What sufferings did Paul endure for the sake of the Gospel?
Paul endured imprisonment often, shipwreck twice, thirty-nine lashes three times, hunger, nakedness, and beatings, all for the sake of the Gospel. He testified these present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed to believers.
Les teaches that when Paul speaks of the sufferings of this present time, he knew what it was to suffer. Paul had been in prison often, he had been shipwrecked, I think twice, he had received thirty-nine lashes three times, and he was hungry, naked, and beaten, all for the sake of the Gospel. Les emphasizes that even with all these hardships, Paul said it is nothing compared with what is waiting for believers, the glory that is going to be revealed. Les also notes that believers in America know very little of suffering, though that could change, and points to the rapture and the earnest expectation of creation waiting for the manifestation of the children of God.