Definition: Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from 2 Corinthians 12:17. It’s a really profound and somewhat unsettling one, and it speaks to the challenges Paul faced while traveling with his companions in the Roman Empire. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: Paul is asking himself a very serious question: “Did I gain anything by sending these people to me?” It's not about personal gain – he’s not asking if he was successful in getting them to him. It’s about the impact of his mission and the potential for suffering. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “I sent them unto you” : This refers to a group of people, likely his companions – specifically, those who were traveling with him. “By any of them…” : This is key. He's not saying he gained anything directly from these individuals. Instead, he’s acknowledging that the journey itself, and the challenges he faced along the way, could have caused problems or difficulties for them. “Did I make a gain…” : This is the core of the question. He’s contemplating whether his efforts, his time, his energy – anything he put into this mission – had unintended negative consequences for these people. What does this mean in terms of suffering and difficulty? Paul was experiencing significant difficulties while traveling. He was facing: Physical hardship: The long journey, the harsh weather, and the difficult terrain were taking their toll. Emotional challenges: He was dealing with loneliness, doubt, and perhaps a sense of being overwhelmed by the task he’d been assigned. Potential for disappointment: He might have been anticipating a certain outcome, but the reality of the journey was proving to be more challenging than expected. The Significance This verse is incredibly important because it highlights: The potential for unintended consequences: Paul isn't just worried about his own success; he’s concerned that even good intentions can have negative repercussions. The importance of humility and care: It reminds us to be mindful of the impact our actions, especially when we are involved in others, can have. It encourages a willingness to consider how things might affect those around us. In short, Paul is grappling with whether his journey was successful and if it caused any suffering or hardship for the people he sent. It's a reminder that even good intentions aren’t always enough and that we should be aware of the potential downsides of our efforts. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme or idea (like forgiveness, compassion, or responsibility)?