Paul rejoices in his sufferings. As we have read elsewhere, Paul is certainly no stranger to suffering. Yet there was something more important, more beautiful, more wonderful, and more powerful than his afflictions, something that overwhelmed his suffering with rejoicing. Through the suffering of his own body, the church, which is the body of Christ, was being ministered to.
Paul sees a magnificent connection between the suffering of his own flesh and the suffering of our Savior. As a member of Christ’s body, he serves the church through his afflictions, reflecting the suffering of the One to whom he belongs. Christ’s atoning work is complete, yet His church continues to suffer as His gospel advances. Sometimes the gospel is proclaimed through our words, and sometimes its truth is displayed through the suffering of the saints. As the gospel advances, we can rejoice even in the suffering God allows us to share with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
And what a wonderful gospel it is! Hidden from generations past was the fullness of this glorious mystery: that God would not only dwell among His people, but that Christ Himself would dwell within them. Christ in us, the hope of glory! This mystery is now revealed among the nations. Paul tells us elsewhere that through the church, God’s wisdom is being made known even to the heavenly powers (Ephesians 3:10). Peter tells us that the prophets searched diligently concerning this salvation, and that even angels long to look into these things (1 Peter 1:10–12).
And this is the Christ whom we proclaim! We proclaim the powerful truth of God’s salvation in Christ, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that everyone may be presented mature in Him.
Paul exerts himself in this work. As he tells us elsewhere, he labored more abundantly than the other apostles (1 Corinthians 15:10). Yet here he explains how: through the power of Christ Himself working mightily within him. His labor is real, but the strength by which he labors comes from the Lord.
May we also behold the beauty, power, and majesty of the gospel, and be willing not only to labor diligently in its proclamation, but also to rejoice in the suffering through which God brings it to the nations.
-steve