As we begin a new year, we also begin a new study. Brother Winkler called it “The Preacher and His Work According to 2 Corinthians 2.” He used verses 12-17 as his text. Over the next several weeks we will be taking a look at the main points of this class.

“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia” (2 Corinthians 2:12–13)

As Paul journeyed on his mission to preach Christ, the Lord opened many doors of opportunity for him. However, along with the open doors, there were also distractions. Such was the case in this reading. Paul expected to find Titus, his coworker, when he arrived in Troas. But, Titus was nowhere to be found. As a result, Paul “had no rest” in his spirit.

It seems that Paul grew anxious regarding his brother. It is implied that they must have had some agreement to meet in Troas. At least, that seemed to be Paul’s understanding. He could not pull out his cell phone and give Titus a call or fire off a text message to him. There was no Facebook on which Titus could “check in.” What had happened to him? Paul had just left Ephesus where his presence and preaching led to a riot. The authorities had to intervene (cf. Acts 19:8-41). Had Titus experienced something similar? Was he incarcerated, injured, or worse, had he been executed? Paul did not know, and it bothered him!

Because Paul was anxious over his friend and fellow worker, he made a decision to go on into Macedonia. He did this in spite of the fact that God had opened a door for him to preach Christ in Troas. How the devil must have delighted over Paul’s momentary distraction!

As preachers of the Gospel, we can rest assured distractions will sometimes deter us from our work. Whether from ourselves, our own brethren, or from a more heinous source actions, emotions, and/or events will impede our progress. We must be aware and do our best to not let the Lord’s work be lost in the chaos of the moment.

The stress of this distraction was alleviated when Paul and Titus were reunited in Macedonia. Paul wrote, “For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more” (2 Corinthians 7:5–7). May the God, who comforts the cast down, help keep us encouraged and on track when distractions come our way!