THE MEANING - “Therefore, I take pleasure...”
“...in infirmities...”
“...in reproaches...”
“...in necessities...”
“...in persecutions...”
“...in distresses...”
“...for Christ’s sake...”
While he was on the earth, Jesus stated that those who keep His commandments are His friends, and that in doing so hatred from the world would be brought upon His disciples for His name’s sake (cf. John 15:14-21). Just as Christ promised and just as Paul was experiencing, living a life obedient to the will of Christ always results in one being persecuted in some way (cf. John 15:19; 2 Tim. 3:12). It is important to note that the sufferings that took place in these instances did occur “for Christ’s sake” or in His name. Self in4licted persecution or living a life of asceticism does not glorify God; rather, God is glori4ied in sufferings when such occurs because of one’s faithfulness to Christ (cf. 1 Pet. 4:16).