Suffer (3958) (pascho) means essentially what happens to a person experience. It means to undergo something; to experience a sensation, to experience an impression from an outside source, to undergo an experience (usually difficult) and normally with the implication of physical or psychological suffering. Pascho can refer to experiencing something pleasant, but in the present context (and most NT contexts) it refers to experiencing something trying, distressing or painful. In context, our present suffering for Christ is viewed paradoxically as a gift of grace or unmerited divine favor (charizomai [word study]), for we as sinful men no more deserve to suffer for Christ than we deserve to be saved by His precious blood! But now, dearly beloved, chosen saint of God, have you ever considered your suffering for the Savior in the light of this holy truth? Remember truth renews our mind and transforms our thinking, and in this case the truth about suffering should serve to prepare us to persevere with praise when persecution comes in its variegated forms! Contrast the "before and after" attitude of Peter in Acts 5:41 with his response resulting from his failure to understand the high calling and privilege of suffering with and for the Savior - Mt 26:71, 72, 73, 74, 75! Truth received and assimilated transforms a man from cowardice to courage! Webster (1828) says that to suffer is To feel or bear what is painful, disagree able or distressing, either to the body or mind. We suffer pain of body; we suffer grief of mind. The criminal suffers punishment; the sinner suffers the pangs of conscience in this life, and is condemned to suffer the wrath of an offended God. We often suffer wrong; we suffer abuse; we suffer injustice...To feel or undergo pain of body or mind; to bear what is inconvenient. We suffer with pain, sickness or sorrow. We suffer with anxiety. We suffer by evils past and by anticipating others to come. We suffer from fear and from disappointed, hopes. Of mental suffering (Pilate's wife Mt 27:19), of one suffering from epilepsy (Mt 17:15), of the events in Jesus' life leading up to and including the Cross (Mt 16:21, 17:12, Mk 8:31, 9:12, 22, Lk 17:25, 22:15, 24:26, 46, Acts 1:3, 3:18, 17:3, He 13:12, 1Pe 2:21, 23, 4:1), of physical harm as from poison (Acts 28:5), of suffering for what is right (Php 1:29, 1Th 2:14, 1Pe 2:19, 20, 3:14, 17), of suffering according to the will of God (1Pe 4:9). Pascho in the NT describes suffering that has a termination (1Pe 5:10) and is not to be feared by believers (Re 2:10). Paul understood this divine gift (cp 2Ti 1:12-note - notice why he suffered [2Ti 1:11] and how he was enabled to suffer - it was not just what he knew but Who he knew!). Jesus understands your suffering for He has walked this road as no other man (see passages above on events leading to the Cross, cp He 2:18-note, He 5:8-note, 1Pe 2:21-note) Gromacki rightly observes that... Most Christians (Ed: Especially those in the ease and comfort and relative prosperity of American Christianity) are like Peter in his earlier discipleship. They want the glory of the kingdom without the sufferings of the cross. They do not consider any suffering to be a gift. They want faith without conflict. These reactions show a great lack in their understanding of God’s dealings with His children. (Gromacki, R., Dr. Stand United in Joy: An Exposition of Philippians. The Woodlands, TX: Kress Christian Publications) Thayer on pascho... from Homer down; to be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience, to undergo -- used in either a good or a bad sense; of perils and deliverance from them (Esther 9:26); o stiffer sadly, be in bad plight, of a sick person, (Mt 17:15) 1. (majority of the NT uses) In a bad sense, of misfortunes, to suffer, to undergo evils, to be afflicted (so everywhere in Homer and Hesiod; also in the other Greek writings where it is used absolutely): absolutely 2. In a good sense, of pleasant experiences with only one possible such use in NT (Gal 3:4) TDNT... The basic meaning of pascho is “to experience something that comes from outside,” At first the “something” is usually bad, and while a neutral use develops, the idea of suffering evil remains so strong that an addition is needed to show that good is meant unless the context is very plain. 2. The forensic use “to suffer punishment” is fairly old, and occurs especially for corporal of capital punishment. 3. Evils suffered are misfortune and disfavor (human of divine). In the case of sickness the idea is that of suffering from it rather than under it. The stress is always on the experience of evil rather than painful feelings. When pascho denotes emotions, the reference is more to moods than to sufferings. The group raises the question of suffering, and to this many answers are attempted. Tragedy suggests learning through suffering, Stoicism aims at freedom in its negation (apatheia), the Hermetic writings promise redemption from it, at first by initiation and definitively, after death, by deification. (Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Eerdmans) NIDNTT... The basic meaning of the verb (pascho), in use from Homer onwards, is that of experiencing something which stems from outside of myself but which affects me, either for good or ill. The opposite idea is expressed by vbs. denoting freedom of action....pascho originally meant nothing more than “to be affected by”, but how one was affected had to be expressed by additional words, e.g. kakos paschein, to be in a bad situation (Homer, Od. 16, 275); eu paschein, to be in a good situation (Sophocles, OC 1489). However, since such additions tended to be negative, the verb itself came to have a negative meaning, unless there were clear indications to the contrary. Thus the idea of being affected is replaced by that of suffering.... In most cases it is a matter of being delivered up to an adverse fate or to malevolent gods and men (Diogenes Laertius, 5, 61; Diodorus Siculus, 13, 98, 2), and only rarely refers to enduring a punishment. (Brown, Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan or Computer version) BDAG... to experience something, be treated’ (pascho expresses the passive idea corresponding to the active idea in poieo [to do]) of everything that befalls a person, whether good or ill. Yet its usage developed in such a way that pascho came to be used less and less frequently in a good sense, and never thus without some clear indication, at least from the context, that the good sense is meant.... In all other places, as always in LXX, in an unfavorable sense suffer, endure. (Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) Pascho - 42x in 41v - Mt 16:21; 17:12, 15; 27:19; Mark 5:26; 8:31; 9:12; Luke 9:22; 13:2; 17:25; 22:15; 24:26, 46; Acts 1:3; 3:18; 9:16; 17:3; 28:5; 1 Cor 12:26; 2 Cor 1:6; Gal 3:4; Phil 1:29; 1 Thess 2:14; 2 Thess 1:5; 2 Tim 1:12; Heb 2:18; 5:8; 9:26; 13:12; 1 Pet 2:19, 20, 21, 23; 3:14, 17, 18; 4:1, 15, 19; 5:10; Rev 2:10. NAS = endured(1), endured...sufferings(1), suffer(22), suffered(10), suffering(4), suffers(2). Notice that First Peter is clearly a major "treatise" on suffering! Matthew 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Matthew 17:12 but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Matthew 17:15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic (literally = "he is moonstruck," possibly meaning "lunatic" although now the term is generally regarded as referring to some sort of seizure disorder such as epilepsy - NET Bible Note) and is very ill ("suffers terribly"); for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. Matthew 27:19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him." Mark 5:26 and had endured ("suffered") much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse-- Mark 8:31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. Mark 9:12 And He said to them, "Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? Luke 9:22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day." Luke 13:2 And Jesus said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? Luke 17:25 "But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Luke 22:15 And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; Luke 24:26 "Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" Luke 24:46 and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, Acts 1:3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Acts 3:18 "But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Acts 9:16 (context Acts 9:15 Jesus speaking of Paul's "race" of faith) for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake." Acts 17:3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." Acts 28:5 However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 1 Corinthians 12:26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with (sumpascho = speaks of an intimate sharing with another, feeling their pain - see the prefix used in this verb = sun/syn) it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 2 Corinthians 1:6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; Galatians 3:4 Did you suffer so many things in vain-- if indeed it was in vain? Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 1 Thessalonians 2:14-note For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 2 Timothy 1:12-note For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. Hebrews 2:18-note For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Hebrews 5:8-note Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. Hebrews 9:26-note Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Hebrews 13:12-note Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 1 Peter 2:19-note For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 1 Peter 2:20-note For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 1 Peter 2:21-note For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 1 Peter 2:23-note and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 1 Peter 3:14-note But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 1 Peter 3:17-note For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:18-note For Christ also died (apothnesko - see note below) for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; Comment: Note that some manuscripts have apothnesko (to die) in place of pascho. The NET note says that "Although the external evidence slightly favors apothnesko, such may be a secondary reading. Intrinsically, pascho both fits the context better...." NET rendering = 1Peter 3:18 Because Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God, by being put to death in the flesh but by being made alive in the spirit. 1 Peter 4:1-note Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 1 Peter 4:15-note Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 1 Peter 4:19-note Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. 1 Peter 5:10-note After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. Revelation 2:10-note 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. The suffering of a saint for the sake of Christ can take many forms: physical pain, isolation, loneliness, grief, anxiety, etc. Because so many saints do not understand the benefits of suffering, few of them view suffering for their testimony as a blessing, even though Scripture clearly teaches that is what it is. Suffering is one of the tools God uses to mold his children into vessels that bring glory to His Son (cf. Jas 1:3, 4-note; 1Pe 1:6, 7-note). Suffering even perfected the Lord Jesus (Heb 2:10-note). Guzik... The Philippians didn’t need to fear that their present trial (and Paul’s present trial) meant that God abandoned them. Their present difficulty was granted to them, not as a punishment, but as a tool in God’s hand. (Philippians 1 Commentary) In his last words to Timothy Paul alerted him to the same truth... Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2Ti 3:12-note) Lehman Strauss... The very fact that a man identifies himself with Jesus Christ will result in his suffering for his Lord. Jesus said: "If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20)....To believe in Christ in our day means the very opposite of hardship and suffering. It has come to mean that the believer now has a place in a church pew where he can sit snugly and smugly. But when the child of God takes his place in the battle against evil, the devil will see to it that he has plenty of opposition. Paul speaks of such suffering as a favor granted of God. Actually it is a part of the grace of God bestowed on Christians when we are called to share the sufferings of Christ. The apostle realized this when called upon to suffer. "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). Suffering may differ today in meaning from its meaning in the earlier days of the Church. By that I mean that it may not mean bodily torment, imprisonment, starvation, and even a torturous death, but it will always be the price one pays when he sincerely and uncompromisingly identifies himself with Jesus Christ. Constable... All believers have received a gracious gift from God. It is the privilege of suffering for Jesus Christ. Few Christians view suffering for their testimony as a blessing, but that is really what it is. Suffering is one of the tools God uses to mold his children into vessels that bring glory to His Son (cf. James 1:3—4; 1 Pet. 1:6—7). Suffering even perfected the Lord Jesus (Heb. 2:10). (Philippians Commentary Notes) Adam Clarke... To you it is graciously given; it is no small privilege that God has so far honored you as to permit you to suffer on Christ's account. It is only his most faithful servants that he thus honors. Be not therefore terrified by your enemies; they can do nothing to you which God will not turn to your eternal advantage. We learn from this that it is as great a privilege to suffer for Christ as to believe on him; and the former in certain cases (as far as the latter in all cases) becomes the means of salvation to them who are thus exercised. (Philippians 1 Commentary) Lange's Commentary... The faith which works such steadfast endurance of suffering clearly proves that both are from God. (Philippians 1:27-30 Commentary Online) Barnes... It is a privilege thus to suffer in the cause of Christ, because (1.) we then resemble the Lord Jesus, and are united with Him in trials; (2.) because we have evidence that we are His, if trials come upon us in His cause; (3.) because we are engaged in a good cause, and the privilege of maintaining such a cause is worth much of suffering; and (4.) because it will be connected with a brighter crown and more exalted honour in heaven. (Philippians 1 Commentary) Hendriksen adds that... There are adversaries who cause believers to suffer. Now suffering is not a privilege in itself. One should not court suffering. But suffering in behalf of Christ, in the interest of him and his gospel is different. Such suffering is indeed a blessing, a gracious privilege (Acts 5:41), because: a. It brings Christ nearer to the soul of the Christian. In his suffering for Christ’s sake the believer begins to understand the One who suffered redemptively for him and receives the sweetness of his enduring fellowship. It is “without the gate” that God’s child, reproached by the enemy, meets his Lord (Heb 13:13-note). See also such other wonderful passages as Job 42:5, 6; Ps 119:67-note; 2Cor. 4:10; Gal. 617; Heb. 12:6-note. b. Accordingly, it brings assurance of salvation, the conviction that the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests upon the sufferer (1Pe 4:14-note; cf. Jn 15:19, 20, 21). c. It will be rewarded in the hereafter (Ro 8:18-note; 2Cor 4:17, 18; 2Ti 2:12-note; 2Ti 4:7, 8-noter; 1Pe 4:13-note). d. It is often a means of winning unbelievers for Christ and of encouraging fellow-believers (that thought is stressed in the very context; Php 1:12, 13,1 4-note). e. By means of all these avenues it leads to the frustration of Satan (book of Job) and the glorification of God (Acts 9:16). (Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. NT Commentary Set. Baker Book or Logos) John Phillips encourages all suffering saints reminding us that... Christians should feel honored when they are chosen to suffer with Christ (cp Mt 5:10, 11, 12-note), for their reward in Heaven will be commensurate with their sacrifice. If believers share in Christ's cross, they will share in His crown. Someone...might justly ask, "Well, what about you? What have you suffered for Christ?" I would have to confess, "Very little." The reader might then ask me, "Would you be able to stand torture and a painful martyrdom?" I don't know. I trust I would be faithful unto death; I would certainly want to be. Doubtless God would give the necessary grace if the time of testing should ever come. Dying grace is for dying, not living. Grace to suffer persecution is for those who are suffering persecution, not for those who are at ease in Zion. (Phillips, John: Exploring Philippians: An Expository Commentary) Suffering on behalf of Christ is one of God's gifts to us So they (Peter, et al) went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. (Acts 5:41) The saints at Thessalonica understood what Paul was saying... For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews (1Th 2:14-note) You also became imitators of us and of the Lord (including His suffering!), having received the word in much tribulation (see thlipsis) with the joy of the Holy Spirit (explaining how a believer is empowered to suffer = the indwelling Spirit Who dispenses sufficient grace - cp 2Co 12:9-note, note especially Paul's heart in 2Co 12:10-note), so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything (Why? Or How? Surely one aspect is that the lost saw these transformed saints suffering victoriously thus giving irrefutable evidence of the life changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Are others seeing the Gospel lived out in and through you beloved? cp 2Co 4:11). (1Th 1:6, 7-note, 1Th 1:8-note) Mark it down as a certainty that... You are writing a Gospel, A chapter each day, By the deeds that you do And the words that you say. Men read what you write, Whether faithful or true: Just what is the Gospel According to you? (source unknown) Walvoord on suffering... The particular problem to which Paul addresses himself is not that of suffering in general, but suffering in the life of a child of God. It is not too difficult to understand why those who are ungodly, who have rejected Christ and Biblical standards, should suffer. The more pointed question is why a child of God who has received divine grace and forgiveness of sins should nevertheless suffer. Here again we are shut up to Scripture for a sure answer. In this portion of Paul’s letter to the Philippians he is dealing with this precise question. It should be clear to all that Paul is not suffering because he is a sinner. Nor has he transgressed the law of God in such a way as to have brought the suffering upon himself. It is rather that his suffering springs from his dedication to Christ and because he had been faithful in preaching the gospel. In the performance of the will of God he had run into conflict with the desires of evil men, and this explains his imprisonment. Because the principles of human suffering affect the lives of so many, Paul wants the Philippian church to understand that his suffering has a proper cause and is being used by God to His glory. The discussion of Paul should be seen in the light of the general answer that the Word of God gives to the reasons for suffering in the lives of His children. There are a number of differing causes for suffering in the life of a child of God. Paul himself bears witness to this fact, and some of the other reasons can be observed elsewhere in Scripture. In some instances God allows suffering in the lives of His children to encourage in them a life of close fellowship with Himself and as a means of reminding them of their place of dependence upon the power and grace of God. The practical effect of this type of suffering is that it keeps the Christian from sinning and prevents departure from God that otherwise might have eventuated. This is illustrated in Paul’s own experience of having a thorn in the flesh. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 the apostle reveals that he had a “thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me.” He also explains that though he had besought the Lord three times in a formal way that this thorn in the flesh might be removed, God had replied to him: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” The necessity of the thorn in the flesh was to keep him from being “exalted above measure” because of the great revelations given him when he was caught up into the third heaven. Paul’s experience, therefore, is an illustration of preventive sufferings. Another type of suffering is in the form of chastening or discipline of a child of God by his Heavenly Father. In this case the child of God has wandered from the will of God and the discipline in the form of suffering is designed to bring him back into a state of righteous living. This type of suffering illustrated in the life of David is corrective in principle and designed to restore a sinning saint to a life of fellowship. Still another kind of suffering revealed in Scripture is that which is permitted to instruct the saint. The Book of Job is an outstanding illustration of this. Though described as a perfect man and a righteous man by God, suffering is permitted in the life of Job, not only to demonstrate his faithfulness to God, but also to teach Job many lessons that otherwise he would not have learned. The fruits of such suffering are declared in Romans 5:3-4; “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” The lessons learned in suffering often can be achieved in no other way. Suffering is sometimes allowed in the life of a child of God as a means for increasing his testimony. The Apostle Paul himself, when he first trusted in the Lord, was informed that he was called to a life of suffering and that through this suffering he would be a testimony for Jesus Christ. Often the presence of suffering in the life of a believer is an occasion for demonstrating his own trust in the Lord and encouragement of others who are in need. The sustaining grace of God manifested in Paul is a testimony to the grace and faithfulness of God in upholding him in his hour of need. It is in the light of this Scriptural revelation concerning the reasons for permission of suffering in the life of a child of God that Paul presents his own testimony of God’s dealings with him. He writes the Philippian church beginning in verse twelve: “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” In other words, instead of hindering his preaching of the gospel God had used his imprisonment as a means of bringing the gospel where otherwise it would not have been heard. (Philippians 1 Christ Shall Be Magnified) John Wesley was riding on his horse when it dawned on him he had not been persecuted for three days. "Maybe I've sinned or been disobedient." He got off his horse, got on knees. A redneck on other side of road recognized the evangelist and heaved a rock at him. It bounced off the road, just missing Wesley. He leaped to his feet and shouted, "Thanks be to God! Everything's all right. I still have God's presence with me." May his tribe increase to the glory of God. Amen. Donald English rightly said that... There is no authentic Christian service that does not have suffering written into it. How did the Apostles respond to this illegal treatment from their nation’s religious leaders? They rejoiced! William Temple said that Christians are called to the hardest of all tasks: to fight without hatred, to resist without bitterness, and in the end, if God grant it so, to triumph without vindictiveness. When Jesus called Saul to be His apostle, He declared I will show him how much he must suffer for My Name’s sake (Acts 9:16) Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey returned back through the cities (where they had spoken the gospel and made disciples) strengthening (Literally, they were placing firmly upon) the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith (Continuance is a proof of true faith in Jesus Christ and was an exhortation especially important in light of the next statement), and saying, ”Through many tribulations (troubles, afflictions, situations that crush, press and squeeze us) we must enter the kingdom of God (its future aspect, when believers will share Christ’s glory) (Acts 14:22) Paul made it very clear that living the Christian life was not an easy thing and that they would all have to expect trials and sufferings before they would see the Lord in glory. Christians therefore need to be reminded to expect hardships and persecution and not be dismayed by them. Paul teaches that believers are God's children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him (Ro 8:17-note) Proof of the believer’s ultimate glory is that he suffers because of His Lord, whether this suffering comes as mockery, ridicule, or physical persecution. The sufferings in this life create reactions in us that reflect the genuine condition of our soul. God allows suffering to drive believers to dependence on Him-an evidence of their true salvation. Suffering because of our faith not only gives evidence that we belong to God and are destined for heaven but also is a type of preparation for heaven. That is why Paul was so eager to experience “the fellowship of [Christ’s] sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Php 3:10-note) As McGee asks My friend, what are you enduring for Him today? Whatever it is, Paul makes it clear that it is just a light thing we are going through now. But there is a weighty thing, an “eternal weight of glory” that is coming someday. In eternity we will wish that we had suffered a little more for Him, because that is the way He schools and trains us. (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos) SYNOPSIS ON SUFFERING FROM SIMON PETER Summary of Peter's perspective on suffering - Note first that Peter is describing the suffering believer's experience and emphasizes that we must suffer grief in all kinds of trials in this present life (1Pe 1:6-note) but that these trials demonstrate the genuineness of our faith and also result in praise and glory when Jesus comes (1Pe 1:7-note). As we live godly in this present evil age (1Pe 2:13-25-note), suffering may come and thus Peter exhorts us to bear up under unjust suffering because we are conscious of God (1Pe 2:19-note) remembering that Jesus suffered and left us His example to follow in His steps (1Pe 2:21-note). And so our attitude is to be one of trust in these truths and in the ultimate justice of God (1Pe 2:22, 23-note). When the believer does good and yet still suffers for it, he or she is not to fear (1Pe 3:14-note), but must remember it is God's will to do right regardless of the consequences (1Pe 3:17-note), and that Jesus is Lord and is in charge of all events, and despite the suffering, must display so much hope that others will ask about it (1Pe 3:15-note), all the while keeping a good conscience in the suffering (1Pe 3:16-note). To encourage his readers, Peter points to the fact that although Jesus did only good, he, not the unrighteous men who were his opponents, suffered (1Pe 3:18-note) and that God used Jesus' suffering to bring us to himself (1Pe 3:18-note). Peter's point is that when we suffer despite doing good, we too can be sure that God has some good purpose in view. Peter goes on to remind us of Christ's suffering and triumph so that we might have the same attitude He had to suffering and that such an attitude would not only make us ready to suffer but influence us to stop sinning (1Pe 4:1-note) We are not to be surprised when we begin to experience suffering (1Pe 4:12-note) and that when we suffer it is not the consequences of evil behavior (1Pe 4:15-note). When we live by the will of God, we "suffer as a Christian" (1Pe 4:16-note), and this is a cause for praise rather than shame. And so when we suffer in God's will, we are to keep on trusting in the sovereign God, the Creator (for if He can create everything, surely I can trust Him with my momentary suffering). (1Pe 4:19-note). Finally, we need to keep firmly fixed in our mind the truth that suffering is only for "a little while" and after the "cross" comes the "crown" and the entering into our eternal destiny of share "his eternal glory" (1Pe 5:10-note). In Col 1:23 (note) Paul says that he fills up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" in his flesh "for His body's sake. Our Lord's sufferings for righteousness' sake which He endured as a result of human antagonism against Himself, ended with His death on the Cross. He has left with the Church the message of God's righteousness demand and gracious provision of salvation, the preaching and teaching of which draws the antagonism of the world. Thus, as the saints suffer for righteousness'' sake, they substitute for their absent Lord not only in the task of preaching the message He has given them but also in suffering for His sake and in His stead. Don't misunderstand...our suffering for Christ's sake has no atoning value for the full price for complete atonement of sins and redemption of men from bondage thereof has been paid at Calvary by our Lord (Jn 19:30) In sum, the presence of suffering in the believer's life is a divine gift! (And recall the truth of Jas 1:17-note) If we were suffering for ourselves, it would be no privilege, but because we are suffering for and with Christ, it is a high and holy honor. After all, He suffered for us, and a willingness to suffer for Him is the very least we can do to show our love and gratitude. An anonymous poet once penned the following words which speak to the issue of suffering in a Christian's life... Not till each loom is silent, And the shuttles cease to fly, Shall God reveal the pattern And explain the reason why The dark threads were as needful In the weaver's skillful hand As the threads of gold and silver For the pattern which He planned A Few Blessed "Dividends" of the Gift of Suffering "We do not by nature consider suffering a privilege. Yet when we suffer for Christ’s sake, if we faithfully represent Christ, our message and example will affect us and others for good. Suffering has these additional benefits (1) it takes our eyes off of earthly comforts; (2) it weeds out superficial believers; (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure; and (4) it serves as an example to others who may follow us. When we suffer for our faith, it doesn’t mean that we have done something wrong. In fact, it may achieve the opposite effect by verifying that we have been faithful. Use suffering to build your character. Don’t resent it or let it tear you down." (from Life Application Commentary) ILLUSTRATIONS F B Meyer (Our Daily Homily) wrote that... The child of God is often called to suffer, because nothing will convince onlookers of the reality and power of true religion as suffering will do, when it is borne with Christian resignation and fortitude. And how great the compensations are! He can keep in such perfect peace. He can make lonely times, when no one is near the couch, to be so full of sweet fellowship and communion. He can put such strong, soft hands under the tired limbs, resting them. He can give refreshment to the spirit when the body is deprived of sleep. Every one cannot be trusted with suffering. All could not stand the fiery ordeal. They would speak rashly and complainingly, So the Master has to select with careful scrutiny the branches which can stand the knife; the jewels which can bear the wheel. It is given to some to preach, to others to work, but to others to suffer. Accept it as a gift from his hand. Look up and take each throb of pain, each hour of agony, as his gift. Dare to thank Him for it. Look inside the envelope of pain for the message it enfolds. It is a rough packing-case, but there is treasure in it. And can you not minister to other sufferers? Can you not dictate letters of comfort, or pray for them, or devise little alleviations and surprises for those who have not what you have? Suffering is on Christ’s behalf; it must, then, be intended as part of that great ministry for the world in which He, with his saints, is engaged. There is a sense in which all suffering, borne in the spirit of Calvary, helps men, not in the way of atonement or propitiation, of course, but by the exhibition of the power of God’s grace in the sufferer. ><> ><> ><> G Campbell Morgan writes that... This is Paul's great singing letter. It was at Philippi that he had sung in prison at midnight, in the company of Silas. Now he was again in prison, this time in Rome, and writing to "the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi." This letter thrills to the tireless music of a psalm. It is a glorious revelation of how life in fellowship with Christ triumphs over all adverse circumstances. The triumph, moreover, is not that of stoical indifference. It is rather that of a recognition of the fact that all apparently adverse conditions are made allies of the soul and ministers of victory, under the dominion of the Lord. "The things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the Gospel" exclaimed the Apostle. His very bonds opened the door of opportunity throughout the Praetorian guard. It was this sense of the power of life in Christ which inspired the particular words which arrest us. In them, suffering on the behalf of Christ is referred to as an honour conferred, rather than a burden to be endured. It is something granted to the saint, as a privilege, the very granting of which is a favour, a gift of grace. To this conception all will agree who have ever really known what it is actually to suffer on behalf of Christ. They are not callous; the suffering is very real, very acute; but it brings a sense of joy and gladness which finds no equal in human experience. (Morgan, G. C. Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible). "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_129-30.htm#s