Back today to 2nd Corinthians 11:28.

Paul relating to us … “Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” Overwhelming!

Things “which cometh upon me daily!”

Never a no-problem, burden-free day?

Looks like “not for Paul.”

And watch this verb, “cometh upon.”

It is only used twice in all of Paul’s writing, all the New Testament, in fact.

In Greek, it is “episustasis.”

It blends two prepositions and a verb!

They are “epi” and “sun” and “histemi.”

Things that “stand” (the verb “histemi”) “on top of”  (in Greek “epi”) Paul, weighty things in this context. Plus “sun,” the other preposition meaning “with” or “beside,” in addition to other trials Paul might have been enduring. One piling on top of another!

Wow!

And, according to our Text, how often do these things pounce upon Paul?

“Daily!”

Spelled “hemera” in Greek, derived from (according to the lexicons) “hora,” the noun for “hour!” That often (hourly), that regularly, that frequency?

Paul, my hero!

The boldest, most faithful little servant in the New Testament.

He did not quit.

He continued in the face of all opposition, as did our Saviour!

Here’s Jesus, in Isaiah 50:8, “taking on” the Devil. I think a prophecy about Calvary. “He is near that justifieth me; WHO WILL CONTEND WITH ME? let us stand together: WHO IS MINE ADVERSARY? LET HIM COME NEAR TO ME.” Devil, bring it on. I will defeat you!

Paul, much like Jesus!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell