Suffered From

Acts 16:22-24

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

These are some serious words indeed. 2 Corinthians 5:1-11 speaks of the earthly house of the temple. Even if it were dissolved, dilapidated, or dissipated yet would this building of God stand with him forever in glory. You might be tempted to ask, "of what strange dwelling this is?" See, Paul tells of the housing we put on just as easily as a fresh change of clothes in the morning. So is it untouchable by man indeed for God made it. This is how we might escape the fate of the Laodicean church by simply getting dressed. For such is not the custom of those who have been through nothing. See, Paul declares the present clothing to be a burden indeed. Well might the apostles groan for now. They have been beaten, stripped, and placed among the stocks. There are many different types of stocks to be found. I could list the financial securities of the wealthy, the hope of the retiree, and the laughing stocks of this world. So, many may seem that are going through some things. I cannot begin to consult with the degree of indignity these epistles bore in their body for Christ. I know some are saying to me now, 'don't you mean the apostles?' Well, I do; but they wrote the epistles. Tell me now what a cat does when it is disgruntled: it hisses. Such is a natural reaction to the situation indeed. But when you have Christ in your midst, he can make all your troubles seem light. Indeed, Paul describes them later as a light affliction lasting but for a moment. Even these carry the weight of eternal glory with them being the doorway for our God. Some of the times I have most felt his presence is when I was at my lowest and weakest. So, these apostles feel right now with their backs sore and their stripes burning. More than that Paul's heart also ached to leave Lydia in a fix with all the comforts of home. In this public humiliation, I see another person with them too besides the Lord. Here stands their jailor, who is also worth mentioning, but not the primary focus now.

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Regardless of all that is faced, some of us just need to put on Jesus. Then will the nakedness of sighing, crying, and dying be done away. For so it was with Christ our first fruits, whose Spirit we share. The word earnest is a transactional term meaning a down payment or assurance. There is no possible way he will not do this. See, it is himself in us; so, we are also of him. In him is our future secured. Our mansion prepared. Our deliverance guaranteed. Just as surely as Paul will come back for the church so Christ will return for what he has left. Knowing this, we ought to conduct ourselves well. This do we so as not to soil our garments like the church of Sardis in Revelation 3:4. The judgment is coming; his throne is prepared. You must make yourself ready now to receive him. Tell me, if Jesus came back today for what he left, would you be found worthy. Is your house spotless, your affairs in order. See how Lydia conducts herself well in his absence though Paul be not home. Some have much still to do to prepare; others really ought to make Christ more at home and yourself less. When you are home, anyone knocking on the door will get to meet you. But if you are not home and Jesus is in your house, he will answer them instead. When Paul says he is most at home, then Christ is less. Now in his inconvenience Christ is more. No, I am not mad, confused, or disoriented. Neither is Paul, so please stop saying he has eye problems. I know there is a dungeon around him rather than Lydia's house or a Heavenly mansion. Most of you would rather not willingly say like Paul, 'do more so I can see Jesus.' Note this is not a spirit of self-harm, suicide, or madness. Understand now why Paul speaks of having the eyesight of God. It takes Heaven's point of view to see such things clearly. Neither I nor Paul cannot stress enough being "present with the Lord." Such is the goal of these things. It might not be your goal now. But so, we strive to gain his favor and approval on our lives. When the great day comes, we might be welcomed into his eternal home. Then will we hear a "well done, my good and faithful servant" of Matthew 25:23. This we do whether servant, apostle, or friend of God.