2 Corinthians 6:5; In Tumults

2 Corinthians 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

The word “tumult” means instability, unrest.  It describes political unrest turmoil, revolution, insurrection as in Luke 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. A common in human history. In James 3:16, community disruption confusion, disorder, unruliness of the unmortified flesh is the sense of the word – James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. And here in 2 Corinthians 6:5, the Apostle Paul speaks of social unrest rioting, tumult, disturbance due to mob action as a result of the gospel being preached in [Friberg Lexicon].

It was in Corinth after he first preached the gospel when this unrest happened. He had to flee the city – Acts 17:5-10 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. 8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go. 10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

A precarious life requiring courage and fortitude, indeed, the weak-hearted would have given up. Thank God for raising courageous men to preach the gospel. Let us upholds our missionaries in His service that God may protect and sustain them. Amen.