But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
Truth to Learn
Serving God faithfully means you will encounter opposition.
Behind the Words
The words “after we had suffered before” are translated from the Greek verb propaschō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in time or position” and paschō, meaning “to suffer.” So, we can see that propaschō means “to have suffered previously.” It is expressed as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having suffered previously.”
“Were spitefully treated” is from the verb hubridzō, based on the noun hubris, meaning “an insult” or “arrogance.” Hubridzō means “to act with great violence” or “to treat with contempt, causing injury.” This is also expressed as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having been treated injuriously.”
The words “we were bold … to speak” are translated from the Greek verb parrēsiadzomai. This word means “to speak openly, boldly, and without restraint.”
“Conflict” is from agon, which refers to “contention” or “striving for victory or mastery.” It is a picture of a contestant trying hard to win a victory in an athletic event.
Meaning Explained
As we discussed in the previous verse, Paul and his companions faced a lot of opposition to their ministry in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. He tells us now that they suffered as a result of their work and they were treated with acts of violence by those who opposed them in Philippi.
In spite of the fierce opposition they faced, however, Paul and his helpers spoke openly and boldly when they presented the gospel message to the people in Thessalonica. They didn’t suspend their ministry in the face of opposition and they didn’t fall back to take a defensive position. Instead, they presented the message of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ openly and with conviction.
Our enemy doesn’t want others to hear about the good news. He wants to silence us and intimidate us so that we will be afraid to speak the truth. Also, notice that the courage and conviction with which they performed their ministry didn’t come from internal fortitude or gritty determination on their own part. They knew that the message they proclaimed came from God, and they relied on the Holy Spirit to give them the message to deliver and the boldness to deliver it.
Too often today, Christians lose heart when they face opposition to their ministries. Sometimes it appears as if they are looking for an excuse to back down and take the easy road of appeasement. Instead, we all need to bathe our efforts in prayer, asking God to give us boldness in proclaiming the gospel message to a lost world.
Application
Have you suffered as a result of proclaiming the gospel message or teaching the truth as given to us in the pages of the Bible? Don’t lose heart, my friend! Seek God’s face and step out with spiritual courage, serving God faithfully. That doesn’t mean that the opposition will stop, it just means you’re being faithful to God’s calling on your life. Go forth boldly!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved