What dangers did Paul face, and how can we relate to them now? Paul’s Danger List – 2 Corinthians 11:26 “in journeys often, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from my own people, in dangers from Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, and in dangers among false brothers” Eight Specific Threats Paul Faced • Rivers: flash floods, swift currents, treacherous crossings on foot • Robbers: highway thieves preying on travelers (cf. Luke 10:30) • “My own people”: plots by unbelieving Jews (Acts 23:12–14) • Gentiles: pagan hostility stirred by lost revenue or civic pride (Acts 19:23–34) • City: riots, imprisonments, and mob violence in urban centers (Acts 16:19–24) • Wilderness: exposure, wild animals, lack of provisions (2 Corinthians 11:27) • Sea: shipwrecks, storms, drifting (Acts 27) • False brothers: professing believers working against the gospel (Galatians 2:4) Travel Troubles: Then and Now • Ancient rivers and seas = today’s long flights, risky roads, or remote mission fields. • Paul kept going; we keep serving even when logistics are hard or global events are unsettling (Philippians 4:13). Violence & Hostility • Robbers and hostile crowds mirror modern persecution, terrorism, or violent crime. • “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) • Like Paul, we respond with courage, not retaliation (Romans 12:17-21). Opposition From Every Side • “My own people” and “Gentiles” show that resistance can arise inside or outside our culture. • Today: blowback from family, coworkers, governments, or ideological groups. • Jesus forewarned: “You will be hated by everyone for My name’s sake.” (Matthew 10:22) Urban and Wilderness Pressures • Cities bring culture-shaping debates, legal challenges, and moral temptation. • Wilderness seasons reflect isolation, burnout, and limited resources. • God’s presence spans both settings (Psalm 139:7-10). Storms at Sea • Literal storms parallel sudden life crises—health, finances, natural disasters. • Paul’s calm trust in Acts 27 models steady faith: “Take courage…for I have faith in God.” (Acts 27:25) False Brothers • The gravest wound can be betrayal from within the church. • Guard truth (Jude 3) while extending grace, remembering wolves disguise themselves as sheep (Matthew 7:15). Living the Lesson Today • Expect trials; don’t be surprised (1 Peter 4:12). • Keep the mission central; danger does not cancel the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). • Lean on the body of Christ for protection, counsel, and prayer (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Stand on God’s promises: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18) |
    |