Thank you for the question on Paul’s suffering, “Is it true that Paul looked at his sufferings as the true badge and reward of his life as a missionary and an apostle?”
As one reads the Book of Acts and II Corinthians, Jesus called Saul of Tarsus to be his witness and servant.
Acts 9:15–16 says this, “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages). Bible citations are in the New International Version. The Lord revealed to Ananias and to Saul of Tarsus that he would suffer for his name, being persecuted by his own people and the Gentiles. As one reads the Book of Acts, this is true for him.
The Apostle Paul lists in II Corinthians 11–12 the many trials and sufferings for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There were those Christians who categorized themselves as “super apostles” and looked upon Paul as inferior apostles since he didn’t receive compensations or commendations from churches. Paul didn’t intend to boast about his sufferings for Christ, but to silence his critics who thought they have done more or suffer more for Jesus Christ, Paul gives his lists that he truly suffered for Jesus Christ.
II Corinthians 11 says this, “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 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, 26 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. 27 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. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” (NIV). Paul accepted trials and suffering for the sake of the cross. He didn’t wear them as a badge of courage to compare himself with others. We would not have know the trials of Paul unless he state them to state that he fulfilled the calling of God in his life.
The reward of the Apostle Paul was to finish the race, to complete the task that the Lord had for him. II Tim. 4 says this, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (NIV).
The Apostle Paul’s reward was not his sufferings as an apostle. Jesus declared to his followers that in this world, there would be suffering and persecution for following him. Paul was looking forward to the commendation that Jesus would give to him and the rewards for his service to the Lord and to every believer as well (I Cor. 3:10–15).
SUMMARY: The sufferings of the Apostle Paul didn’t make him an apostle but his calling by Jesus Christ as his witness and servant. The faithfulness of the Apostle Paul will bring him future rewards in the presence of Jesus Christ.
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