Participating in Christ's Sufferings: What It Means to Be a Christian

In our previous podcast, we centred our discussion on verse 23. From it, we gained insight into Paul's message about the Colossians' standing before God. Paul declared that their blameless status and lack of reproach were due to Christ's actions and their unwavering faith in Him. Moreover, Paul emphasized that as long as they remained steadfast in their faith, they would maintain this status before God.

Verses 1 to 23 function as an introduction to the epistle. From this point forward, Paul will delve into the crux of his concerns and the reason for writing to the Colossian church.

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ,

The modern reader might find it peculiar that Paul rejoices in his sufferings. Many preachers in Canada and the United States teach that Christians should not experience suffering or lack. The gospel is often presented as a means of obtaining spiritual and material blessings. In contrast, Paul's statement, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you," seems counterintuitive. However, what did Paul mean by this?

This verse has been the subject of much debate and interpretation. Some scholars believe that Paul is saying that Christ's afflictions were insufficient to complete the work of salvation and that he is filling up what is lacking through his sufferings. However, this interpretation is not widely accepted.

A more likely interpretation is that Paul is rejoicing in his sufferings for the sake of the Colossians and that his suffering is a continuation of Christ's sufferings. Paul is not saying that Christ's sufferings were incomplete, but rather that he is participating in the sufferings of Christ as a member of his body, the church. In other words, Paul sees his sufferings as part of the ongoing work of Christ in the world.

In Philippians 3, Paul expresses a comparable sentiment where he expresses his desire to know Christ and share his sufferings in the fellowship. Essentially, Paul conveys that he considers it a privilege to be chosen as a minister of the most significant news within the most remarkable story ever told. However, this high calling and responsibility also come with consequences.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

The Apostles Suffered for the Gospel; they did not prosper from it.

In other passages, Paul acknowledges that he and the other apostles are regarded as the scum of the earth, often hungry and destitute, while the people they minister to enjoy positions of Spiritual power and authority, as evidenced by the grace gifts that were being demonstrated in that particular community.

During the early days of the church, it was widely recognized that being a believer and follower of Christ could result in hardship, poverty, and even death. The New Testament accounts for how the early apostles suffered for their faith. Beginning shortly after the death and resurrection of Christ, the apostles were pursued and persecuted, and Christians were also targets of persecution. In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul outlines the various hardships the apostles faced to spread the gospel.

From the moment Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus Road, Paul understood that his life was destined for suffering. He was informed that he would experience great hardships for the gospel’s sake, and he certainly did. In 1 Corinthians, Paul provides a comprehensive account of his and the other apostles’ sufferings.

The Apostle Paul's statement that he rejoices in his sufferings for the sake of the Colossians may seem counterintuitive to some modern readers. Still, it reflects his understanding of his role as a gospel minister. Like the early apostles, Paul endured great suffering and hardship to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. As modern Christians, we should reflect on what it means to follow in their footsteps and be willing to suffer for the gospel’s sake.

What is our perspective on suffering, and how does it affect our faith? Are we willing to endure hardship to share the gospel with others? Let us strive to follow Paul's example and labour to present every person as perfect in Christ Jesus.