Yes, Paul refers to the real hardships and persecutions believers face in this life, but he considers them insignificant compared to the future glory that will be revealed.
In Romans 8:18, Paul acknowledges genuine suffering—he himself endured imprisonment, beatings, and constant pressure. Yet he 'reckons' these are 'not worthy to be compared' with the glory that will be revealed in believers (future). Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul's own experience proves suffering was real, but the coming glory so vastly outweighs it that present trials fade in comparison.
Romans 8:18 — This verse directly contains the phrase 'the sufferings of this present time' and is the focus of the question.
Romans 8:18 states, "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." This verse is part of Paul's teaching on the hope of creation and the believer's future glorification. The verse clearly indicates that present sufferings are real but are not comparable to the future glory that God will reveal. The following verses (Romans 8:19-23) describe creation's eager expectation and its groaning, linking the present suffering to the future restoration.
Les Feldick explains that Paul spoke from personal experience—he knew suffering from beatings, imprisonment, and constant pressure from Judaizers and Roman authorities (Clip 2). Les emphasizes that these early believers faced persecution just for professing faith in Christ (Clip 5). Les also notes that the same Lord who permits affliction also provides the strength to endure it (Clip 4, Clip 5). Paul's statement in Romans 8:18 shows that he regarded even such severe suffering as not worthy to be compared with the future glory that will be revealed in believers (Clip 1, Clip 6).
Paul experienced severe physical suffering including beatings, scourgings, and sickness, as well as constant pressure from Judaizers and Roman authorities (Clip 2, Clip 3). He also despaired of life itself due to overwhelming pressure in Asia (Clip 4). Les Feldick notes that Paul's suffering was so great that he was willing to be absent from the body and present with the Lord (Clip 2).
Les Feldick teaches that Paul uses the phrase 'not worthy to be compared' to show that no matter how severe present sufferings are, they are utterly insignificant when set beside the glory that will be revealed in believers (Clip 1, Clip 6). This glory is future and will be revealed 'in us' as born-again children of God (Clip 6).
The glory that shall be revealed is the future glorification of believers at the rapture, when they receive their glorified bodies (Clip 1). Les Feldick connects this to the believer's identity as joint heirs with Christ, and the expectation of creation (Clip 1).
Why All Creation Groans — Romans 8:18-23 Explained
Hello, and welcome to Through the Bible with Les Feldick. An Oklahoma rancher and farmer, Les Feldick has been teaching homestyle Bible classes for 20 years in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. Les Feldick's unique style of Bible teaching has made the books of the Bible come to life. When Les is teaching, it's so interesting that people say time just seems to fly by. And now, here is Les Feldick.
Paul's Personal Suffering and Future Glory
Les explains that Paul knew suffering firsthand and that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed in us.
Paul's Suffering and Desire for Heaven
Les details Paul's long-term suffering from Judaizers and Romans, and notes Paul's willingness to be with the Lord.
Physical Pain and Persecution
Les adds that Paul suffered sickness, beatings, and scourgings, and notes current persecution of Christians worldwide.
Despair Under Pressure
Les highlights Paul's overwhelming trouble in Asia where he despaired of life, showing the severity of suffering.
Persecution for Believers
Les points out that early believers faced constant persecution, making faith an invitation to suffering.
Review of Romans 8:18
Les reviews Romans 8:18 and connects it to the creation awaiting the manifestation of the children of God.
Why Paul Said "I Die Daily" — 1 Corinthians 15:31 Explained
But, see, the flip side is, "...yield yourselves unto God," in other words, be what God wants us to be, "...as those who are alive from the dead, "...and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." Alright, now this is exactly what Paul is talking about here in this verse in I Corinthians. Now come back to I Corinthians 15 again. So he says, I die daily.
Romans 8:18: 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.
This is the central verse answering the question.
They are the real hardships, persecutions, and trials that believers face in this life. Paul himself experienced beatings, imprisonment, and constant pressure.
Because the future glory that will be revealed to believers is so much greater that present suffering pales in comparison. Les Feldick emphasizes that this is not to diminish suffering but to show the surpassing value of glory.
No. Paul's own life shows it was very real. But the glory to come is so far beyond it that present trials cannot be measured against it.
Watch the Teaching: Why All Creation Groans — Romans 8:18-23 Explained