2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Not Forsaken

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

The Apostle Paul highlights the challenges of ministry work, he also emphasises the victories. It was difficult but God’s grace saw him and his co-workers through each phase of the work. There were much troubling times where they were pressed to the limit and yet these did not break them. Many times, they could not understand why obstacles  came their way to discourage their evangelism efforts. When the Jews in the synagogues in Corinth rejected the gospel, God saved Crispus whose house was beside the synagogue. Crispus believed on the Lord with all his house and many of the Corinthians believed, and were baptised.

There were persecutions the mission team had to endure. The Lord was at hand to encourage them – “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10). The Apostle Paul was able to say, we were not forsaken, the Lord Himself encouraged them.

He suffered much under the Jews in Corinth who made insurrection with one accord against him and brought him before the governor of Achaia whose name was Gallio. Although he was acquitted by the governor, the Jews took hold of him at the judgment seat and beat him up there with the concurrence of Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue. Although he was physically injured but his life was preserved, indeed, cast down but not destroyed. He continued there yet a good while to establish the faith of the new converts.

Thank God for raising brave men who were willing to suffer loss for the sake of the gospel. They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness was the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3). Amen.