14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, 16 hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16
For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us. 1 Thessalonians 2:18
It should be pointed out that Paul and his companions were the tip of the spear, understandably targeted by Satan himself, as was Jesus. The word “hindered” here refers to “breaking up the road” on which he was traveling. The word does not suggest an impassable barrier, or a total washout, just a patch of rough sledding.
It’s always useful to contemplate the consequences of turning back, that is, to abandon one’s mission due to the opposition against us, or of taking an unfortunate detour on what appears to be an available but unfamiliar side road. We must realize that we have at our disposal in the Holy Spirit what amounts to the “four wheel drive” and “extra suspension” necessary to make it through. As Chuck Swindoll is fond of saying, “we don’t go around problems, we go through them!”
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
We must soldier on as did Paul in the midst of hostility and hardship. At the same time, we must be keenly aware of the emotions that come naturally from disappointment or delay or disruption of best laid plans, and the anxiety produced by what lies ahead.
For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him.Ecclesiastes 9:1
“…except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.” Acts 20:23
It is fair to point out that Paul was on a very important and unique mission. Satan knew this. In the end, as with the victory won by Jesus on the cross in the midst of the same personal opposition, Paul accomplished what he was intended to accomplish. In no aspect of his ministry did he fail because of Satan. We do acknowledge, however, Christ was crucified and Paul was imprisoned and later beheaded. Sometimes the mission calls for the ultimate sacrifice.
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Philippians 1:12–14
Leave a Reply