11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
A faithful minister will go through persecution or tribulations to serve those he ministers to.
11 persecutions,
Paul the persecutor became the persecuted (Acts 9:1-2; 22:4). The account of his persecution is extensive in Scripture (Acts 9:23; 13:45; 2 Co 11:23-28; Ga 1:17).
afflictions,
Afflictions carry the idea of sufferings or tribulations (Ro 8:18; 2 Co 1:6; 12:10).
which happened to me
Paul visited the three following cities on his first missionary journey. Timothy did not observe Paul’s persecutions in Antioch and Iconium, but he probably did see what happened to him in Lystra, his hometown.
at Antioch,
We find what happened at Antioch in Acts 13:14, 48-52. The citizens of Pisidian Antioch drove Paul out of the city (Acts 13:50).
at Iconium,
The people of Iconium attempted to stone Paul (Acts 14:1-7).
at Lystra—
Paul’s adversaries stoned Paul in Lystra (Acts 14:8-20).
what persecutions I endured.
Paul wanted Timothy to know that his present tribulations were nothing new. It is part of the standard operating procedure of the ministry.
And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Paul gave credit to the sovereign hand of God upon him for deliverance in every situation he faced (Dan 3:16-18; 6:20; Ps 34:4, 17, 19; 50:51; 2 Tim 4:16-18; Co 1:10; 2 Tim 4:17, 18; 2 Pe 2:9).
PRINCIPLE:
God providentially takes care of believers during any circumstance.
APPLICATION:
God demonstrates His care for Christians in suffering and adversity.
Paul’s message was not a feel-good gospel; it carried somber implications. Those who defend their faith with integrity will experience difficulties. Adhering faithfully to what God says in His Word will cause some to react against it.
