I. Paul’s Past
A. Paul’s Recent Past
1. 27 months earlier: Wrongly accused in Jerusalem Temple area, beaten by mob, arrested by Romans & imprisoned in Caesarea for 2 ½ years
2. After appealing to Caesar, Paul transported by ship, but shipwrecked on the way
3. While shipwrecked, bitten by venomous snake, but unaffected
4. Delayed 3 months on Malta. Resumes trip on another Alexandrian ship
B. Further Back
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—28besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
1. Paul had been a Christian 30 years at this point.
2. He had served as a apostle for 25 years at this point. He had suffered much
3. Galatians 6:17 I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus
4. Galatians 6:11 See w/what large letters I have written to you with my own hand
5. Gal. 4:15 you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.
6. 60 years old at this point. 60 year old man who had survived numerous beatings
C. We Often Don’t Understand People’s Past
1. The only letter that contains this kind of detail about Paul’s suffering is 2 Cor.
2. He needed to remind them of His calling from God, & His commitment to God
3. He didn’t share these things to gain support or sentiment.
4. Not just a difficult life, but a lonely life.
Jews were not welcomed by Gentiles. Gentiles were not welcomed by Jews.
Christians were welcomed by neither Jews nor Gentiles.
II. Paul’s Future
A. Rome
1. Paul had not only a difficult past, but he had a difficult and uncertain future.
2. Rome was a terrible place to go in that day.
3. Sexual immorality was rampant; unwanted babies given away
4. ½ the population were slaves.
5. Paul is going to stand before the very wicked Caesar Nero
6. Paul had never met the Roman Christians.
7. He had written to them 3 years earlier. Would they accept or reject him?
B. The Roman Christians
1. The believers in Rome hear the news that Paul is coming
2. Instead of simply waiting for him, they go out to meet him
3. They want to escort him into Rome. They want him to come in w/Christians
4. Some travel 33 miles from Rome to the Three Inns
5. Others go 43 miles to Appii Forum. Famous & corrupt stop on the Appian Way
C. How Encouragement Helped Paul
1. Paul arrives to Appii Forum, chained to other prisoners.
2. He is suddenly loved & welcomed in a way so different than the recent past
3. 10 miles later, the scene is repeated. More joy & encouragement
4. Paul takes courage– Paul was discouraged prior to the Christians arrived
5. Only God and Paul knew how much he needed that encouragement
6. Paul was a great man, but he was still just a man
7. Personal experience while in Hungary. Prayers had never meant so much
8. God’s timing is so essential in encouraging others.
Smallest bit of encouragement means more to a hurting person than volumes of encouragement means to someone who is not feeling any discouragement.
III. How To Give Godly Encouragement
A. You Don’t Realize People’s Past
1. You don’t know how badly someone might be feeling
a. Physically
b. Emotionally
c. Mentally
d. Spiritually
2. You can’t always tell by outward looks how someone is doing
3. You don’t really know what people have been through
4. Don’t come to conclusions about people’s conditions until you have spoken to them. Even then you may not understand
5. Prov. 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness, a stranger does not share its joy
Realize that all people, great & small, need encouragement
Don’t withhold encouragement b/c of externals: talent, intelligence, looks, etc.
B. Don’t Disqualify Yourself From Encouraging Others
1. You may feel inadequate. Every effort to encourage shows that you care.
2. You may doubt that inner prompting by the Holy Spirit. Step out
3. You may not encourage b/c you imagine a potentially awkward situation
C. Other Thoughts
1. You may not need a lot of encouragement. Others do. Pray for sensitivity.
2. Grow as an encourager: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more…
3. Receive God’s comfort, then you can give godly comfort.
2 Cor. 1:4b, 5 that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.