2 Corinthians 11:24; Five Times (2)

2 Corinthians 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

The passage from the Mishnah indicates, this was a painful and humiliating ordeal:

How do they flog him? One ties his two hands on either side of a pillar, and the minister of the community grabs his clothing—if it is torn, it is torn, and if it is ripped to pieces, it is ripped to pieces—until he bares his chest. A stone is set down behind him, on which the minister of the community stands. And a strap of cowhide is in his hand, doubled and redoubled, with two straps that rise and fall [fastened] to it…. And he who hits him hits with one hand, with all his might¹.

It was described in Acts 17:1-3 that the Apostle Paul received this “from the Jews” indicates his continued missionary activities in the synagogues.

Acts 17:1-3 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

Lord Crucified give me a heart like Thine

Teach me to love the dying souls of men;

And keep my heart in closest touch with Thee,

And give me love, pure Calvary love,

To bring the lost to Thee.

Amen.

¹Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, NewTestament – Romans to Philemon.