2 Corinthians 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which comes on me daily, the care of all the churches. Bodily labour and even suffering are sometimes felt to be less oppressive than mental anxiety and care. The Apostle Paul was familiar with all alike; and in his case a peculiarly sensitive and sympathetic nature caused him to feel more keenly and constantly than others might have done the pressure of daily anxiety for the welfare of the converts he had made and the Churches he had founded. I. THE REASONS FOR ANXIETY WITH REGARD TO THE CHURCHES. 1. Their immaturity. They had been in existence but a few years, and were subject to the natural disadvantages of youth and inexperience. They needed diligent watching and tender, fostering care. 2. Their exposure to the insidious efforts of false teachers. Some of these sought to lead the Christians of the first age back into Judaism, others strove to introduce licence and lawlessness. 3. Their constantly recurring needs. Some needed the visits of evangelists or the appointment of pastors. Others needed the instructions or counsels which circumstances might render appropriate. II. THE PRACTICAL PROMPTINGS OF APOSTOLIC ANXIETY. We see the evidences of Paul's sincere solicitude for the Churches in: 1. His frequent visits, by which he brought his personal influence to bear upon those whose welfare he sought and who naturally looked to him for help. 2. His Epistles, full of clear statement, convincing reasoning, earnest persuasion, and faithful warning. 3. His selection and appointment of devoted fellow labourers to assist him in the superintendence and edification of the youthful communities. 4. His fervent prayers, which abounded on behalf of all in whose spiritual well being he was interested. III. THE PROFITABLE LESSONS OF APOSTOLIC ANXIETY. 1. A general lesson of mutual interest and sympathy. Who can read this language without feeling to what an extent it enforces the scriptural precept? - "Look not every man upon his own things, but every man also upon the things of others." 2. A special lesson of mutual helpfulness as the duty and privilege of all who occupy positions of influence and authority in Christ's Church. Some forms of Church government tend rather to isolate Christian communities than to draw them together. This tendency may be happily counteracted by compliance with the precept implicitly contained in this declaration of the apostle. - T. Parallel Verses KJV: Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. |
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