twelve Disciples, was a “thief.” See John 12:6 for proof.

Yes, robbery was everywhere.

Not much better today, I might add!

But, did Paul’s encounters with “robbers” phase him?

Stop him?

Deter him?

Make him “turn back,” as did others?

Quit preaching and serving the Lord?

NO!

Indirectly proving his Apostleship, His authenticity as a man of God … Paul pressed onward!

Far from discouraging Paul, these calamities seemed to further motivate him!

To this point: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities (hardships), that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Wow, 2nd Corinthians 12:9.

This too, 2nd Corinthians 12:10, the following verse: “Therefore I TAKE PLEASURE in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” Amazing!

“Bring on the robbers! In the poverty they force on  my life … I will discover the riches of Christ Jesus my Saviour.” So reasoned Paul!

With a attitude like that, a spirit so invincible … a man will remain FAITHFUL to his charge … all his days! And Paul was that man, one of them.

Robbers, just a “bump” in the road … certainly not a “detour!”

May we be determined Christians too!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

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