Apostle Paul offered himself to suffer hardships, giving up his social influence and honor. He could have been served and lived in financial comfort, but he refused all of those privileges because he was called to preach the gospel. Instead, he was imprisoned countless times, beaten, and narrowly escaped death repeatedly throughout his life as he preached about Jesus.
“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27)
Apostle Paul rejoiced in all these hardships. He deeply understood what it meant to rejoice in a godly way, seeing that even severe suffering was worthwhile and filled with glory. He knew that only God can provide true joy in heaven and in the time of soul. Since meeting Jesus personally, Paul dedicated his entire life to preaching the gospel, even in the face of imprisonment, beatings, and many other sufferings. He committed himself to winning souls, even to the point of death, for the sake of Jesus.
Who else can consider suffering worthwhile and find joy in persecution, false accusations, curses, and threats—simply because of their faith in Jesus? Some may even deny Jesus, saying, “If I hadn’t believed in Jesus, I wouldn’t be suffering like this. Why should I keep believing and go through all this pain?” But remember, your reward in heaven will be great because of the persecutions and hardships you endure for Jesus. Therefore, let us rejoice when we suffer for His name.
Pastor Seok-Jeon Yoon
Extracted from Yonsei Newspaper #883
