What hardships did Paul personally endure for the gospel?
For the sake of the Gospel, Paul was imprisoned often, shipwrecked twice, received thirty-nine lashes three times, and experienced hunger, nakedness, and beatings. He endured these hardships for the Gospel, considering them nothing compared with the glory awaiting believers. He suffered greatly.
Les explains that when Paul wrote about the sufferings of this present time, Paul knew what it was to suffer. He had been in prison often, had been shipwrecked—Les says he thinks twice—had received thirty-nine lashes three times, and was hungry, naked, and beaten, all for the sake of the Gospel. Paul therefore suffered greatly. Les points out that believers in America know very little of suffering, though that could change someday, since nothing is impossible. Yet even with all the sufferings and hardships Paul went through, he said it was nothing compared with what is waiting for believers: the glory that shall be revealed, tied to the rapture of the church that believers are looking forward to and expecting any time.
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.