I checked the Greek word for “wilderness,” spelled “eremia.” It (a noun) is only used in the whole New Testament 4 times! It means “an uninhabitable place.” Or “wasteland.” But “eremia” derives from “eremos” (an adjective) which is found 50 times in the New Testament! With “eremos” similarly meaning “solitary, lonely, desolate.” A few times it is translated “a DESERT place,” still an adjective.

Paul is one of the writers who uses “eremia,” in 2nd Corinthians 11:26 and again (I believe) in Hebrews 11:38. Yes, the Apostle remembers being “in perils in the wilderness.”

In Hebrews 11:38, speaking of the great faithful Believers of ages past. “Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in DESERTS (desert places), and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” This fact “touched” Paul’s heart!

Yes, Paul faced “dangers” (likely life-threatening experiences) “in the wilderness.”

When?

We do not know, really, not for sure.

But I suspect it was (at least, partially) when he was gone 3 years to Arabia. Certainly, “desert!” Paul tells us himself, in Galatians 1:17-18 (shortly after he was saved), “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; BUT I WENT INTO ARABIA, and returned again unto Damascus. Then AFTER THREE YEARS I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.”

Three years, in the desert!

Three years, in the wilderness.

Probably being tutored in the things of God!

Learning the Scriptures, the right way!

Not at the feet of Gamaliel this time, but at the Feet of the Lord Himself! The Holy Spirit being the Divine Instructor!

And there, in school, Paul faced dangers.

Three years!

Plus … though we have no record of any of them … many other incidences (in 15,00 miles of travel, preaching the Word of God) of similar close-calls. In the wilderness, in desolate places. Traveling through the desert, on the way to preach in a distant City?

But … Paul did not quit!

He plodded onward!

He gave evidence (tons of it) of being a genuine soldier of Christ.

An authenticate Ministry of the Gospel.

Yes, Paul was real.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

These events should spur us all … to be more diligent serving our Saviour.