Why did Paul say, "I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake"? Colossians 1:24
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. The context is Colossians 1:24-2:5 ESV
Anonymous
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Paul suffered because he was a Christian now (2 Timothy 3:12) which suffering is to be expected. He was glad to be recognized as to be "gung-ho" for Christ just like the apostles rejoiced because they had been counted worthy to suffer for Christ in Acts 5:41. If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Paul also was glad to suffer for the sake of the church because he most assuredly felt bad about the hard time he had given the church previously. And Christ told him that he would suffer. Sin leads to suffering. There's no avoiding it. But "the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). That definitely can help us through it. Jesus was "glad" to suffer for us though it was extremely painful for him. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." See Hebrews 12:2. He's our example--follow Him!
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