2 Corinthians 11:26; In Perils by Heathen

2 Corinthians 11:26 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;

The Apostle Paul’s ministry began first with his own countrymen in the synagogue of the Jews. When his own people rejected the gospel, he would preach the gospel to the Gentiles. The new churches founded during his missionary journeys will consist of both Jew and Gentile converts. We recall when he was at Ephesus, there were many conversions, these began to put away idol worship and he came into conflict with the manufacturer of these idols whose business were impacted.

This was the account in Acts 19:23-29 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain mannamed Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

The gospel team of the Apostle Paul was in danger of been crushed by the angry mob, the Lord delivered them – Acts 19:35-41 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Yemen of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the imagewhich fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

It was the Lord who was with His servant in all his battles for the gospel’s sake. Let us take heart to press on with the gospel work. Amen.