Acts 21:7-9 ESV

7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.

THE HOUSE OF PHILIP

After a long boat journey from Miletus, Paul and the team arrived at Tyre. They proceeded to Ptolemais and Caesaria Maritima. They stayed at the house of Philip, one of the seven deacons. Paul and the team must have been refreshed by the sweet fellowship in his house.

We have no idea who planted the church in Caesarea, but it may have been Philip (Acts 8:40). He also fled Jerusalem because of Paul (Acts 8:3–5). Or perhaps Peter planted the church there (Acts 10). All of these events are fallling into the right places. Rom 8:28 is indeed true. Paul was no longer perceived as a persecutor but as one of its leaders. Philip no longer saw the man who approved of his friend Stephen’s murder and drove thousands from Jerusalem. He saw him as a faithful Jesus-follower whose life is marked by suffering for the cause of Christ.

Philip must have a house with ample space to host his visitors. His hospitality was enhanced by his faithful seven daughters, who also prophesied. Paul and the team should have a wonderful time hearing encouraging words together with them and Philip. We don’t know why his wife isn’t mentioned here.

The Bible made mention about women prophesying in the past. One is Huldah who validated the Law for King Josiah. She prophesied God's judgment against rebellious Judah (2 Kings 22:14–20). Anna prophesied when she met the baby Jesus (Luke 2:36–38). Paul gave instructions to women prophetesses in 1 Cor 11:5. Today, there are differing biblical views about whether prophets still exist. And, the difference between forthtelling the truth and foretelling events in the future. However, there is no question that at this transition time in the book of Acts, God had chosen women to be prophets, also.

Today, God wants us to be hospitable. Heb 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” This must have allusion to Abraham receiving the unexpected visitors, who turned out to be angels who pronounced them blessings and warnings about the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah.

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Acts 21:1-6 ESV

And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.[a] 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

THE CHURCH IS PRAYING

Paul, Luke[the writer] and and others left Miletus, a port on the southwest corner of modern-day Turkey, and round the peninsula until they reach Patara on the island of Rhodes. From here, they headed straight to Tyre on the coast of Phoenicia, north of Galilee. They spent a week in Tyre while the ship unloads before sailing south to Ptolemais and Caesarea Maritima. Luke seemed interested in making sure that there would never be any doubt about the route their ship took while he was onboard.

Something to note here. Paul could have visited the proconsul who came to faith in Jesus ay Cyprus (see Acts 13:12). Or, he could go north to Paul's home church in Syrian Antioch. But, he did not. The Holy Spirit compeled him to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost (see Acts 20:16). Paul was so determined although he knew he will face arrest and persecution. His was the courage to obey God despite of the consequences.

After several years of edifying the churches in Galatia, Macedonia, and Greece and planting a church in Ephesus, Paul has finally landed at Tyre on their way to Syria. Apparently, the Holy Spirit has warned some in the church in Tyre, as well. But as the Holy Spirit revealed to them the information, they misinterpreted what they are meant to do with it. God has warned them to encourage Paul, not attempt to protect him.

Previously, God said to Ananias that Paul "is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15). God also told Ananias, "For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name" (Acts 9:16). God allowed his suffering as an integral part of his mission. And Paul had no qualms about it, too.

However, as they were about to leave, the church finally realized that the most effective way they can protect Paul was to pray. Luke recollected, “All, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.” Prayer moves the Hand that moves the world. Paul’s life and ministry revolved around prayers. He told us to pray continually (Eph 6:18; Phi 4:6; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17). The church that learn to pray lacks no power and advances surely.

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Acts 20:36-38 ESV

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

GOSPEL RELATIONSHIP MATTERS

Relationships could bring pleasant and painful moments. Paul had engaged in mission trips, wherein he met and develop meaningful relationships. Yes, he had his worst critics. But, he had also his loyal friends who helped him. Their friendship centered on the gospel. But, friends may fail at times. When he was imprisoned in Rome, he wrote to Timothy. He said, “ At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.[2 Tim 4:16-17]

Paul’s words were so heavy loaded. The apostasy of the church was inevitable to happen. Paul was expected to suffer when he would arrive in Jerusalem. Most importantly, they had endeared greatly with each other and to part ways without seeing each other again was a difficult reality. These were enough reasons for them to weep.

Relationships could bring pleasant and painful moments. Paul had engaged in mission trips, wherein he met and develop meaningful relationships. Yes, he had his worst critics. But, he had also his loyal friends who helped him. Their friendship centered on the gospel. But, friends may fail at times. When he was imprisoned in Rome, he wrote to Timothy. He said, “ At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.[2 Tim 4:16-17]

Our gospel relationships matter. But, we should be realistic. Time and opportunities are ordained by God. There is a time to let go. As Solomon beautifully coined in words.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”[Ecc 3:1-12]

Let’s build relationships as if it will last forever. But, let us be sensitive to God’s sovereignty and leadership to let it go if it is for the advancement of the gospel.

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- Acts 20:32-35 ESV

32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

INTEGRITY

At the backdrop of false teachers deceptive ways in destroying lives, Paul encouraged the elders to focus on the word of God. The word of his grace is able to build up and to give the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. The truly born again believers are sanctified, or set apart.

There are three aspects of sanctification. When we are saved, we receive positional sanctification. That is, we are forgiven, and no one can take our salvation away from us. Throughout our lives, as we become more spiritually mature and Christlike, we experience progressive sanctification. Upon physical death, when we receive our glorified bodies and are no longer subject to sin, we will have perfect sanctification.

In an assertive way, Paul has expressed his blamelessness to them. Paul’s words and deeds matched. They knew it. He did not use the ministry to enrich himself. He supported himself for a living by making or selling tents. He modelled to them a selfless life devoted to bless others, specially the underprivileged. He said, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”[v.35] Let us take note, Paul has a very balanced view of ministers and support. He believes that pastors should be paid by their congregations (1 Cor 9:14), but he will not insist on that right if it will impede the spread of the gospel.

Paul had described to Timothy later the false teachers as ‘people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.’[1 Tim 6:5b] They desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.[1 Tim 6:9,10]

Paul lived a contented life, which was the secret that maintain his integrity. He said, “But, godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and[c] we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”[1 Tim 6:6,7] He lived to his words. When he was imprisoned in Rome , he said, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.[Phil 4:11b-13]

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Acts 20:25-30 ESV

25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO YOURSELVES

The measure of success in ministry is determined by the succession of leadership. Are the next leaders at par or even exceeds in their love and devotion to Jesus and the truth. Paul said thhe subtle creeping in of false teachers in the church was inevitable. This was the concern of Paul. How did he ensure that these leaders would remain in their orthodoxy and orthopraxy?

For three years at Ephesus, he did not cease night or day to admonish every one of the elders with tears. What an open and vulnerable life. Isn’it? He did not shrink from declaring to them the whole counsel of God. Life begets life. His life was an open book. He had given his life for them as he did to his protegee, Timothy, who became the pastor in Ephesus later. He said to Timothy, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”[2 Tim 1:13] He moved on to remind Timothy, “You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.”[2 Tim 3:10]

The first and foremost responsibility was their ‘paying careful attention to their hearts’ before the care of the churches. This is not only for pastors but for all of us. This was what Solomon had admonished us, saying.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance,

for from it flow the springs of life.”[Prov 4:23]

Today and everyday, let’s lay our hearts open before God. Let’s pray with the psalmist;

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.’ [Psa 139:23,24]

And as David prayed;

“Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me!

Then I shall be blameless,

and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”[Psa 19:13,14]

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Acts 20:18-24 ESV

18 And when they came to him, he said to them:

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

CONSTRAINED BY THE SPIRIT

This meeting of Paul with the Elders from Ephesus was filled with emotions. He had endeared the people he had led and served for three years. It was because he won’t see them again. And , in his final meeting with them, he rehearsed his commitment to the gospel ministry. And, he was confident for them to know it by saying, “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”[v.18-20]

Paul’s life was of yieldedness and surrender to serve humble. He was an obedient ‘doulos’. No opposition could quench his passion to ‘testify both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ’. In a public place [like the hall of Tyrannus] or in a house, day and night, he grabbed every opportunity to teach the gospel to them. In short, Paul was tireless as if a candle burning at both ends.

He should have stayed longer in Ephesus, should the Holy Spirit did not constrain him to leave towards Jerusalem. He obeyed the promptings of the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to him there except . His life was determined not by what he knew for certain but by the Spirit though it was uncertain, even difficult. He was not scared to be imprisoned and afflicted, but was full of courage. Why?

It is because he considered himself dispensable for Christ. He said to the elders who tried to discouraged him going to Jerusalem, “ I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”[v.24]

To live an expendable life like Paul is determined by our motivation for the gospel. The carrot must big enough to convince us to yield and surrender to Christ. May we will be always awed and filled with wonder in the beauty of Christ. Either we live for His cause or for something else.

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Acts 20:13-17 ESV

13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and[b] the day after that we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.

MISSIONARY TRAVELS

After Troas, Luke and a few others sailed from Philippi and meet Paul in Troas. Although Luke and several others decided to sail from Troas to Assos, Paul chose to walk to the city (v.13,14). Why? Did many from Troas come along to listen more from him? We don’t have an idea.

In Assos the entire group took a ship to Mitylene (v. 14). From Mitylene they sailed past the islands of Chios and Samos, docked for a night at Trogyllium, then eventually arrived at Miletus (v.15). It was from Miletus that the apostle requested that the elders in the Ephesian church should visit him. When they arrived he warned them about the coming ‘apostasy’ in the church (v.26-31).

Should he successfully left at Corinth, this important meeting with the elders of Ephesus should had not happened. There are no interruptions in the Lord. When God closes one road, He opens another one. Indeed, God is arranging everything in our lives for good [Rom 8:28]. That is, everything does happen in conjunction to His plan and purposes, doesn’t it?

This ardous and long travel had accentuated the third missionary journey of Paul to Asia and Europe.

Let’s be aware today that missionary endeavors entail a lot of traveling. Like Paul, missionaries today spend a lot of time and money traveling. As Paul said, “ For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?[c] And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”[Rom 10:13-15]

Thus, seeking the lost means expenses – time and resources. The great commission means ‘going’ to where the people are. Should there were no missionaries who cross streets and seas, we won’t be able to hear the gospel. Mission trips, either short term or long term, create opportunities for people to hear the gospel. As Paul had exhorted, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”[Eph 5:16] By this, he was implying that opportunities don’t just happen during the evil days, so let’s ‘redeem’ or buy back opportunities. I pray that we would be encouraged to support our church missions endeavor through giving financially and going on mission trips and even in prayers. Thus, let’s make ourselves available in spreading the gospel.

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- Acts 20:7-11 ESV

7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

AN EXTENDED TALK

It was Lord’s day. Luke accounted that they were gathered together in unnamed 3 storey building at Troas. It should be noted that the early Christians met on Sundays. Why? First, because it is the day of the week that Jesus rose from the dead (Matt 28:1). Second, because it represented the first day of creation—the church is something new, and the Jesus-followers have work to do.

"Breaking of bread" may refer to a community meal (a "love feast"), a meal provided for the poor, or the Lord's supper. As it was a first day of the week, this was probably communion. In the early church, communion was practiced every Sunday. The bread and cup are one part of the entire service which also included a reminder of the gospel and a call to repent of sins and reconcile with other church members.

Paul talked with them. It meant that Paul has a discussion with them, reasoning back and forth, instead of just lecturing. Intending to depart on the next day, he prolonged his talked until midnight. Perhaps, there were a lot of subjects and questions covered. Are we willing to spend an extended time to hear the word of God.

A young man named Eutychus who was sitting by the window, while listening. Usually, in the highest room, there was only the roof. Although people do use the roof for living space, fewer supports are needed, allowing upper rooms to be more open. These bigger windows on the higher floor will, normally, also allow for more air flow.

Eutychus had fallen asleep and fell dead to the ground. He died trying to listen the word of God. His tiredness had caught him. However, Paul will bring him back to life and the group will continue talking until daybreak (see v.9–12). The crisis even was transformed into a wonderful testimony. Consequently, they were much encouraged.

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Acts 20:1-6 ESV

After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.

BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT

Paul's third missionary journey was about to end. He spent three years in Ephesus then went north to Troas, across to Philippi, and south to Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth (Acts 20:1–2, 31). His primary reason for revisiting the churches he planted is to encourage them but also to collect donations for believers in Jerusalem (Rom 15:26).

Difficulties and persecutions don’t define Paul. It was his deep love for God and the gospel that drove him. Nothing could stop him going to the churches and encouraging the believers. As he encouraged the elders at Ephesus later, he said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”[Acts 20:24]

Paul takes the long way from Corinth to Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders in Corinth plotted against him so he can't sail straight to Caesarea Maritima. Instead, he returns up the coast to Macedonia, across the Aegean to Troas, and back down the coast of modern-day Turkey to Miletus before he can take a ship to Judea. In other words, God could protect us but we need also to use our common sense unless the Lord prompts us to do something else.

Paul was encouraged by the wonderful and godly men with him. They came from all over the place. They were together because of the gospel. Sopater, was a Berean, and most likely a careful, considerate scholar (Acts 17:10–12). Aristarchus is apparently the same man who was caught in the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:29]. We know nothing of Secundus. Gaius was from Galatia, in central modern-day Turkey now (Acts 19:29). Timothy, the young man Paul met in Lystra at the beginning of his second missionary journey and he mentored (Acts 16:1) Tychicus and Trophimus were from the province of Asia in southwest Turkey. And, Tychicus became Paul's faithful messenger (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 2 Tim 4:12; Titus 3:12).

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Acts 19:29-41 ESV

29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

A CONFUSION

It was frenzy and chaotic. The preaching of the gospel had stirred people. Earlier at Athens, Gentiles rejected Paul's offer of salvation on the grounds of philosophical differences. They didn't believe in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 17:32). In Philippi and Ephesus, it was because Paul's ministry threatened a small group's ability to make money (Acts 16:19; 19:26–27). Here at Ephesus, so many people were abandoning the Greek gods and following Jesus. Thus, the craftsmen who make idols were losing business.

They dragged Paul’s companions, Gaius[from Corinth] and Aristarchus[from Thessalonica] into the theatre. The theater is also used as a forum where people meet three times a month to work out issues that threaten the peace of the city. However, this is not a forum, it's a mob that has been worked into a frenzy. Paul was prevented by his disciples and some of his Asiarch friends to come in. "Asiarchs" were people from Asia, the province in southwestern modern-day Turkey. They maybe were high-ranking officers. But it's not clear if these men were Jesus-followers or if they just cared about Paul's well-being as his friends. The people of Ephesus don't know what's going on.[v.32] Fortunately, the town clerk can disperse the riot (v.41)

This experience was overwhelming. Paul was rattled as he expressed to the church in Corinth, "For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead" (2 Cor 1:8–9).

An apostle may experience sufferings to represent Christ.[John 16:33] This hardship had given another benefit of Paul's suffering. He understood how deep pain and a sense of loss feel. He had received God's comfort in the worst affliction. As a result, he could understand and offer God's comfort to anyone who was experiencing something similar.[2 Cor 1:3]