Joy in Suffering

In early October 1536, William Tyndale was put to death for translating the Bible into the English language. He had tried to procure permission to translate it legally, but was rejected. He knew the risks of continuing the project, but did it anyway because he understood the value of God’s Word. Tradition tells us his last words were, “Lord! Open the king of England’s eyes,” a final plea for the king to permit the translation of the Bible into a language the people could understand.

The apostle Paul also suffered for a cause he believed in. In our passage today, Paul declares that he is even able to “rejoice in what I am suffering for you” (v. 24). Paul understood his suffering was part of his larger mission to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations.

Commentators have puzzled over what Paul meant when he said that through his suffering, he filled up “what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions” (v. 24). Paul was not saying that somehow the redemption Jesus provided for us was incomplete. Rather, he was thinking about the church as the “body of Christ.” Therefore, when the church suffers, Christ also suffers. Paul understood his suffering as a part of the tribulations that must occur before the kingdom of God would come in its fullness.

Paul recognized that his suffering was connected to his mission. God had called him to proclaim the “mystery” that the Gentiles too could come to faith in the Jewish Messiah. In Christ, they could have the hope of the forgiveness of sins, Christ’s presence with them now, and an eternity with Him (v. 27).

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BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.