A critic might say (many have, in fact) that Paul was carrying things to an extreme!

Going “on and on” about all his troubles!

But he is using thIS list (2 Corinthians 11:22-31) for several purposes:

First, to show the Corinthians how much he loves them.

Second, to expose some false teachers who have infiltrated the true Corinthian Church, men who would “quit” before they ever “suffered” such ordeals as these Paul has experienced.

Third, to obey the Holy Spirit Who has directed (inspired) Paul to write each of these words, record each of these events, to make our Bible complete!

Today we learn that Paul was “in weariness” often, “wearied.”

The noun means “exhaustive labor.”

“Kopos” is derived from a verb (“kopto”) that means “to strike, to hit” something. To “beat it up!”

“Kopos” (the noun, our word used in today’s lesson) is likely the most intense word in the New Testament concerning “work” of any kind!

A little vocabulary history:

“Kopto”(the verb)  is translated “bewail, lament, mourn,” and the like.

And then its noun cognate (“kopos”) is translated (in the King James Version) “labor” (13 times) then “trouble” (5 times) then “weariness” (just 1 time, here in our text).

The word primarily refers to absolute “fatigue,” according to the lexicon I consulted.

Paul, often, had travelled so far … or preached so hard … or counseled some Christian so deeply … or faced some interrogation … or prayed all night … that he was EXHAUSTED BEYOND WORDS!

How helpful is this information!

I, too, feel that way at times.

It’s physical too, not spiritual.

But it is what I call a “good tired” feeling!

But few today would undergo such a lifestyle, not for long!

Few would go to Church … that “give out” … and joyfully participate in worship!

Folks, Paul was human!

His little body had physical limits, especially having been so mistreated, persecuted by the enemies of Christ!

Yet … as I’ve written many times in this Series … PAUL REMAINED FAITHFUL!

He did not quit.

His dedication to Jesus was real.

His “call” to serve was serious.

How do we measure up to such high standards?

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

My life verse, 1st Corinthians 15:58 helps here. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye STEADFAST, UNMOVEABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your LABOUR (IN GREEK, “KOPOS”  … PLEASE SEE THIS!) is not in vain in the Lord.” Written by Paul, nonetheless!

Amen!