👉 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 11:28. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering passage about suffering and the realities of life. Here's an explanation in simpler terms:
The Basic Idea:
This verse is saying that
every single day
, even when you’re not experiencing hardship, there will be things coming your way – challenges, difficulties, and burdens – that are affecting you and the churches around you. It’s a constant stream of worry and trouble.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
"Besides those things that are without..."
: This is a key phrase. “Without” refers to things
outside
of you, things that don’t belong to you or your personal well-being. These could be:
The world:
Political turmoil, social injustices, and the general negativity of human society.
Challenges in life:
Job loss, illness, relationship problems, financial difficulties – these are all examples.
Difficult people:
Someone who is consistently unkind or hurtful.
"...that which cometh upon me daily..."
: This means that
every single day
, you'll be facing challenges and burdens – not just big events, but small things too. It’s a continuous process of dealing with problems.
"...the care of all the churches."
: This is where it gets really powerful. It’s not just about your personal struggles; it’s about the
collective
burden placed on the churches – the communities that are relying on each other for support and fellowship. It speaks to the fact that the church community as a whole is experiencing difficulties and stresses.
What does this mean practically?
The verse isn't saying you
should
be miserable. Instead, it’s offering a perspective:
Acceptance.
It acknowledges that suffering is a part of life, and we should not try to ignore or minimize it. It encourages us to:
Focus on what we
can
control:
While we can't always change the world around us, we
can
focus on our response to those challenges.
Pray for strength and guidance:
It’s a call for spiritual support and resilience.
Remember that God is with us:
The verse also connects suffering to Christ's suffering – highlighting that even in difficult times, we are comforted by God's presence.
In short, the verse is a reminder that life isn't always easy, and that our struggles have an impact on others, both within the church community and beyond.
Resources for Further Understanding:
Bible Gateway:
[https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/102/2 Corinthians11:28](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/102/2 Corinthians11:28) - This provides a direct translation and contextual explanation.
The Bible Project:
[https://www.thebibleproject.com/passage/?passage=2 Corinthians%3A11%3A28](https://www.thebibleproject.com/passage/?passage=2 Corinthians%3A11%3A28) - Offers a visual and simplified explanation.
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