At times we can wrongly assume that because we are serving God, He will protect us from suffering harm at the hands of our enemies. Such was not the case with the apostle Paul. Paul devoted his life to the service of Christ. He had planted numerous churches and mentored many of the early Church’s greatest ministers. Yet he constantly suffered at the hands of his enemies. He was in prison because his opponents had falsely accused him. He would ultimately die at the hands of pagan soldiers.
Alexander the copper smith had apparently done much to harm Paul and his work. In response, Paul trusted God to vindicate him and to punish his enemy. Yet the truth was that the enemies of God had brought harm to one of Christ’s choicest servants.
Why would God allow us to suffer harm from ungodly people when we are striving to serve Him? That is a question that has often been asked by those who suffered at the hands of carnal or evil people. Paul believed two things about these situations. First, he was not immune from the attacks of the ungodly. Second, God would ultimately bring justice to his opponents. While this may not alleviate the pain we must sometimes endure, it helps us prepare for the assaults that may come.