2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fights… The course of the apostle was one remarkably varied sometimes prosperous, sometimes adverse. At the time when he wrote this Epistle he looked back upon a period of trouble, contention, and opposition, and upon experiences of suffering and disappointment. His nature was not one to pass through life unmoved; he was sensitive to all influences. And at Ephesus, at Troas, and in that Macedonia from which he was now writing, Paul had endured much which was fitted to harass and depress his mind. Never was affliction more comprehensively summed up than in the language he here employs - "without, fightings; within, fears." I. THE TROUBLES WHICH ASSAIL THE CHRISTIAN WORKER FROM WITHOUT. 1. Opposition to his doctrine. This Paul experienced, and this every servant of Christ must expect, both from open enemies of Christianity and from false brethren who corrupt the truth. 2. Persecution. That the apostle was exposed to this, the record of his life abundantly proves; and, in the first age, as at many subsequent periods, such experience was common. Thus the Master suffered, and thus his servants must expect to suffer like him. II. THE TROUBLES WHICH ASSAIL THE CHRISTIAN WORKER FROM WITHIN. What were the "fears" to which St. Paul refers? We can but conjecture. 1. Fear lest there had been a want of wisdom, or devotion, in the services undertaken. 2. Fear lest the work of the Lord should have suffered through any insufficiency on the part of the worker. 3. Fear lest at last the labourer should fail of acceptance and approval. III. THE SUPPORT AND CONSOLATION PROVIDED FOR THE CHRISTIAN WORKER TO SUSTAIN HIM UNDER THESE TROUBLES. 1. The testimony of a good conscience, that, however imperfectly and inadequately the service has been rendered, it has yet been rendered in sincerity. 2. The assurance that an overruling Providence has remarked and has permitted all that has taken place, even to the temporary discouragement of the toiler for Christ. 3. The conviction that in such trouble the servant has had fellowship with his Lord. 4. The hope and expectation that light affliction will work out an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. - T. Parallel Verses KJV: For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. |
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