2 Corinthians 11:26; In Perils!

2 Corinthians 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

The work of the gospel presents great danger as the Apostle Paul highlights the series of dangers that he faced. We must not be surprised. Our Lord Jesus warns His disciples – Matthew 10:16-20 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Jesus described His disciples as sheep highlighting the vulnerabilities of the sheep in a predator-filled world where the gospel is to be given. The sheep is most dependent upon their shepherd, often helpless, defenceless (don’t hear well or see well, not swift in flight, no weapon for defence) and most foolish of all domesticated animals (it has no sense of direction, prone to stray, it cannot find its way back, needs the Shepherd to bring sheep back). The nature of the sheep is nearest like man than any other animal, Jesus uses the sheep to describe His disciples.

The sheep have an innocence closely resembling that of lambs as the Bible illustrate in little children, in particular, God’s children. Active dependence and loving trust are as evident in them as in lambs – Luke 10:3 “Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” He is saying to His disciples that the power that is endowed upon them would not grant them to be invincible but rather they are vulnerable to suffer from the hands of godless men. Wolves viciously tear their prey these defenceless sheep. The wolf is a terrifying predator to the sheep. It presents a picture of terror and ferocity, a picture of beastly cruelty without pity. “Wolves” characterizes the world of men as being viciously wicked because it is filled with the propensity to sin. The combination of the two comparisons produces the idea of the helplessness of the apostles among wicked men. Like sheep, they have no defence against wolves. The unbelieving world itself is like a wolf in its hostilities to the disciples of Jesus. By the way in which our Lord Himself was betrayed, mocked, misjudged, unjustly tortured and finally crucified, died. We must have no illusion that the ministry of the gospel is a bed of roses.

Jesus tells us to realize that human nature is more wicked and corrupt than we think, the power of evil is greater than we suppose! Realize that not everybody will see what is good for them and believe what you tell them. Such disappointments will come. Not only will they not receive the message but will also put harm in your way. But beware of men (Matthew 10:17) – The adversative “But” tells us to be careful. “Beware of men”. The word literally means “turning and holding mind on someone or something” – watch out for, be on guard against. This verb “beware” is a command – of continuous repeated action, be on your guard all the time, it is an appeal to the will to perform an action. Take care to be watchful. Men like wolves shall malign, oppress, imprison, torture and will kill God’s people. Remember the disciples themselves have not experienced any form of persecution yet.

Jesus is warning of the persecution to come. It is not to make them overly suspicious but rather to be cautious. Thank the Lord for preparing our hearts for battle. Amen.