EmmDev 2017-02-21 [Treasure in Clay Pots (2Cor)] Boasting #2: Persecution

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Just a quick background: We're working our way through 2 Corinthians where Paul is trying to protect the Corinthian Congregation from a group of false teachers who are selling an intellectualised philosophical version of Christianity and portraying themselves as "super apostles" and bad-mouthing Paul.

Paul, in an unusual move, counters their intellectual claims, by boasting not in his achievements, but in the things that he has suffered. This echoes a statement he had made earlier in ch.4: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.")

Boasting #2: Persecution

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. 33 But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.      (2Corinthians11:30-33)

The "super apostles" who were trying to steal the hearts and minds of the Corinthians had accused Paul of being "forceful in his letters, but timid when face to face" while they portrayed themselves as strong and in charge.

Paul answers their accusation by talking about an event that took place very shortly after his conversion in Acts chapter 9. We know the story: Paul had his Damascus Road experience where he encountered Christ and was blinded by the glory of His presence and Ananias prayed for his eyes to be opened. Paul immediately started to preach about Jesus and his message was so convincing and articulate that he was identified as a threat and marked for death by the religious authorities.

What Acts 9 doesn't tell us is how high the threat had escalated - here Paul reveals that the threat had come from the governor of the city, a king named Aretas who was the father-in-law of Herod Antipas who had executed John the Baptist and who participated in Jesus' trial.

So what is Paul telling us?

1. That from the very outset he has been outspoken about his faith. He's had to take a firm stand and he hasn't wavered and that God has protected him.
   
2. He's also implying that his suffering and persecution put him in the same company as Jesus and John the Baptist - and therefore he must be doing something right.
3. He's not boasting about his achievements, rather, he is indicating that the gospel has cost him something. The "super apostles" tried to present a "sophisticated intellectualism" whereas Paul presents a "rugged cross."

In the verses that follow, Paul will talk about how his weaknesses and setbacks will reveal God's strength. In effect he's saying: "I've been through a lot and, because God has been with me, I'm still standing!"

Life is not always easy - and sometimes we go through hardships for our faith - but God will keep us standing.

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