What specific hardships did Paul endure for the sake of the Gospel?
Paul endured prison often, shipwrecked twice, received thirty-nine lashes three times, and was hungry, naked, and beaten—all for the sake of the Gospel. Yet he counted these present sufferings as nothing compared to the glory that shall be revealed to believers.
Les explains that when Paul wrote of “the sufferings of this present time,” he knew what it was to suffer. Paul had been in prison often, had been shipwrecked, perhaps twice, had received thirty-nine lashes three times, and was hungry, naked, and beaten—all for the sake of the Gospel. Even so, Paul said these hardships were nothing compared with the glory awaiting believers, the rapture of the church and the glory that shall be revealed to us. Les notes that believers in America know very little of such suffering, though it could someday happen.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
More Questions
How can Christians be sustained if they have to suffer the way Paul did?
Like Paul, believers must be borne up in any suffering they may yet face by the assurance that, no matter how much they suffer, it will be worth it all because of the glory that is going to be revealed to them some day.
How did Paul view his sufferings in comparison to the coming glory?
Even with all his sufferings and hardships, Paul said they are nothing compared with the glory that will be revealed to us.