Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Truth to Learn
It is not uncommon for Christians to suffer.
Behind the Words
“I ask” is translated from the Greek verb aiteō, meaning “to request, ask, or beg.” In the New Testament it is always used of an inferior person asking for something from someone who is superior to him or her.
The words “lose heart” are from ekkakeō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” but used as an intensifier and kakos, meaning “externally worthless, bad, or cowardly.” So ekkakeō could mean “to completely lose one’s courage.”
“Tribulations” is translated from thlipsis, which is based on the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush, compress, or squeeze.” Thus, thlipsis refers to “being under pressure,” that is, “a stressful situation, trouble, or affliction.”
Meaning Explained
What are some of these tribulations that Paul is talking about here? We have already mentioned that Paul was a prisoner of the Roman government, either in Caesarea or (more likely) in Rome when he wrote this letter. And, in his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul gave a list of tribulations that he suffered as a minister of the Gospel.
Five times I received forty stripes minus one from the Jews. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; I have spent a night and a day in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—(2 Corinthians 11:24-27)
But, the Apostle Paul had an incredibly strong constitution. He did not easily give in to pressure and persecution. It is believed by many Biblical scholars that Paul even suffered from an ongoing ailment of his eyes. He told the Galatians:
And my trial in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was your blessedness? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. (Galatians 4:14-15)
So, it is perfectly reasonable for Paul to tell his long-time friends in Ephesus not to lose courage because of his tribulations, which were suffered for his Ephesian brothers and sisters (as well as Gentiles throughout the world). In fact, he tells them that they should see the glory in such tribulation. After all, if Paul suffered so much, surely those under his ministry will be able to endure a small amount.
Application
Are you suffering tribulation because you boldly proclaim the gospel message? Are you suffering simply because you are a Christian? If so, take heart; you are in good company!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved
