Philippians 1:29-30

The Honor of Suffering

Paul counted it an honor to be able to believe on Christ and even to suffer for him. "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him" (2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Corinthians 11:23-33). Peter agreed with him when he wrote, "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled'" (1 Peter 3:14).

The Philippians had seen, and heard of, Paul going through times of conflict. Lipscomb believed Paul was referring to his beating and imprisonment while at Philippi (Acts 16:22-24). Certainly his reaction (Acts 16:35-40) and later reference to it. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) indicate it was a time of agony in his mind. The Philippians were not going through anything others had not gone through. In fact, they knew Paul was again suffering for the truth in Roman imprisonment (1 Peter 1:29-30).