In what ways does Paul's experience connect with Jesus' teachings on suffering? Paul’s Call to Suffer — Acts 9:16 “ ‘I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.’ ” What Jesus Had Already Said About Suffering • Matthew 5:10-12 — “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…” • John 15:18-21 — “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” • Luke 9:23 — “If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” • Matthew 10:16-22 — “You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” How Paul’s Road Mirrors Jesus’ Words • Direct Commission: Jesus warns Ananias in Acts 9:16 exactly what He had warned His disciples years earlier—following Him involves suffering. • Name-Centered Opposition: – Jesus: “For My name’s sake” (John 15:21). – Paul: “for My name” (Acts 9:16). • Ongoing, Not One-Time: – Jesus spoke of daily cross-bearing (Luke 9:23). – Paul recounts “danger upon danger” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). • Shared Blessing: – Jesus: “Great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). – Paul: “I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). • Identification with Christ: – Jesus: “Why do you persecute Me?” (Acts 9:4). – Paul later: “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). Purpose Behind the Pain 1. Witness: Paul’s chains advance the gospel (Philippians 1:12-13). 2. Refinement: Suffering shapes Christlike character (Romans 5:3-4). 3. Fellowship: “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3). 4. Completion: “I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ” (Colossians 1:24). Living the Connection Today • Expect opposition when living openly for Christ. • View hardship as confirmation, not contradiction, of God’s call. • Rely on the same grace that carried Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Keep eternity in view; the crown outweighs the cross (2 Timothy 4:7-8). |
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