36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment.
Verses 35–38 set forth the other side of walking by faith
36 Still others had trial of mockings [verbal abuse] and scourgings,
“Others” here refers to a different class of those who suffered for their faith. The “trial” tested their faith. “Mockings” were verbal abuse, whereas “scourgings” were physical.
yes, and of chains and imprisonment.
Jeremiah, for example, was both beaten and imprisoned (Jer 37:15–20).
PRINCIPLE:
Faith in God’s governance of our lives is central to Christian living.
APPLICATION:
Christians suffer both emotionally and physically. The darker the night, the brighter the stars shine. The more difficult the suffering of a believer, the greater the Christian can experience God’s providential governance in his or her life. It is the recognition that God reigns (Da 4:35; Re 19:6). God regulates every event and situation we face. Nothing happens by chance. God will order everything to be made good (Ro 8:28).
