Paul stoned

"Once I was stoned." 2 Corinthians 11. 25

It is quite exceptional that a man can say that he was stoned ! In fact, stoning consists of throwing stones on a living being until death ensues. The thrown stones are voluminous and heavy ; The stonisers knew very well how to handle them in order to reach the vital organs of the tortured or the most sensitive body regions.

Under what circumstances was Paul stoned ?

In the company of Barnabas, he fulfilled his mission of evangelist at Iconium, "speaking boldly, leaning on the Lord" (Acts 14: 3). The enemy does not remain indifferent. "As those of the nations, and the Jews, with their rulers, rose up to reproach and stone them, [Paul and Barnabas] heard of it, and took refuge in the cities of Lycaonia." (Acts 14: 5). Already in Iconium there is talk of stoning! Here is Paul and his faithful companion to Lystra ; Paul healed a man with paralyzed feet. This miracle excites the crowd ; She thinks gods have come into the city ; She wants to offer them sacrifices. The two evangelists prevent them with difficulty. "From Antioch and Iconium then came Jews; After having won the crowds and stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, believing he was dead "(Acts 14:19). The crowd has just compared Paul to a god and now, in his versatility, she stones him! Was it not the same with Jesus, who was acclaimed by "Hosanna" who quickly became cries of hatred : "Let him be crucified" (Mt 21: 9, 27, 22) ?

Is Paul discouraged ? Not at all! By the power of God, surrounded by the disciples, he gets up and enters the city ! Does his ministry suffer from this stoning ? Not at all ! "On the morrow he went with Barnabas to Derbe" (Acts 14:20). It is with the marks left by the stones on the body and on the face that it will continue its activity.

The stoning of Paul has a miraculous end ; It is indeed thanks to a miracle that he can rise and promptly resume his service. This promptness and lack of discouragement is certainly mentioned in order to encourage us, in our turn, to be bold for the Lord.

Lord, give us strength, courage, perseverance so that it is manifest that we are at your service. Thank you. Amen.

Source (Please the Lord)