![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.ministryofgrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/06\/Banner-MOG-701.gif\" "\\"Ministry")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n It is not uncommon for Christians to suffer.<\/p>\n \u201cI ask<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek verb aite\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto request, ask, or beg.\u201d In the New Testament it is always used of an inferior person asking for something from someone who is superior to him or her.<\/p>\n The words \u201close heart<\/span>\u201d are from ekkake\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which is made up of ek<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cout\u201d but used as an intensifier and kakos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cexternally worthless, bad, or cowardly.\u201d So ekkake\u014d<\/em><\/span> could mean \u201cto completely lose one\u2019s courage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTribulations<\/span>\u201d is translated from thlipsis<\/em><\/span>, which is based on the verb thlib\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto crush, compress, or squeeze.\u201d Thus, thlipsis<\/em><\/span> refers to \u201ca stressful situation, trouble, or affliction.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n From the Jews five times I received forty stripes<\/em><\/span> minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in<\/em><\/span> perils of waters, in<\/em><\/span> perils of robbers, in<\/em><\/span> perils of my own<\/em><\/span> countrymen, in<\/em><\/span> perils of the Gentiles, in<\/em><\/span> perils in the city, in<\/em><\/span> perils in the wilderness, in<\/em><\/span> perils in the sea, in<\/em><\/span> perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness\u2014<\/span>(2 Corinthians 11:24-27<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even<\/em><\/span> as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed<\/span>?<\/em> For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.<\/span> (Galatians 4:14-15<\/span><\/strong>)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.ministryofgrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/06\/Signature1.gif\" "\\"Will\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\n