2 Corinthians 11:25; A Night and a Day In the Deep

2 Corinthians 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Although Acts records only one shipwreck involving Paul (during his later journey to Rome in Acts 27-28), it mentions a number of other voyages on which such calamities may have occurred. Even these, however, do not comprise all of Paul seafaring journeys. Travelling by ship was especially dangerous in the first century, and countless instances of nautical misfortune are chronicled in the surviving literature and inscriptions.¹

The Apostle Paul’s sufferings extended beyond what was detailedly recorded in Scripture. This was one instance where his suffering was recorded in one brief part of a sentence. However, it behoved us to consider what it means to spend a night and a day in the deep. He survived three shipwrecks and the worse of them, perhaps, he had to face to the harsh reality of the cold sea in the deep.

He was proving a point in his calling and mission that it is truly of God! It cannot be thwarted. In the words of Gamaliel to the enemies of the gospel, against the work of Christ’s apostles – Acts 5:34-39 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Truly, there is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD (Proverbs 21:30). Amen.

¹Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, NewTestament – Romans to Philemon.