Read with me Paul’s comment just AFTER listing all his “trials,” serving the Lord. “I (Paul) am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 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; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” 2nd Corinthians 11:23-27, plus what?
“BESIDE those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” The next verse, 2nd Corinthians 11:28.
I will say more about this verse Monday morning, in our Lesson, the Lord willing.
But for today … “Beside” other things!
In other words, “There’s more!”
The Greek adverb translated “beside” is “choris.” It means “apart from.” It means “in addition to.” It means “separately.”
Twenty-six different “circumstances” enumerated here, “plus” another major burden!
Grandmother used to say, “When it rains … it pours!”
“Beside” … other things!
Paul suffered much for Jesus’ Sake!
In fact, the trials never quit coming!
Still … he stood strong!
He did not waver!
His lifelong goal as a Christian: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, SO THAT I MIGHT FINISH MY COURSE WITH JOY, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
And he did, Paul did!
Finished his course … with joy!
No matter what else (“beside”) came his way!
And just before he died, the great Apostle wrote these words: “I have fought a good fight, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, I have kept the faith.” 2nd Timothy 4:7
He did it, through Christ Jesus his Lord!
Amen!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell