2 Timothy 3:11 11persecutions, and sufferings, the sort that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium and in Lystra; what sort of persecutions I endured, and from all of them the Lord rescued me.
Paul’s list of character qualities changes to his difficult experiences. The first two words are plural, indicating that he experienced many hard times. Persecutions are the pain others cause because of what we believe. These experiences can be painful and even life threatening. Jesus warned his disciples that they would experience persecution for their faith in him (Matthew 5:11). Sufferings result from the persecution. Suffering for Christ was part of Paul’s calling (Acts 9:16). His testified that suffering gives opportunity for Christ’s grace to work (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Paul lists places he experienced persecution that correspond to his first missionary journey: Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:13-52), Iconium (Acts 14:1-7), and Timothy’s hometown of Lystra (Acts 14:19-22; 16:1). The verse ends with declaration of confidence: the Lord rescued me from all of them. Paul was not kept from suffering but endured with the help of the Lord Jesus. Jesus’ deliverance of Paul did not mean not pain or sorrow, but it did mean victory through faith.
Timothy would not be exempt from suffering in ministry, but he had a resource in God’s grace in Christ to sustain him and help him fulfill his calling. Being a Christian does not mean life will always be wonderful and free of pain. In fact, we may experience more of these because of our faith. But like Paul, we must keep the big picture in mind and keep looking at the finish line. Being distracted in our ran may keep us from receiving the crown of victory (2:3-6).
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