2 Corinthians 11:32-33; Escaped His Hand
2 Corinthians 11:32-33 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
This incident of his near capture in Damascus was cited by the Apostle Paul. What was the reason? For preaching the gospel. In the initial days of his preaching there was a curious interest but later, he was hounded by the unbelieving Jews. The authorities were contacted, the governor and his guards came after him. It was a precarious moment when the disciples had let him down by the wall of the city in a basket. He escaped.
When asked concerning the ministry, he spoke of the hardships, the dangers he confronted. He did not paint a rosy picture of bliss and comfort but pain and persecution. John Newton shared concerning his life in the words of “Amazing Grace” that is a reflection of the Apostle Paul’s life.
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
T’was blind but now I see
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
We have already come.
T’was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home,
And grace will lead us home
Indeed, we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Amen.