5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;
The second set of three adversities has to do with the mistreatment of the gospel team (v. 5). Now Paul turned to three different kinds of persecutions his team faced while ministering (stripes, imprisonments, tumults). Paul experienced all three types of mistreatment in Philippi (Acts 16:19-23). This kind of test comes from others.
5 in stripes [beatings],
Paul’s team suffered many physical beatings because of preaching the gospel (Acts 5:40; 16:23, 37, 23; 18:17; 21:32; 22:19; 2 Co 11:23).
in imprisonments,
Luke mentions that Paul was imprisoned twice (Acts 16:22-23, 35; 20:23; 24:27; 2 Co 11:23, 24).
in tumults [riots],
At times the team experienced riots. “Tumults” carries the idea of civil unrest, riots, and mob violence (Acts 13:50; 14:19; 16:11; 19:20f). Mobs persecuted them. Goon squads will disrupt ministry at times.
PRINCIPLE:
There will always exist people who inflict problems on those in ministry.
APPLICATION:
The afflictions in our verse have to do with problems with people.
