2 Corinthians 11:22-23; So Am I

2 Corinthians 11:22-23 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

The Apostle Paul shared that he was as much a true blue Israelite as those that seek to undermine the faith of the Corinthians. What distinguished him was that he suffered for the sake of the gospel. He paid the price. He was authenticating his ministry by recounting his labours and sufferings for the gospel’s sake. The infiltrators to the church cannot say the same. They came with an agenda to seek gain for themselves. But for the Apostle Paul, he recounted his losses. These losses accounted for his genuine calling and service. It was a sacrificial work in which he willingly suffered it.

He speaks of working very hard for the gospel’s sake. The effort takes a toll on the body. Yet he willingly laboured. He speaks of being whipped for preaching the gospel. He had to endure great pain. Such whipping often inflicts permanent injury on the body. The scars of the suffering and memory of them cannot be easily erased because they were often excruciating. His life was often in danger. It was a precarious work. Why would one risk his life? He testifies of his suffering to bring a contrast to the ministry of those who preached another gospel. He distinguished his apostleship by his suffering! Those others cannot say the same.

It was for a cause that he was willing to lay down his life. He testified in Philippians 1:21-22 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

Make me a servent like You, dear Lord,

Living for others each day.

Humble and meek, helping the weak,

Loving in all that I say.

Give me Lord, a servant’s heart.

Here’s my life;

Take every part.

Give me, Lord, a servant’s heart.

Help me draw so close to You that your love comes shining through.

Give me, Lord, a servant’s heart.

Give me, Lord, a servant’s heart.

Amen.