2 Corinthians (1:8-11 NIV)
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
The hardships in Asia that Paul refers to is the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:22-41) on the southwest coast of the province. Paul had been working in and around the city for more than two years, preaching the word faithfully, leading hundreds to Jesus, and establishing and growing congregations all over the city.
Unfortunately, the local makers of copper and silver shrines of Artemis, collectables for those devoted to the goddess who came to visit her massive temple in the city (One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), had seen a drastic downturn in their business, as the city became more and more Christianized.
Their solution was to stir up a riot that drew in a large percentage of the city’s pagan population, drawing them into demonstrating in the streets, and eventually ending up in a massive rally for Artemis in the outdoor theater at the heart of the city. Several of Paul’s traveling companions were seized by the crowd and rushed to the theater. And Paul had to be physically restrained from going to the theater to intercede for them, likely by offering himself in their place.
The riot was finally quelled by the city clerk after several hours. But the whole event pointed out what a powderkeg the city was for Paul and his companions. So, as soon as it was safe to do so, they left for Macedonia.
Even though it was a terrifying experience for Paul, he saw that it had deepened his faith because he hadn’t been able trust in his own eloquence for his deliverance, but instead had to rely on the Lord himself, spurred by those who were regularly lifting him in his ministry in prayer, like the Corinthians.
Now that he had been delivered and was back on the road again, well aware that danger was still all around him, he encouraged the Corinthians to continue praying for him. Their prayers had been effective and were still much needed.
Father, for so many of us, prayer, even for those in foreign countries and in harm’s way for the cause of Christ, can become a routine recitation. We really don’t have any understanding of how powerful our prayers are until we hear their stories of danger and deliverance. But, according to Your word, our prayers are designed to be as powerful and effective as those surrounding Paul in Ephesus, and those that delivered Peter from jail (Acts 12:5-17). Help me, Lord, to always pray like I mean it, like my prayers matter, and like you are always listening to them, ready to powerfully act in response to them. Amen.
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