Paul, like other missionaries, paid a price for preaching the gospel. Have you ever heard a returned missionary talk about the trials he or she faced while serving a mission? In 2 Corinthians 11 you will read about some of what Paul suffered as a missionary. Consider what he may have learned from his trials and how he was able to endure them.
Understanding the Scriptures
2 Corinthians 11
| Forty stripes save one (v. 24) | Thirty-nine lashes or beatings (usually with a scourge or whip) | |
| Perils (v. 26) | Danger | |
| With a garrison (v. 32) | Guarded |
Studying the Scriptures
Do the following activity as you study 2 Corinthians 11.
Interview a Missionary
Read 2 Corinthians 11:24–33 with a returned missionary you know. Ask him or her to tell you about the following:
-
1.
A trial he or she faced while serving a mission
-
2.
How that trial compares with what Paul experienced
-
3.
What he or she did to overcome that trial
Write a short paragraph about how trials can strengthen our testimonies.
