2nd Corinthians 1:8-10

(8) For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: (9) But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: (10) Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us.

Introduction

Paul gives us more of his personal history in this letter than in any of his other epistles. He tells of his escape from Damascus in a basket (11:32, 33). He tells of his experience of being caught up in the third heaven (12:1-4). He speaks of his thorn in the flesh (12:7). He speaks many times of his unusual suffering. (We all suffer, but some people experience unusual suffering.)

The church established at Corinth was indeed a monumental testimony to the work of Paul. After his departure from that city, the Christian community was invaded by false teachers who sought to discredit the apostle and his teachings. Because of Paul’s delay in a promised second visit to the church, his enemies accused him of hidden motives and challenged the validity of his word and his authority as an apostle. Writing to the Corinthians as their spiritual father, Paul calls attention to some of the sacrifices he endured for their sakes. It is in this epistle that we find the most intimate glimpses into the personal life of Paul.

The incident alluded to is recorded in the nineteenth chapter of Acts. Demetrius, a silversmith, was angry with Paul. So many people were getting saved in Ephesus that his business was being affected by the loss of revenue from the sale of idols. He instigated a riot, and the whole city was in an uproar. There was in today’s terms, “a contract put out on Paul.” Let’s extract three important points from this Scripture.

Exposition

1. Paul Admitted That The Pressure Almost Took Him Out.

(Paul Admitted That It Temporarily “Messed Up” His Mind.)

(Paul Confirmed That The Most Devout People Can Become Discouraged.)

(Paul Confirmed Some Things Cannot Be Talked About Publicly Until After The Fact.)

2. God Intervened, And Pulled Paul Back With His Own Hand.

(This Was A Supernatural Deliverance.)

(Only God Could Have Done This.)

3. Paul Admitted That This Incident Was A Growth Experience For Him.

(Paul Knew That God Had Delivered Him In The Past, And God Would Deliver Him In The Future.)

(The Deliverance Made Paul’s Faith Stronger.)

(Paul Learned To Trust God Even More.)

Closing Thoughts

Paul, in essence said, “I was a walking dead man, but God resurrected me.” There are many different kinds of death besides physical death. Everywhere there is death, the living Christ comes to resurrect and to create life. God ministers to us during our times of trouble and extreme discouragement. God is a very present help in times of trouble. Give God Glory! Give God All The Glory!

Related Scriptures

Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28; 2nd Timothy 4:17-18

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