2 Corinthians 6:5; In Stripes, In Imprisonments

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2 Corinthians 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

It was in Philippi that the Apostle Paul had to endure beatings and cast into prison. But it was in the prison that the Philippian’s chief guard was saved together with his family. God wrought a miracle to deliver him by an earthquake that caused all the doors of the prison to be opened and his chains freed. He did not run away. It startled the prison keeper to come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Whilst the Apostle Paul and Silas were in prison, in their pain and captivity they praised God. What peace God gave them! This is recorded in Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Acts 16:26-34 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

The church in Philippi was established with the first members of the church gathered. Although it was a painful experience for the mission team, God ordered it for His glory. God’s grace was with His servants to endure the beatings and imprisonment. Indeed, His grace is sufficient. Amen.