New: 2 June 2025; Update: 13 June 2025
Paul &
Persecution
2 Corinthians 4:7-12
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NASB
From Privilege to Purpose
Saul (Hebrew: Sha'ul) of Tarsus, also know by his Roman/Latin name 'Paul' (Acts 13:9), was a highly educated man with status in society and position in his religious community with a place in the governing council, the Sanhedrin. He was among a religious group (Pharisees, the 'devoted ones') with great influence; and he played a major role within that group. As a Jew under Roman occupation, he a had special privilege: Roman citizenship. Not all Jewish or other subjects of Rome had this privilege. It granted Paul rights and opportunities withheld from other subjugates within the vast Roman Empire of the first century CE/AD. He enjoyed a relatively comfortable life, compared to most Jews in Judea and other peoples at the time.
We should remember, that throughout most of human history, poverty and carving out a modest living, often on a daily basis only, was the norm. Wealth was limited to a small minority of kings and rulers. The prosperity we see in some parts of the world today is a recent phenomenon in human history, despite the fact that millions are still in poverty. War, like poverty, was also the norm in most of human history; peace is the exception. The Romans established their PAX ROMANA, the Roman Peace, securing safe travel and trade throughout the Empire, while wars and skirmishes were fought on the outskirts or abroad among the so-called 'barbarians' (anyone not of the Roman-Greco culture). It was a privilege to be a Roman citizen or have Roman citizenship as a Jew.
Paul was zealous for his religious tradition and thought he was serving God in the right ways. But then something unexpected happened to him. His life took a dramatic turn. Paul encountered Someone who would reveal to him the true purpose of his life, for which he would give up most of his privileges. He found a whole new meaning to life that redefined his religious understanding and set him on course for destiny. Paul found his true purpose in life. He was a chosen vessel to preach the gospel and witness to Christ. As a potter forms a vessel with clay, so God would form Paul to be His vessel for His glory and purpose.
Paul's Calling and Commission
Paul's position in the religious council gave him authority to vote in decisions made regarding religious matters. The council considered the followers of Jesus a group that had been led astray by the Sage of Galilee. He was considered a blasphemer and deceiver. Paul was of that opinion until He encountered the risen Christ. 'The Way,' as Jesus' followers were called, expanded their community rapidly among Jews and later among Gentiles. Paul was on a mission 'ravaging the church' and imprisoning Jewish believers (Acts 8:3). He even voted in favour of putting Stephen to death (v 1), a man who preached the truth of Jesus Christ to the people, calling them to repentance (Acts 6:8—7:53). Like the hearers of Peter's message (Acts 2:37), these hearers were also 'cut to the heart' (7:54), that is, affected and convicted by the truth, yet unlike Peter's audience who asked what they must do to be saved, this group stoned the preacher to death (vv 57-58). Stephen, saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God (v 56) and committed his spirit into his hands (v 59). Like Jesus (Luke 23:46), and the psalmist before that (Psalm 31:5a), they trusted God even in death. The God of truth would redeem them (Psalm 3:5b). Stephen was received up to glory (Heaven), but his witness made a powerful impact on his listeners.
Paul knew of Jesus and His death by crucifixion (it is well documented in Jewish and Roman sources), and he was witness to Stephen's death. He thought it was the right thing to do. As he was 'breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord,' he suddenly saw a great light around him (Acts 9:1-3). And then came a penetrating question after he fell to the ground: 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' (v 4) Paul responded with a question: 'Who are You, Lord?' (v 5a) He knew He was dealing with divinity, calling Him 'Lord.' Jesus revealed Himself as the One being persecuted by Paul's actions against His church, and instructed him to enter the city where he would be told what he must do (vv 5-6). God chose Ananias to instruct Paul (vv 10-14) and told him that he was 'a chosen vessel of Mine to bear my name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel' (v 15). This chosen vessel was transformed from persecutor to preacher. But he would also suffer for fulfilling this calling and commission (v 16). Proclaiming the Name of Jesus would also bring with it suffering for the Name of Jesus. Paul was to testify to Christ in Jerusalem and witness to Christ in Rome (Acts 23:11), the centres of Jewish religious and Roman political power. He was to be a servant and witness to Christ and to deliver both Jews and Gentiles from spiritual blindness and the power of Satan, transfer them from darkness to light and proclaim the Gospel that gives the forgiveness of sins and an inheritance by faith in Christ (Acts 26:16-18). Ironically, Paul had to first become physically blind (Acts 9:8-9) in order to spiritually see (understand that Christ is Lord and Saviour) and open people's eyes (Acts 26:18; cf., 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; read more on spiritual blindness). Like the man born blind, yet healed by Jesus to become a testimony to the spiritual blindness because of the hardness of heart (John 9), so Paul's heart was softened in order for him to see the Way, the Truth and the Life—Jesus Christ.
Despite having been a blasphemer, an insolent man and a persecutor, Paul had obtained mercy and with it the purpose of being a witness to God's patience and Christ's saving power: Christ came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:12-16). Paul would preach the gospel of Jesus as the promise of eternal life (2 Timothy 1:1) and hope of eternal life (Titus 1:1-3; 3:4-7; see A3). The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all, Jew and Gentile, who believe (Romans 1:16-17; see A4). He was an apostle (messenger) of the Gospel of God concerning His Son Jesus Christ, declared Son of God by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:1-4). Grace and apostleship was given to Paul (vv 5-6) to preach Christ to the nations (Galatians 1:15-16; 2:9). The chosen vessel (Acts 9:15), knew that he carried the treasures of God's Spirit and truth in an 'earthen vessel' (his humanity), so that the greatness of power that manifested through his life would be God's, and not his (2 Corinthians 4:7). Suffering was part of the calling (Acts 9:16), yet despite the hardships and challenges, Paul could live his life and describe it with the words that he had fought the good fight of faith, he had finished the race and had kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:6-7). He knew that 'the crown of righteousness' was laid up for him and all the faithful believers (v 8). He knew it was worth giving up all things for Christ to gain Him and eternal life. Jesus wore the crown of thorns, so that believers can wear the crown of righteousness. Paul would endure all things for the sake of God's people (2 Timothy 2:10) and not consider his life dear to him in order to fulfilling the calling of God to witness to Christ (Acts 20:17-27) and guard the church as a shepherd would his sheep (vv 28-38).
That I may know Him
and the power of His resurrection
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
if somehow I may attain to
the resurrections from the dead.
Philippians 3:10-11 NASB
Knowing Christ
For Paul knowing Christ was essential and central to his life and ministry. He had all the qualifications and pedigree in his native culture and religious circles (Philippians 3:4-6), which was reason to boast in their context. Yet he found, after encountering the risen Christ, that these natural things are not much compared to what he gained by knowing Christ (vv 7-8). He sought to have a righteousness (a right standing before God) based on faith in Christ and not one of his own doing or achievement based on the law (v 9). Above all, knowing Christ, and the power of his resurrection and fellowship of His sufferings, were of highest importance to the apostle. By it, he was on the right path to attaining the resurrection (v 11). He knew that he wasn't yet perfected; he therefore pursued the calling of Christ, forgetting what was in his past and reaching out to what lay in his future: the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (vv 12-14). In pursuing God's call, knowing Christ is essential. Eternal life is to believe in Christ (John 3:16) and to know Christ (17:3). Abiding in Christ is the way to bear fruit (John 15). We don't so much work for God, as we should work with God. Allowing God to work in us to will and do as we work out our salvation, is the way to serve God in the midst of a perverse world with values often strongly opposed to God's. It is there, in the midst of corruption and immorality, that we must shine as lights by staying faithful to God's 'word of life' (Philippians 2:12-16). The God of peace works in us to do His will (Hebrews 13:20-21).
Paul wasn't saying that all his natural abilities and status was 'rubbish,' but rather in comparison to knowing Christ they were. Paul didn't give up his Roman citizenship, yet he knew there was a more important one: our citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Actually, being a Roman saved Paul's life when the mob rule sought to kill him. He appealed to Ceasar and was untouchable until a verdict from the highest judicial authority would be spoken. It was part of God's strategy to have him witness in Rome. Paul didn't boast in his natural pedigree, although he had ample reason to do so, but instead used it to fulfil God's calling. Being educated under the greatest rabbi at the time (Acts 5:33-42; 22:3), his education contributed to his powerful preaching and brilliant writing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His canonical epistles are witness to that. Paul knew, it was God who enabled him to do what he did (2 Corinthians 1:12-14; 3:4-6). He followed Jeremiah's wisdom that he who wishes to boast, should do so in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). True glory is in knowing the true God (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Paul would't preach by using the fancy human agencies, but preach Christ crucified in the power of God (2:1-5). His education served his preaching and teaching skills, no doubt, but Paul relied on God to guide and empower him.
The Power of God in Suffering
But not only did Paul fully rely on God's Spirit for ministry, he did so also in suffering. There were times when he was troubled even to the point of death; it was beyond his human capacity to handle suffering (2 Corinthians 1:8). Sometimes people say that God doesn't allow us to carry more than we can handle. Looking at Paul's words here, we may conclude that there are circumstances that are too much for us to handle in our human strength, but not too much to carry when we are empowered by God in us. The way Paul responded to this type of overwhelming suffering was not to trust in his own strength, but in God and His strength (v 9), knowing that God would deliver him (v 10). He also acknowledged that prayer for him made a difference (v 11). God sets a limit to the temptations we have to endure and in His faithfulness provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). Yet in all things, we are to live by faith in the Son of God and relay on His strength in us (Galatians 2:19-21). We can endure all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:10-13).
The power of the Gospel of Christ and the Spirit who opens blinded hearts (2 Corinthians 4:1-6), is a treasure Paul carried in his humanity ('earthen vessel'), with the purpose of living in dependence of God (v 7). It was God's power, not Paul's. Despite being hard pressed and afflicted, the apostles were not crushed; there were perplexing moments, yet they didn't lead them to despair; during persecution, they were not abandoned; and when they were struck down, they were not destroyed (vv 8-9). God was with them in suffering. The power of God enabled them to endure. The death of Jesus that they carried in their suffering, was so that the life of Jesus would manifest through them (vv 10-12). They would live by faith and proclaim the Gospel to the benefit of others and thanksgiving to God (vv 13-15). Paul knew that, in the midst of a sinful, corrupt world and with evil men acting as imposters even in the church, all who wish to life a godly life would suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:14). These were 'difficult times' (vv 1-9), yet we must be faithful to true apostolic teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love and perseverance in the face of persecution and suffering (vv 10-11), and, above all, remain faithful to the 'sacred writings,' the inspired Scriptures (the Bible) that instruct and equip us to fulfil God's purpose (vv 13-17). Paul encouraged Timothy to join him in the sufferings associated with the gospel (1:8-11) and to be strong in God's grace and endure hardships (2:1-3; cf., 4:5) as Paul did (vv 8-10). In the midst of gullible people who are easily sway to abandon the truth, Timothy was to rightly handle the word of truth (vv 14-19) and be a vessel of honour to God's glory by following the true ways of the Lord (vv 20-22). Timothy was to 'preach the word' (4:2) in the face of heresy and wickedness, and stick to sound doctrine (vv 3-4). God is faithful to stand with us, even if all others abandon us, and to rescue us from danger (4:16-18). In all things, Paul relied on God's power to keep him until the end (vv 6-8).
How else, other than ascribing Paul's endurance to the power of God, would we explain how he suffered all he did? He witnessed how he was 'in stripes above measure, in prison more frequently, in deaths often' (2 Corinthians 11:23). Beaten with rods and suffering shipwreck three times; stoned once; in various perils by waters, robbers, hostile Jews, Gentiles and false brethren, and in different places; there was sleeplessness, hunger and nakedness, yet he toiled and fasted as the burden of the church was weighing on him above all other concerns (vv 24-28). Once they had to let him down the city wall in a basket to escape arrest and imprisonment (vv 32-33). Paul was not persecuted or imprisoned for doing wrong, but for doing what God called him to do—to witness to Christ and proclaim the gospel of salvation! Paul suffered hardship with imprisonment as a criminal, yet was innocent; and he knew that God's word is not imprisoned (2 Timothy 2:9). But even in unjustified imprisonment, Paul rejoiced that people heard the gospel through him (Philippians 1:12-20). Despite the suffering, Paul kept his faith and was faithful to God's calling. Nothing would stop him. Nothing would move him. He didn't count his own life dear to himself to shy away from suffering and sacrifice. He had one goal: to finish his race and fulfil his ministry to proclaim Christ and the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24) as the expression of the kingdom of God (v 25).
Even in prison Paul was singing praises to God (Acts 16:25), trusting Him for a good outcome as he and Silas were imprisoned on false grounds and without due process under Roman law. They witnessed to Christ and many came to faith in Christ (vv 26-34). When the prison doors swung open through an earthquake, it would have been the moment to escape, but Paul had a more important mission: to bring freedom to prisoners with the gospel. Paul's mission was more important than his comfort. As someone noted, Paul did travel business class from one five-star hotel to another. Often it was from prison to prison. Sometimes, comfort can be a great hindrance to progress, but suffering can be a way to growth in wisdom, maturity and strength. When the prison guard sought to commit suicide (rather than be condemned by the Romans) because of the assumed escaped prisoners, Paul offered him salvation through the gospel by faith in Christ (v 31-32). When the magistrates sought to cover up the injustice of imprisoning Paul on false grounds in private (to avoid embarrassment), Paul insisted on following right protocol: in public they arrested them, so they wouldn't be released in secret (vv 35-40). He was respectful to authority, yet didn't allow them to abuse their powers. He held them to account, as was his right. When he wrote to the believers at Philippi about one of his imprisonments, he informed them that it worked out for the advancement of the gospel (Philippians 1:12). Many heard the gospel and others were strengthened to share the gospel (vv 13-14). Christ had to be preached! To live is Christ, to die would be gain (v 21). Paul, at times, desired to escape the suffering on earth, but for the sake of others, he would remain and work for their benefit (vv 19-26). We are not to be afraid of challenging or intimidating circumstances, but to walk worthy of the calling of God to share the gospel of Christ (vv 27-29). Suffering is part of the calling (vv 29-30). We are to face suffering with dignity and courage.
For Paul, to be a servant of God and to walk blamelessly not to give any offence in ministry, was essential (2 Corinthians 6:3). Whatever it took, Paul would endure it: patience, tribulations, needs, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labours, sleeplessness, or fasting (vv 4-5). God empowered the apostles to stay strong in suffering. They did so by purity, knowledge, long-suffering, kindness, by the Holy Spirit, and in sincere love (v 6), by the word of truth, the power of God and the armour of righteousness (v 7). Paul was equipped for what God had called him to do. Even in dishonour, by evil report, or slandered as deceivers, they remained true to God and faithful to their calling (v 8). Unknown, yet known; dying, yet living; chastened, yet not killed (v 9); 'as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things' (v 10). Despite all his suffering, Paul would still be able to write such beautiful words and pursue God's calling in service of others. In all the suffering and slander, Paul would rely on God and His power to strengthen him. God's grace was sufficient for him as God's power is made perfect in weakness. God didn't remove the problem, but gave Paul power to deal with it, handle it and overcome it. Paul would rather endure suffering and have God's power remain with him, for he knew, that as long as he was weak in his humanity, he was strong in God (12:7-10). It takes humility and maturity to handle suffering that way, but it is the right way to handle it. Slander can be even worse than physical suffering, as evil words can torment our thoughts. We therefore need moral clarity and remain faithful in God's word. We must guard our mental health and clarity of thought. The evil deeds and slander of people are witness to their condemnation, not to our wrong-doing. Jesus was condemned despite His innocence; the apostles, too; the ancient prophets likewise. Don't take people's suffering as a sign that they are doing something wrong; sometimes, it is because they are doing the right thing!
Sometimes, we don't understand why we have to endure suffering. In a corrupt world, it is the innocent who suffer the most. As ministers of God we need to know that it is the darkness that seeks to fight the light, the lies that seek to silence the truth, and sin that seeks to exalt itself over righteousness. We cannot be intimidated by suffering, but must take it with humble dignity. Rebelling against it, becoming resentful because of it, or trying to deny it, doesn't work. Facing the fears is the way to overcome them. And when we are puzzled or perplexed by suffering, trusting God keeps us from despair. God won't forsake us in persecution, and even if we are struck down, we will not be destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Others mail fail us or forsake us or even betrayal us; but not God! He is faithful (2 Timothy 4:16-18). The righteous may fall, too, but the righteous will get back up again! God will sustain the righteous (Proverbs 24:16). As we cast our burdens on the Lord, He will care for us (1 Peter 5:7; see D14) and sustain us, so that the righteous won't be shaken (Psalm 55:22; see E40). We can remain standing by wisdom and righteousness. The trials of live can make us stronger (James 1:12-12; D15). In this spiritual battle, we must stand strong in Him and the power of His mighty, being fully equipped with God's power and weapons (Ephesians 6:10-18). And, finally, we carry the hope of eternal life, knowing that one day theses sufferings will be over. And compared to the glory God will reveal, the present sufferings are not even worthy of comparison. This makes suffering bearable.
For I consider that the suffering
of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory
that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18 NASB
The right Way to handle Suffering
Paul placed his present suffering in perspective with eternity and the glory God would reveal in Heaven. When we see the bigger picture in life, it lends perspective. When we see the bigger picture with eternity in mind, things on earth look different and better. We start to see suffering in a different light. There is comfort in that, as well as an opportunity to gain new strategies to handle suffering in the right way. Challenges, difficulties and problems are a reality of life—we can't avoid them, but we can learn to handle them. We should always remember that 'difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations.' Suffering will make us or break us. Handling suffering the wrong way can break us beyond recovery, but handling suffering the right way can make us stronger, better and more mature. And beyond that, there is eternal reward from God. It's painful in the present, but it will be glorious in the future. The hope of better days ahead is inspiring; the prospect of a glorious eternity in Heaven without suffering is empowering. One day, all the suffering in this life will be over. Heaven is a place of beauty without suffering; a place of joy without tears; and a place of peace without trouble.
Paul didn't focus on his present suffering (Romans 8:18), but understood them in the greater purpose of God for creation (vv 19-23). God will redeem us and give the children of God a 'glorious freedom' (v 21). The hope by which we are saved is not seen yet, but we know that we will inherit what God has promised (vv 24-25). The eager waiting in expectation won't disappoint, because the hope we place in God and salvation in Christ, will not disappoint us; it empowers us to endure suffering (5:1-5). The Holy Spirit, too, empowers us in life (8:1-17) and in prayer (vv 26-27), working out all things for our good as we remain in God's purpose and abide in His love (v 28). He foreknew and predestined us to become like Christ (v 29); He also called and justified us; and He will glorify us (v 30). The God who is for us, will do it (v 31), having given us all things through the Son who died for us (v 32). Even the persecution, tribulations and sufferings cannot condemn us or separate from the love of God (vv 33-39). In all these challenges, even feeling like sheep to the slaughter (v 36; see Psalm 44), we are more than conquerers in Christ (v 37). God's Spirit guides us to handle suffering in the right way; His hope inspires us to hold on and endure; and His love keeps us until the glorious end of completed redemption.
Paul rejoiced in hope, persevered in tribulation and was devoted to prayer—and so should we (Romans 12:12). Hope, endurance and prayer is a powerful combination to handle suffering. It will keep us genuine in love (v 9), devoted to love and honour (v 10), diligent in service to people as unto the Lord (v 11), and generous to others in need (v 13). Like Paul, we may have little, but we can make others rich. By keeping a good and generous heart, we will be able to bless while persecuted (v 14), so that we avoid having a corrupted heart and undertaking revengeful actions. We will not repay evil with evil, but remain respectful and living at peace as much as it depends on us (vv 17-18). God will set the record straight; our vindication comes from Him (vv 19-20). We show joy and compassion to others (v 15), especially the humble ones. It is wise to be humble and seek unity with others (v 16). All these ways of handling suffering is, ultimately, the only way to overcome evil by doing good, rather than being overcome by evil (v 21). Even in need, we can trust God to strengthen us, for in Christ we can do all things (Philippians 4:10-13). Doing what God called us to do and living the way He wishes us to live, serves us to fulfil our calling and becoming more like Christ. We can trust God to work out all things for our good as we seek to become more like Christ and glorify God in our lives.
Becoming like Christ
Our greatest calling is not to be 'rich and famous,' or even to be great preachers or prophets; it is to become conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). We are called to conform to Christ, not the world, and live our lives in service as a living and holy sacrifice to God's glory and for His will (Romans 12:1-2). We are to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6). We are to become complete in Christ, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4). We are to be mature like Christ, being perfect in all things (Ephesians 4:13-15) and fulfilling our function within God's church and plan of salvation (v 16). Christ has given us an example of handling suffering; we are to imitate Him (1 Peter 2:21-25; 4:12-19; see D14). Thus, we become like Him, even in trials and suffering. That we may know Him and the power of His resurrection, but also the fellowship of His suffering, in order to be glorified with Him (Philippians 3:10-11). What God can work inside of us during suffering is more valuable in view of eternity than what we could ever achieve in this life. Who we become is more important than what we achieve. We must always aim to be faithful to Him, so that one day He will say to us, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord' (Matthew 25:21, 23). All the pride of life will pass away, but those who do the will of God will endure forever (1 John 2:15-17). May our lives reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to God by doing His will—even in suffering. God is faithful; God is with us; and God won't fail us.