What personal sufferings did Paul have before writing about present suffering?
Before writing on present suffering, Paul had been imprisoned often, shipwrecked twice, and received thirty-nine lashes three times. He also endured hunger, nakedness, and beatings for the Gospel's sake. He suffered greatly, yet counted it nothing compared to the coming glory.
Les explains that when Paul writes about the sufferings of this present time, Paul knew suffering personally. He had been in prison often, was shipwrecked twice, received thirty-nine lashes three times, and was hungry, naked, and beaten, all for the sake of the Gospel. He truly suffered. Les contrasts this with believers in America, who know very little of suffering, though that could change. Even with all Paul's hardships, he said it was nothing compared with the glory waiting to be revealed.
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 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.