Laboring Under Difficulties
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also labored faithfully in the proclamation of the gospel. He himself
declares of his labors, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought
among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
And he adds, “For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches,
except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this
wrong. Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will
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not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you.... And I will
very gladly spend and be spent for you.”
2 Corinthians 12:12-15
.
During the long period of his ministry in Ephesus, where for three
years he carried forward an aggressive evangelistic effort throughout
that region, Paul again worked at his trade. In Ephesus, as in Corinth,
the apostle was cheered by the presence of Aquila and Priscilla, who
had accompanied him on his return to Asia at the close of his second
missionary journey.
There were some who objected to Paul’s toiling with his hands,
declaring that it was inconsistent with the work of a gospel minister.
Why should Paul, a minister of the highest rank, thus connect me-
chanical work with the preaching of the word? Was not the laborer
worthy of his hire? Why should he spend in making tents time that to
all appearance could be put to better account?
But Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent. As he worked
with Aquila he kept in touch with the Great Teacher, losing no oppor-
tunity of witnessing for the Saviour, and of helping those who needed
help. His mind was ever reaching out for spiritual knowledge. He
gave his fellow workers instruction in spiritual things, and he also set
an example of industry and thoroughness. He was a quick, skillful
worker, diligent in business, “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
Ro-
mans 12:11
. As he worked at his trade, the apostle had access to a
class of people that he could not otherwise have reached. He showed
his associates that skill in the common arts is a gift from God, who
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provides both the gift and the wisdom to use it aright. He taught that
even in everyday toil God is to be honored. His toil-hardened hands
detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic appeals as a Christian
minister.
Paul sometimes worked night and day, not only for his own support,
but that he might assist his fellow laborers. He shared his earnings
with Luke, and he helped Timothy. He even suffered hunger at times,
that he might relieve the necessities of others. His was an unselfish