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Daily Devotions

2 Timothy

2 Timothy 
Day 
Day 65

"Persecutions..."

Text: 2 Timothy 3:11

BUT YOU HAVE CAREFULLY FOLLOWED VIII

What are some unforgettable experiences in your life? We all have them. For the Apostle Paul some of the unforgettable experiences must have been the “persecutions” he suffered as he served the Lord.

PERSECUTIONS RECORDED IN THE BOOK OF ACTS

The following may be highlighted as examples of some of the persecutions experienced. Three places were mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:11. The Book of Acts recorded other incidents.

1. At Antioch, Pisidia

a) Persecution was raised up.
b) Paul and Barnabas were expelled from the region(Acts 13:50).

2. At Iconium

a) Unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles.
b) They poisoned their minds against Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:2).
c) A plot by the rulers and the enemies to abuse and stone them was discovered (Acts 14:5).

3. At Lystra

a) Paul healed a cripple (Acts 14:8-11).
b) The Lystrans wanted to offer worship to Paul and Barnabas but were prevented.
c) Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19).

OTHER PERSECUTIONS NOT LISTED IN THE BOOK OF ACTS

Paul wrote about these in 2 Corinthians 11. Here are some highlights:-

1. “In stripes above measures” 2 Corinthians 11:23

2. “In prisons more frequently” 2 Corinthians 11:23

3. “In deaths often” 2 Corinthians 11:23

4. “Five times I received forty strips minus one” 2 Corinthians 11:24

5. “Three times I was beaten with rods” 2 Corinthians 11:25

LESSONS LEARNED

What were some of the lessons learned along the way? The following may be noted:

1. Paul learned what it meant to deny himself, take up his cross and follow the Lord Jesus.

2. Deep lessons of faith were learned.

3. A great sense of purpose set in.

4. His manner of life became even more certain and definite.