For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; — Philippians 1:29
This verse teaches something many believers would rather avoid: suffering for Christ is not merely an accident of the Christian life, but a gift granted in the behalf of Christ.
Paul says it is given to believers not only to believe on Christ, but also to suffer for His sake. Faith itself is a gift of God’s grace, and so is the privilege of suffering for the One who saved us. That does not mean suffering is pleasant, but it does mean it is purposeful and honorable when endured for Christ.
We often rejoice in the gift of salvation, and rightly so. But here Paul says there is another grace given to the believer: the privilege of bearing reproach for Jesus’ name. Compare Acts 5:41, where the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
This verse also reminds us that you generally will not suffer for Christ if you are never living openly for Christ. If our lives are hidden, our witness muted, and our convictions silent, we may avoid certain conflicts. But those who stand for the Gospel should not be surprised when suffering follows.
This verse teaches something many believers would rather avoid: suffering for Christ is not merely an accident of the Christian life, but a gift granted in the behalf of Christ.
Paul says it is given to believers not only to believe on Christ, but also to suffer for His sake. Faith itself is a gift of God’s grace, and so is the privilege of suffering for the One who saved us. That does not mean suffering is pleasant, but it does mean it is purposeful and honorable when endured for Christ.
We often rejoice in the gift of salvation, and rightly so. But here Paul says there is another grace given to the believer: the privilege of bearing reproach for Jesus’ name. Compare Acts 5:41, where the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
This verse also reminds us that you generally will not suffer for Christ if you are never living openly for Christ. If our lives are hidden, our witness muted, and our convictions silent, we may avoid certain conflicts. But those who stand for the Gospel should not be surprised when suffering follows.