27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—
Paul also faced physical privations in ministry. These were due to his practice of self-support (Ac 20:31, 34).
27 in weariness and toil,
Even in Corinth, Paul worked as a tentmaker. He did this so that he would not be a burden to the new church (1 Th 2:9).
in sleeplessness often,
Paul spent many sleepless nights in ministry. He worked during the day and ministered at night.
in hunger and thirst,
At times Paul faced the bodily need for food and water (2 Th 3:8).
in fastings often,
Paul had already mentioned in 2 Corinthians 6:5 that he experienced “hunger.“
in cold and nakedness—
The apostle did not have enough clothing to keep him from the cold.
PRINCIPLE:
There is no price too heavy to bear for the Lord.
APPLICATION:
Those who serve Christ do so without putting the priority on money or comfort. No matter what price that suffering may exact from the Christian, he bears the sacrifice to minister for Christ. Paul’s adversaries gloried in their triumphs, but the apostle gloried in his tragedies. He did not seek applause, fame, or riches. His objective was to reach souls for Christ. There was a purpose behind his sufferings.
